The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Remote Key Repair
How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working If your key fob doesn't work, a few easy steps can fix it. 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 then there's a likely issue with the primary remote. The most common causes of key malfunctions for car remotes are issues with the circuitry or battery. Battery It is not uncommon to find a battery on a key fob for cars to degrade. It is quite simple to change out the battery, however it is crucial to make sure that you choose the correct type and you can consult your owner's manual, or contact the dealer for the manufacturer to determine the type of battery you need. It's also a good idea to inspect the battery compartment with care because dead batteries can leak caustic chemicals that can harm 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 the buttons are damaged or stuck for instance, it may be necessary take the remote apart and rework each component. It is also possible to reprogramme the vehicle to recognize the new remote. Buttons Key fobs can get dirty and worn out from repeated use. It is not common for buttons to stop functioning, or require a long press to make them work. This can be a hassle particularly when you're away from home and you need to start your car. Even malfunctioning or worn-out buttons can be fixed with a bit of time and the tools you already have at home. First, check that the batteries have been correctly placed and that the indentation at the back of the button has been filled. Then, carefully remove the remote and inspect the circuit board. Examine for signs of rust or other signs the buttons have been worn or damaged. For example there could be conductive paint missing. Use a Q-tip dipped into alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that has become worn out or has conductive paint missing. Avoid rubbing too hard, because this could damage the conductive paint and stop the button from firing when it is pressed. Also, make sure to inspect the battery connector terminals for an unattached solder connection. Soldering them back into place can restore the button's functionality if this is the situation. You can apply the same process to restore functionality to any other loose connection in the fob. If any of the rubber buttons at the front of the keyfob are not working or need to be pressed extremely hard, the graphite disks at the back of the button might have worn out and will require replacement. This can be done by rubbing a pencil over the disks, which will bring the button back to life. If none of this is helpful, or if the button still doesn't respond to a hard push, then it may be the case that the circuit board is damaged. It is possible to fix this by cleaning and re-soldering the fob but you should also have an extra in case it doesn't work. Circuitry If the keys fob buttons are functioning the circuit board in the remote could be dirty. A thorough inspection is often enough to resolve this problem. Water and broken cases are the most frequent causes of boards that are dirty. A damaged case can allow water and other debris into the circuit board, causing it to short. remote key fob repair can also eat through pins and vias, which are the tiny connectors that are found on the board. If you're able 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, you should check the connections between battery terminals. If they are loose, the buttons may not function properly or become stuck in their down position. Soldering the terminals and button's back in place is usually all that's needed to return keys that are not in working condition. Non-Remote transponder chips Sealed non-remote transponder chips are much more durable than the remote fobs that contain them however they are still susceptible to being cracked by a hole that is drilled into them or over by a lawnmowers blade or car door handle. Most of the time non-remote transponder chip malfunctions can be blamed on a blown fuse. If you are not comfortable opening the key fob, you may remove the circuitboard and utilize a multimeter to verify that the diode is functioning correctly. If you're not sure with this, you can go to your local Oreilly or hardware store and use their RF frequency tester. This will let you know whether the key fob transmits signals. Programming Key fobs aren't indestructible and can be damaged through a variety of causes. They can lose their pairing to the receiver in your car because of shock or a low battery, requiring the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or main dealer will be able to reprogram your key fob to get it working again. If, in the unlikely event that resetting and fixing your key fob isn't working it may be time to replace it completely.