9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Remote Key Repair
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How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working
If your key fob won't work then you can fix it by following just a few steps. First, make sure that it's not your backup remote.
If the backup remote is able to lock and unlock your car doors it is most likely an issue with the main remote. Most problems with car remote keys result from battery or circuitry problems.
Battery
The battery inside the key fob could be worn out over time. It is fairly easy to change out batteries, but it is crucial to ensure 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 need. It's recommended to inspect the battery compartment thoroughly because dead batteries can leak caustic chemicals that can damage the remote. If changing the batteries doesn't solve the problem it could be that there are other issues that require attention by a professional. For example, if buttons seem stuck or broken it could be necessary to disassemble the remote and rework its parts. You can also try reprogramming your vehicle to recognize the new key fob.
Buttons
Through repeated use, key fobs may become worn and dirty. It is not common for buttons to cease functioning, or require a hard press to get them working. This can be very frustrating, especially if you are away from home and need to start your car. Fortunately, even worn out or broken buttons can usually be fixed with a little time and a few materials you have in the house.
First, check that the batteries are properly installed and that the indentation at the back of the button has been filled. Take the remote apart and examine the circuit board. Examine for evidence of rust, or other signs the buttons have been damaged or worn. For example there could be conductive paint missing. Use a Q-tip that has been dipped in alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that has become worn out or has conductive paint missing. Don't rub too hard as this can damage the conductive paint, and block the button from firing when pressed.
Check the battery connector terminals for loose solder connections. Soldering them back into place will allow the button to function again in the event that this is the case. You can follow the same process to restore functionality to any other loose connection within website the fob.
If any of the rubber buttons at the front of the keyfob are not functioning or require to be pressing extremely hard the graphite disks on the back of the button could have worn out and require replacement. This is usually done by rubbing a pencil across the disks. This should bring the button back to life.
If none of this is useful, or if the button still does not respond to a hard press, then it may be that the circuit board itself has gone bad. It is possible to fix the issue by cleaning and re-soldering your fob however, you should have a spare in case it does not work.
Circuitry
If the key fob buttons are working the circuit board in the remote could be dirty. This issue can be fixed by a thorough inspection. The most frequent causes of dirty circuit boards are water and broken cases. A damaged case allows water and other debris to enter and short circuit the electronic components. Water can also eat here away at pins and connectors on the board called via's.
If you are handy enough to open your key fob and aren't afraid of making some mess, we can remove the buttons from their sockets and put in new ones. Also, it's worth checking the connections between the battery terminals. 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 into place is typically all that's required to return keys that are not in working condition.
Non-Remote Transponder Chips
Sealed non-remote transponder chip are more durable than the remote fobs they are contained in, but they can still be cracked by a hole that is drilled into them or over by a lawnmower or car door handle. Most of the time non-remote transponder chips fail, and this can be attributed to a website blown fuse.
If you're not confident opening the key fob, you can remove the circuitboard and use a multimeter to verify that the diode is working correctly. If you're not confident doing this, go to your local hardware store or Oreilly's, and they usually more info have a radio frequency tester car fob repairs near me that can let you know if the key fob is transmitting a signal.
Programming
Key fobs aren't indestructible and can be damaged by a variety of factors. They may lose their connection with the receiver inside your vehicle because of shocks or a low battery, requiring the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or a main dealer will be able to reprogram your key fob and get it working again. In the rarer case that resetting or repairing your key fob isn't working, it could be time to replace it entirely.