10 Meetups About Remote Key Repair You Should Attend

How to Fix a Key Fob That isn’t Working

If your key fob won’t work, you can fix it with a few simple steps. The first step is to be sure that it’s not the backup remote.

If your backup remote is unable to lock and unlock the doors of your vehicle, it is most likely that the primary remote isn’t functioning. The most common causes of key malfunctions for car key fob repairs near me remotes are issues with the circuitry or battery.

Battery

It is not uncommon for the battery inside a car key fob to degrade. It is relatively easy to replace a battery, although it is important to make sure that you use the right type that you can refer to the owner’s manual or talk to the manufacturer’s dealer to determine the type of battery you require. It is recommended to inspect the battery compartment thoroughly because dead batteries can release caustic chemicals that could cause damage to the remote. If replacing the battery does not solve the issue, there may be other issues requiring professional attention. If buttons are damaged or stuck, for example it could be necessary to disassemble the remote 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. This is not uncommon however, it can cause buttons to cease functioning or require a long press to function. This can be a hassle particularly when you’re away from home and you need to start your car. Even broken or damaged buttons can be fixed with a little time and materials you already have at home.

First, check that the batteries have been correctly inserted and that the indentation at the back of the button has been filled. Then, carefully remove the remote and inspect the circuit board. Look for Remote Key Repair indications of rust or other indications that the buttons have been damaged or worn out. For example the paint that conducts electricity could be missing. Use a Q-tip that has been dipped in alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that has worn out or where conductive painting is 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.

Check the battery connector’s terminals carefully for any loose solder connections. Soldering them back in place can restore the button’s functionality if this is the case. The same procedure can be used to restore function to any other loose connections inside the fob.

If, for instance, any of the rubber buttons on the front of the key fob aren’t working or require a hard press to work it is likely the graphite disks that are on the back of the button are wearing down and need to be replaced. This can be done by rubbing a pencil across the disks. This should 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 could be that the circuitry has failed. It is possible to fix this issue by cleaning and re-soldering the fob but you should also have a spare in case it does not work.

Circuitry

The circuit board of your remote control may be dirty regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob function or not. This problem can be resolved through a thorough examination. Broken cases and water are the most common causes of dirty boards. A damaged case can allow water and other debris to pass through and short circuit the electronics. 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 don’t mind some mess, we can take off 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 may not work or may even remain in their down position. Soldering the terminals and buttons to their proper positions is usually enough to bring a non-working fob to a working condition.

Non-remote key repair Transponder Chips

The non-remote chips sealed in a sealed case are more durable than remote fobs. However, they are susceptible to breaking when a hole is made in them or in the event that a door handle of a car or lawnmower runs over them. The majority of non-remote transponder chip malfunctions could be attributed to an exploded fuse.

If you’re handy enough to remove a key fob that is sealed and are able to bear the mess, you can remove the circuit board and check the fuse using a multimeter for proper diode function. If you’re not comfortable doing this, visit your local hardware store or the Oreilly’s and they will usually have an RF frequency tester that will let you know whether the key fob is sending a signal.

Programming

Key fobs aren’t impervious to destruction and can be damaged by a variety of factors. They can lose their pairing to the car’s receiver due to shock or a low battery, requiring them to be reprogrammed. A professional auto locksmith or dealer can reprogram your key fob and get it functioning again. If resetting or fixing the keyfob is not working, you may need to replace it.