10 Meetups On Remote Key Repair You Should Attend
How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working
If your key fob isn't functioning, a few easy steps can be taken to fix it. First, ensure that it's not your backup remote.
If your backup remote is unable to lock and unlock the doors of your car, it is most likely that the primary remote is not working. The most frequent causes of car remote key failure are issues with the circuitry or battery.
Battery
The battery inside a key fob can be worn out over time. It is easy to replace a battery. However it is crucial to select the right type. You can refer to your owner's guide or contact the manufacturer to find out the right kind. It is also essential to inspect the battery compartment, since batteries that are not working properly can release caustic chemicals which can damage the remote. If changing the battery doesn't solve the issue there may be additional issues that require professional attention. For instance, if buttons appear stuck or broken It may be necessary to take the remote apart and rework its components. You can also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new key fob.
Buttons
Key fobs may become dirty and worn out from frequent use. This is not uncommon however, it can cause buttons to stop working or require a hard press for them to function. This can be frustrating especially when you're away from home and need to turn on your car. Even malfunctioning or worn-out buttons can be fixed with a little time and materials you already have at home.
First, make sure the batteries are properly charged and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Then, carefully open the remote and examine the circuit board. Look for signs of corrosion or other signs that the buttons are worn or damaged, like missing paint that is conductive. Use a Q-tip, dipped in alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that has become damaged or has 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.
Examine the battery connector's terminals carefully for any loose solder connections. Soldering them back to their original position can restore the button's functionality if this is the case. You can apply the same procedure to restore functionality to any other loose connection inside the fob.
If any of the rubber buttons on the front of the keyfob aren't working or require being pressed extremely hard the graphite disks on the back of the button may have worn out and need to replaced. You can usually do this by rubbing a pen over the disks. This will bring the button back to life.
If none of these solutions work, or if you still are unable to get the button to respond when pressed hard, it is possible that the circuitry is failing. This can be fixed by a quick clean, and refitting, but it's best to have an extra fob in case this method fails for you.
car keys repair of the remote control could be dirty, regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob function or not. This issue can be fixed through a thorough examination. Broken and damaged cases are the most common causes of dirty boards. A damaged case could let water and other debris into the circuit board, which can cause it to short out. Water can also damage pins and vias, which are small connectors that are found on the board.
If you're able to open up your key fob, and you're not afraid of some mess, we can remove the solder from the buttons and put new ones in their place. It's also worth looking at the battery terminal connections. They can become very filthy and if they're not tight enough, the buttons might not work or even stick in their down position. Soldering the terminals, and putting the button back in place is usually all that's needed to return a non-working key fob to working condition.
Non-Remote transponder chips
The sealed non-remote chips are more durable than remote fobs. However, they can be cracked in the event of a hole being drilled in them or if a car door handle or lawnmowers plows over them. Fuse failures are usually to blame for non-remote chips failures.
If you're able to open up a key fob that is sealed and are willing to put up with the mess, you can easily remove the circuit board and test the fuse using an instrument to verify diode function. If you're unsure about doing this, go to your local hardware store or Oreilly's and they'll usually have an RFID frequency tester that can determine if the key fob is sending signals.
Programming
Key fobs aren't indestructible and are susceptible to damage by a lot of things. They can lose their pairing with the receiver in your vehicle due to shocks or a low-battery, which requires reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or main dealer, can reprogram your keyfob and get it working again. If, in the unlikely event that resetting or repairing your key fob isn't working it may be time to replace it all over again.