5 Laws That Can Help The Remote Key Repair Industry

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 with a few simple steps. The first step is to be sure it's not the backup remote.

If your backup remote cannot lock and unlock the doors of your car key remote repair, then it is most likely that the primary remote is not working. The most common causes for key problems with your car remote are issues with the circuitry or battery.

Battery

The battery inside a key fob can wear out over time. It is fairly easy to replace the battery, however it is important to ensure you use the right type that you can refer to your owner's manual or Car Keys Repairs Near Me contact the manufacturer's dealer to find out what kind of battery you need. It is also crucial to inspect the battery compartment, as batteries that are not working properly can release caustic chemicals which can damage the remote. If changing the batteries does not solve the issue it could be because there are other issues that require attention by a professional. For instance, if buttons seem to be stuck or damaged, it may be necessary to take the remote apart and rework its parts. You can also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new remote.

Buttons

Key fobs can become filthy and worn out due to frequent use. It is not uncommon to have buttons stop functioning, or require a hard press to get them working. This can be a huge hassle especially if you're away from home and need to start your vehicle. Even malfunctioning or worn-out buttons are often fixable with a bit of time and tools you already have at home.

First, make sure that the batteries are properly inserted and that the indentation at the back of the button has been filled. Then, carefully open the remote and examine the circuit board. Examine for signs of rust or other indications that buttons are worn out or Car Keys Repairs Near Me damaged, such as missing paint that is conductive. Use a Q-tip dipped into rubbing alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that has worn out or has conductive paint missing. Avoid rubbing too hard since this could cause damage to the conductive paint and stop the button from firing when it is the button is pressed.

Also, make sure to inspect the battery connector terminals for a loose solder connection. Soldering them back into place can restore the button's functionality If this is the situation. You can follow the same procedure to restore functionality to any other loose connection in the fob.

If any of the rubber buttons at the front of the keyfob isn't working or require being pressed extremely hard the graphite disks on the back of the button could have worn out and need to replaced. You can usually do this by rubbing a pen over the disks. This should bring the button back to life.

If none of this is useful or if the button does not respond to a hard press, then it may be the case that the circuit board has become damaged. It is possible to fix the issue by cleaning and re-soldering the button but you should also have a spare in case it doesn't work.

Circuitry

If the keys fob buttons are functioning the circuit board in your remote may be dirty. A thorough inspection is often enough to resolve this problem. The most common causes for dirty circuit boards are water and broken cases. A damaged case allows water and other debris to get in and short out the electronics. Water can also eat through pins and vias, which are tiny connectors found on the board.

If you're able to open your key fob and aren't afraid of making a mess, we can remove the buttons from their sockets and then solder new ones. Also, you should check the connections between the battery terminals. If they're loose, the buttons might not work or even become stuck in their down position. Soldering the terminals and buttons to their original positions is often enough to bring a non-working fob to a working condition.

Non-Remote Transponder Chips

The non-remote chips sealed in a sealed case are more durable than remote fobs. However, they are susceptible to cracking in the event of a hole being drilled in them or when a door handle for a car keys repairs near me (you could try this out) or lawnmowers is pushed over them. Fuse failures are usually the cause of non-remote chip failures.

If you're handy enough to open a sealed non-remote key fob and are able to bear the mess, you can remove the circuit board and test the fuse with an instrument to verify diode function. If you're unsure about doing this, visit your local hardware store or Oreilly's and they'll usually have a RFID frequency tester that can tell you whether the key fob sending a signal.

Programming

Key fobs aren't impervious to destruction and are susceptible to being damaged through a variety of causes. They can lose their pairing to the car's receiver because of shock or a low battery, requiring the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or a main dealer can reprogram your key fob and get it working again. If resetting or repairing your key fob fails it is possible to replace it.