10 Meetups About Remote Key Repair You Should Attend
How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working If your key fob doesn't work, you can fix it with a few simple steps. The first step is to make sure it's not the 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. The most common causes for key problems with your car remote are circuitry or battery issues. Battery It is not unusual to find a battery on the key fob for cars to degrade. It is relatively easy to replace the battery, however it is crucial to ensure you select the correct one; you can look in the owner's manual or talk to the manufacturer's dealer to find out the kind of battery you need. It is also a good idea to inspect the battery compartment carefully since dead batteries may release caustic chemicals that could damage the remote. If changing the batteries does not solve the problem it could be that there are other issues that require attention from a professional. If buttons are damaged or stuck 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 may become filthy and worn out due to frequent use. This is not atypical, but it can cause buttons to cease working or require a very long press to function. This can be very frustrating especially when you're away from your home and have to start your car. Fortunately, even worn-out or malfunctioning buttons can often be fixed with a bit of time and a few items you have in the house. First, make sure the batteries are properly charged and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Take the remote apart and inspect the circuit board. Examine for evidence of rust, or other signs the buttons are worn or damaged. For example, conductive paint may be missing. Then, using a Q-tip that has been dipped in rubbing alcohol, gently clean any membrane contacts that are worn or where conductive paint is missing. Avoid rubbing too hard, since this could cause damage to the conductive paint and stop the button from firing when the button is pressed. Check the battery connector terminals carefully for any loose solder connections. If this is the case, simply reconnecting them may restore functionality to the button. The same process can be used to restore function to any loose connections within the fob. If any of the rubber buttons at the front of the keyfob are not working or need to be pressing very hard the graphite disks on the back of the button might have worn out and require replacement. This can usually be done by rubbing a pencil on the disks, which will bring the button back to its original state. If none of these solutions work, or if you still cannot get the button to respond when you press it hard, it is possible that the circuitry is failing. It is possible to fix the issue by cleaning and re-soldering your fob, but you should have another 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 work or not. A thorough inspection is usually enough to fix this problem. The most common causes of dirty circuit boards are water and broken cases. A broken case allows water and other debris to get in and short circuit the electronics. Water can also damage pins and vias, which are tiny connectors on the board. If you're able to remove your key fob, and you're not afraid of a little mess, we can remove the solder from the buttons and solder new ones in their place. It's also worth examining the battery terminal connections. If they are loose, the buttons could not function or get stuck in their down position. Soldering the terminals back to their proper positions is usually enough to return a malfunctioning fob to a working condition. Non-Remote transponder chips Sealed non-remote transponder chips are more durable than remote fobs they are contained in, but they can be cracked by a hole made in them or pushed over by a lawnmowers blade or car door handle. electronic car key repair of non-remote transponder chips fail, and this could be attributed to blowing fuses. If you're not comfortable opening the key fob, take the circuit board off and use a multimeter to determine if the diode is functioning correctly. If you don't feel comfortable with this, visit your local Oreilly or hardware store and test their RF frequency tester. This will inform you whether the key fob sends signals. Programming Key fobs aren't indestructible and are susceptible to damage through a variety of causes. They may lose their connection with the receiver inside your vehicle because of shocks or a low battery, requiring changing the program. A professional auto locksmith, or a dealer in the main can reprogram your keyfob and get it up and running again. If resetting or replacing your keyfob does not work it may be necessary to replace it.