9 Lessons Your Parents Taught You About Remote Key Repair
From Dark Warriors Wiki
How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working
If your key fob does not work and you're not sure why, you can fix it with a few simple steps. The first step is to be sure that 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 main remote car key repair. The most frequent causes of car remote key failure are issues with the circuitry or battery.
Battery
The battery in the key fob could be worn out over time. It is fairly easy to replace a battery, although it is essential to make sure that you use the right type that you can refer to your owner's manual or contact the dealer of the manufacturer to find out the kind of battery you need. It is recommended to inspect the battery compartment carefully since dead batteries may release caustic chemicals that could harm the remote (check out this one from Google). If changing the batteries doesn't solve the issue it could be that there are other issues that require attention from a professional. For example, if buttons seem stuck or damaged it could be necessary to take the remote apart and rework its components. You could also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new remote.
Buttons
From repeated use, key fobs can wear out and become dirty. It is not uncommon to have buttons stop functioning, or require a long push to make them work. This can be very frustrating especially when you're away from your home and you need to start your car. Fortunately, even worn-out or damaged buttons can be fixed with a little time and a few items you may already have around the house.
First, make sure the batteries are charged correctly and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Then, carefully remove the remote and inspect the circuit board. Look for signs of rust or other signs the buttons are worn or damaged. For instance there could be conductive paint missing. Use the Q-tip, dipped in rubbing alcohol, gently clean any membrane contacts that are damaged or have conductive paint missing. Don't rub too hard, as this could erode the conductive paint and stop the button from firing when you press it.
Also, be sure to check the battery connector's terminals for an unattached solder connection. Soldering them back into place will allow the button to function again in the event that this is the situation. The same method can be used to restore function to any other loose connections inside the fob.
Finally, if any of the buttons made of rubber that are on the front of the key fob aren't working or require a very hard press to work it is likely that the graphite disks at the back of the button are wearing down and require replacement. This can be done by rubbing a pencil on the disks. This should bring the button back to life.
If none of these solutions work or you are unable to get the button to respond when pressed hard, it is possible that the circuitry has failed. It is possible to fix this by cleaning and re-soldering the button, but you should have a spare in case it doesn't work.
Circuitry
Whether or not the key fob buttons function the circuit board that is inside your remote may be dirty. This problem can be resolved by a thorough inspection. Broken and damaged cases are the most common causes of boards that are dirty. A broken case can let water and other debris into the circuit board, causing it to short. Water can also damage pins and small connectors on the board, nearest referred to as via's.
If you're able to open your key fob, and you don't mind making a mess, we can remove the buttons from their sockets and then solder new ones. It's also worth looking at the battery terminal connections. They can become very dirty and if they're loose, the buttons may not work or even stick in their down position. Soldering the terminals, and putting the button back into place is typically all it takes to restore a non-working key fob to working order.
Non-Remote Transponder Chips
Sealed non-remote transponder chips are more durable than the remote fobs that contain them but they can be broken key repair near me by a hole being made in them or pushed over by a lawnmowers blade or car door handle. Most of the time non-remote transponder chips fail, and this could be attributed to blowing fuses.
If you're able to open up a sealed non-remote key fob and are willing to put up with the mess, you can remove the circuit board and examine the fuse using an instrument to verify diode function. If you don't feel comfortable with this, visit your local Oreilly or hardware store and test their RF frequency tester. This will tell you whether the key fob is sending an RF signal.
Programming
Key fobs take lots of abuse and aren't impervious to damage. They can lose their pairing to the receiver in your car because of shock or a low battery, which requires the reprogramming. A professional auto key repair near me locksmith or a main dealer can reprogram your key fob key repair and get it working again. If resetting or replacing the keyfob is not working, you may need to replace it.
