10 TellTale Signs You Must See To Find A New Remote Key Repair

How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob isn't working, a few easy steps can be taken to fix it. The first step is to make sure that it's not the backup remote.

If the backup can lock and unlock your car door, then there is likely an issue with the main remote. The most frequent causes of key malfunctions for car remotes are issues with the circuitry or battery.

Battery

It is not unusual for the battery inside a car key fob to degrade. It is easy to replace batteries. However it is crucial that you choose the right type. You can refer to your owner's manual or call the manufacturer to inquire about the right type. It's also a good idea to inspect the battery compartment carefully because dead batteries can release caustic chemicals that could cause damage to the remote. If changing the batteries does not solve the problem it could be because there are other issues that require attention by a professional. For instance, if buttons seem stuck or damaged It may be necessary to take the remote apart and rework its components. You can also try reprogramming your car to recognize the new key fob.

Buttons

Key fobs may become dirty and worn-out from frequent use. It is not common for buttons to cease functioning, or require a long press to make them work. This can be very frustrating particularly when you're away from home and need to switch on your car. Fortunately, even worn out or broken buttons can usually be fixed with a bit of time and a few materials you may already have around the house.

First, ensure that the batteries are charged correctly and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Take the remote apart and look over the circuit board. Check for signs of corrosion or other indications that the buttons are worn or damaged, such as missing paint that is conductive. Use a Q-tip, dipped in alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that has become damaged or has conductive paint missing. Don't rub too hard as this can damage the conductive paint and prevent the button from firing when pressed.

Check the battery connector's terminals carefully for any loose solder connections. If this is the case, reconnecting them may restore functionality to the button. You can follow the same method to restore functionality to any other loose connection inside the fob.

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

If none of this is useful, or if the button still does not respond to a hard press It could be the case that the circuit board has become damaged. It is possible to fix this by a quick clean, and refitting, but it's recommended to have an additional fob in case this method does not work for you.

Circuitry

If the keys fob buttons are functioning the circuit board in your remote might be dirty. A thorough examination is usually enough to fix this problem. The most common causes of dirty circuit boards are water and broken cases. A damaged case can allow water and other debris to get into the circuit board, which can cause it to short out. Water can also eat away at pins and small connectors on the board, which are known as via's.

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 solder in new ones. It's also worth looking at the battery terminal connections. They can become extremely dirty and if they're loose, the buttons might not function or may even remain in their down position. Soldering terminals and buttons back to their proper positions is usually enough to restore a non-working fob to a working condition.





Non-Remote Transponder Chips

Sealed non-remote transponder chip are more durable than the remote fobs that contain them however they are still susceptible to being broken by a hole being drilled into them or run over by a lawnmower or car door handle. Most of the time non-remote transponder chip failures can be attributed to a blown fuse.

If you're not confident opening the key fob, remove the circuitboard and utilize a multimeter to check that the diode is working correctly. If you're unsure about doing this, go to your local hardware store or Oreilly's and they will usually have an RFID frequency tester that can let you know whether the key fob is transmitting a signal.

Programming

Key fobs endure many abuses and aren't impervious to damage. They can lose their pairing with the receiver in your vehicle due to shocks or a low battery, which calls for changing the program. A professional auto locksmith or main dealer can reprogram your key fob to get it functioning again. If resetting or fixing car remote key repair near me fails it may be necessary to replace it.