The Most Sour Advice We've Ever Heard About Remote Key Repair
How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working
If your key fob won't work and you're not sure why, you can fix it by following a few simple steps. First, make sure that it's not your backup remote.
If the backup can lock and unlock your car doors, it is most likely an issue with the primary remote. Most problems with car remote keys result from battery or circuitry problems.
Battery
The battery in the key fob could get worn out over the course of time. It is easy to replace batteries. However it is essential that you choose the right type. You can refer to your owner's guide or contact the manufacturer to inquire about the correct type. It is also crucial to check the battery compartment, since batteries that are not working properly can release toxic chemicals that could damage the remote. If changing the battery doesn't fix the issue there may be additional issues requiring professional attention. For instance, if buttons appear stuck or damaged it could be necessary to take the remote apart and rebuild its components. It is also possible to reprogramme the vehicle to recognize the new device.
Buttons
Due to frequent use, key fobs could become worn and dirty. This is not atypical however, it can cause buttons to stop working or require a very difficult press to get them to function. This can be very frustrating especially if you're out of town and need to start your car. Fortunately, even worn-out or damaged buttons can be fixed with a bit of time and some of the materials you have in the home.
First, check that the batteries have been correctly placed and that the indentation on the back of the button has been filled. Open the remote carefully and examine the circuit board. Examine for indications of rust or other indications that the buttons have been worn or damaged. For key repair , conductive paint may be missing. Use a Q-tip that has been dipped in alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that has damaged or where conductive painting is missing. Be careful not to rub too hard, since this could cause damage to the conductive painting and prevent the button from firing when it is pressed.
Also, be sure to check the battery connector terminals for an unattached solder connection. If this is the case, soldering them back in place could restore functionality to the button. You can use the same procedure to restore functionality to any other loose connection within the fob.
Finally, if any of the rubber buttons on the front of the key fob aren't working or require a very long press to function, it is likely that the graphite disks on the back of the button are deteriorating and need to be replaced. You can usually do this by rubbing a pencil over the disks. This should bring the button back to life.
If none of this is helpful or if the button doesn't respond to a hard push, then it may be that the circuit board itself has gone bad. This can sometimes be repaired by a quick clean, and replacing the solder, but it is best to have an extra fob in case this method does not work for you.
Circuitry
The circuit board inside your remote control may be dirty, regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob function or not. This problem can be resolved by a thorough inspection. Broken cases and water are the most frequent causes of boards that are dirty. A broken case allows water and other debris to pass through and short out the electronic components. Water can also destroy pins and connectors on the board, which are known as via's.
If you are handy enough to open your key fob and don't mind making a mess, we can take the buttons out of their sockets and then solder new ones. Also, you should check the connections between the battery terminals. If they're loose, the buttons could not work or even become stuck in their down position. Soldering the terminals back to their original positions is often enough to return a malfunctioning fob to a working condition.
Non-Remote Transponder Chips
Sealed non-remote transponder chip are more durable than the remote fobs that have them but they can be cracked by a hole that is drilled into them or over by a lawnmowers or door handle for a car. The majority of non-remote transponder chips fail, and this can be blamed on an exploded fuse.
If you're not comfortable opening the key fob, remove the circuitboard and use a multimeter to determine if the diode is working properly. If you're not comfortable with this, go to your local Oreilly or hardware store and utilize their RF frequency tester. This will let you know whether the key fob is sending a signal.
Programming
Key fobs endure many abuses and aren't impervious to damage. They may lose their connection with the receiver inside your vehicle due to shocks or a low-battery, which requires the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or the main dealer, can reprogram your keyfob and get it functioning again. If resetting or repairing your key fob fails it may be necessary to replace it.