The Biggest Problem With Remote Key Repair And How To Fix It

How to Fix key fob repair service That isn't Working

If your key fob won't work then you can fix it by following just a few steps. The first step is to make sure that it's not the backup remote.

If the backup remote is able to lock and unlock your car doors, it is most 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

The battery in the key fob may wear out over time. It is relatively easy to replace batteries, but it is crucial to make sure that you use the right type and you can consult the owner's manual or talk to the dealer for the manufacturer to find out the kind of battery you require. It is recommended to examine the battery compartment thoroughly since dead batteries may release caustic chemicals that could cause damage to the remote. If replacing the battery does not fix the problem there may be additional issues that require attention from a professional. If buttons are broken or stuck, for example it might be necessary to remove the remote and rebuild each component. You can also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new remote.

Buttons

Key fobs can get filthy and worn out due to repeated use. It is not unusual for buttons to stop working, or to require a hard press to get them working. This can be extremely frustrating, especially if you are away from home and you need to start your car. Even worn-out or malfunctioning buttons are often fixable with a little time and tools you already have at home.

First, make sure that the batteries have been correctly installed and that the indentation at the back of the button has been filled. Then, carefully open up the remote and examine the circuit board. Check for evidence of rust, or other signs the buttons have been damaged or worn out. For example there could be conductive paint missing. Utilizing a Q-tip that has been dipped in alcohol, gently clean any membrane contacts that have become damaged or where conductive paint is missing. Do not rub too vigorously in order to damage the conductive paint and stop the button from firing when it is pressed.

Check the battery connector terminals carefully for any loose solder connections. Soldering them back in place will restore the button's functionality if this is the case. You can apply the same procedure to restore functionality to any other loose connection inside 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 on the back of the button are wearing down and need to be replaced. This can be done by rubbing a pencil on the disks, which will bring the button back to working.

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 issue by cleaning and re-soldering the button, but you should have an extra in case it does not work.

Circuitry

If the key fob buttons function the circuit board in your remote might be dirty. This issue can be fixed by a thorough inspection. Broken cases and water are the most common causes of dirty boards. A damaged case could let water and other debris to enter the circuit board, causing it to short out. Water can also damage pins and vias, which are tiny connectors found on the board.





If you are handy enough to open your key fob and you don't mind making some mess, we can take the buttons out of their sockets and solder in new ones. It's also worth checking the connections between the battery terminals. They can become very filthy and if they're not tight enough, the buttons might not function or may even remain in their down position. Soldering the terminals and button's back in place is usually all that's needed to return a non-working key fob to functioning condition.

Non-Remote Transponder Chips

The non-remote chips sealed in a sealed case are more durable than their remote fobs, but they are susceptible to breaking if a hole is drilled into them or in the event that a door handle of a car or lawnmower runs over them. Most of the time non-remote transponder chips fail, and this can be blamed on a blown fuse.

If you're able to open a key fob that is sealed and can tolerate the mess, you can easily remove the circuit board and examine the fuse using an instrument to verify diode function. If you're not comfortable with this, you can go to your local Oreilly or hardware store and test their RF frequency tester. This will inform you whether the key fob sends a signal.

Programming

Key fobs are not indestructible and are susceptible to damage through a variety of causes. They may lose their connection with the receiver in your vehicle because of shocks or a low battery, which calls for changing the program. A professional auto locksmith, or the main dealer can reprogram your keyfob to get it up and running again. In the rarer case that resetting and repairing your key fob doesn't work, it could be time to replace it all over again.