A Provocative Rant About Remote Key Repair

How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob doesn't work and you're not sure why, you can fix it by following some simple steps. The first step is to be sure it's not the backup remote.

If the backup is able to lock and unlock your emergency car key repair doors then there is likely an issue with the primary remote. The majority of car remote key fob repair remote key malfunctions are caused by circuitry or battery problems.

Battery

The battery inside the key fob may wear out over time. It is fairly easy to replace the battery, however it is essential to ensure that you use the right type; you can look in the owner's manual or talk to the dealer of the manufacturer to find out what kind of battery you need. It is also a good idea to examine the battery compartment carefully, as dead batteries sometimes release caustic chemicals that could harm the remote. If replacing the battery does not solve the issue there could be other issues requiring professional attention. If buttons are stuck or broken for instance it might be necessary to take the remote apart and rework each component. You could also try reprogramming your vehicle to recognize the new key fob.

Buttons

Key fobs can become dirty and worn-out from repeated use. It is not uncommon for buttons to cease working, or to require a hefty press to get them working. This can be a huge hassle particularly if you're away from home and you need to start your car. Fortunately, even worn out or damaged buttons can be fixed with a little time and a few items you may already have around the home.

First, ensure that the batteries are properly charged and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Take the remote apart and look over the circuit board. Examine for indications of rust or other signs the buttons are worn or damaged. For example, conductive paint may be missing. Use a Q-tip dipped in alcohol, gently clean any membrane contacts that have become worn or have conductive paint missing. Be careful not to rub too hard, because this could damage the conductive painting and prevent the button from firing when it is pressed.

Also, make sure to inspect the battery connector's terminals to ensure any loose solder connections. If this is the case, simply reconnecting them can bring back function to the button. The same method can be used to restore function to any other loose connections within the fob.

If, for instance, any of the buttons made of rubber that are on the front of the key fob aren't working or require a hard press to work it is likely that the graphite disks at the back of the button are deteriorating and require replacement. This is usually done by rubbing a pencil over the disks. This should bring the button back to working.

If none of this is helpful or if the button still does not respond to a hard press It could be because the circuit board has gone bad. It is possible to fix this by cleaning and re-soldering the fob, but you should have an extra in case it doesn't work.

Circuitry

The circuit board of your remote control could be dirty regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob work or not. A very thorough inspection is often enough to resolve this issue. The most common causes of dirty circuit boards are water and broken cases. A damaged case can allow water and other debris to get into the circuit board, causing it to short out. Water can also damage pins and connectors that are small on the board, which are known as via's.

If you are handy enough to open your key fob and you don't mind making a mess, we can remove the buttons from their sockets and then solder new ones. It's also worth checking the battery terminal connections. They can get very dirty and if they're loose the buttons might not function or even stick in their down position. Soldering terminals and buttons back into place is usually enough to bring a non-working fob to a working condition.

Non-Remote transponder chips

The non-remote chips sealed in a sealed case are more durable than remote fobs, but they are susceptible to breaking if a hole is drilled in them, or in the event that a door handle of a car or lawnmowers plows over them. Most of the time non-remote car key repairs transponder chip failures could be attributed to an exploded fuse.

If you're able to open the sealed key repair fob and are able to bear the mess, you can remove the circuit board and test the fuse with a multimeter for proper diode function. If you're not confident doing this, visit your local hardware store or Oreilly's and they will usually have a radio frequency tester that can tell you whether the key fob sending a signal.

Programming

mobile key repair fobs take a lot of abuse and aren't completely indestructible. They may lose their connection with the receiver inside your vehicle because of shocks or a low battery, requiring reprogramming. A professional auto key repair near me locksmith, or the main dealer can reprogram your key fob and get it back functioning again. If resetting or repairing your key fob fails it may be necessary to replace it.