A Proficient Rant About 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. First, make sure that it's not your backup remote.

If the backup is able to lock and unlock your car door, it is most likely an issue with the main remote. The most common causes for key problems with your car remote are battery or circuitry issues.

Battery

The battery in a key fob can get worn out over the course of time. It is easy to replace batteries. However it is essential that you use the correct kind. You can consult your owner's guide or contact the manufacturer to determine the correct type. It's recommended to examine the battery compartment with care because dead batteries can leak harmful chemicals that can cause damage to the remote. If replacing the battery does not solve the issue there could be other issues that require professional attention. If the buttons are broken or stuck, for example it could be necessary to remove the remote and rebuild each component. You can also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new key fob.

Buttons

Due to frequent use, key fobs may wear out and become dirty. This is not uncommon, but it can cause buttons to cease working or require a long press to work. This can be very frustrating particularly when you're away from home and have to switch on your car. Even broken or damaged buttons are often fixable with a bit of time and materials you already have at home.

First, check that the batteries are properly charged and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Then, open the remote with care and examine the circuit board. Check for signs of corrosion or other indications that the buttons are worn out or damaged, like missing paint that is conductive. Use a Q-tip that has been dipped in rubbing alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that has worn out or has conductive paint missing. Don't rub too hard as this can damage the conductive paint and stop the button from firing when pressed.

Check the battery connector's terminals for loose solder connections. Soldering them back in place will allow the button to function again if this is the case. The same method can be used to restore function to any loose connections in the fob.

If, for instance, any of the rubber buttons on the front of the key fob stop working or require a difficult press to function, it is likely that the graphite disks that are on the back of the button are deteriorating and require replacement. You can usually do this by rubbing a pencil over the disks. This should bring the button to life.


If all of this doesn't help or if the button still doesn't respond to a hard press, then it may be that the circuit board itself is damaged. It is possible to fix this by cleaning and re-soldering the button, but you should have another spare in case it doesn't work.

Circuitry

Whether or not the key fob buttons function, the circuit board inside the remote could be dirty. This issue can be fixed by a thorough inspection. The most frequent causes of dirty circuit boards are water and broken cases. A damaged case can allow water and other debris to get in and short out the electronic components. Water can also damage pins and vias, which are the tiny connectors found on the board.

If you're handy enough to open your key fob and don't mind some mess, we can take off the buttons and then solder new ones in their place. Also, you should check the connections between battery terminals. If they're loose, the buttons might not function or get stuck in their down position. Soldering mobile car key repair 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 chips are much more durable than the remote fobs that contain them but they can still be broken by a hole being made in them or pushed over by a lawnmower or car door handle. Most of the time, non-remote transponder chip failures can be attributed to blowing fuses.

If you're able to remove a key fob that is sealed and are able to bear the mess, you can easily remove the circuit board and check the fuse with a multimeter to ensure that it is functioning as intended. function. If you're not sure with this, you can visit your local Oreilly or hardware store and use their RF frequency tester. This will let you know whether the key fob sends a signal.

Programming

Key fobs endure lots of abuse and aren't impervious to damage. They can lose their pairing to the car's receiver because of shock or a low battery, which calls for them to be reprogrammed. A professional auto locksmith or a main dealer will be able to reprogram your key fob to get it functioning again. If resetting or replacing your key fob fails, you may need to replace it.

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Pub: 18 Jun 2024 13:52 UTC
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