5 Laws That Will Help The Remote Key Repair Industry
How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working
If your key fob doesn't work and you're not sure why, you can fix it with some simple steps. The first step is to make sure it's not the backup remote.
If the backup can lock and unlock your car doors, then there is likely an issue with the main remote. Most problems with car remote keys are caused by battery or circuitry problems.
Battery
It is not uncommon to find a battery on a car key fob to get worn out. It is easy to replace a battery. However, it is important that you use the correct type. You can consult the owner's manual or contact the manufacturer to find out the right type. It is also crucial to check the battery compartment, since dead batteries can leak caustic chemicals that can harm the remote. If changing the batteries doesn't solve the problem, it may be that there are other issues that require professional attention. If the buttons are stuck or broken for instance, it may be necessary remove the remote and rebuild each component. You can also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new key fob.
Buttons
Key fobs can get dirty and worn-out from frequent use. It is not unusual for buttons to cease functioning, or require a hard press to get them working. This can be a huge hassle particularly if you're out of town and need to start your car. Even worn-out or malfunctioning buttons can be fixed with a little time and the tools you already have at home.
First, make sure that the batteries have been correctly placed and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Then, open the remote with care and examine the circuit board. Look for signs of corrosion or other signs that buttons are worn out or damaged, like missing the conductive paint. Use a Q-tip that has been dipped in rubbing alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that has become worn out or where conductive painting is missing. Be mobile car key repair near me not to rub too hard, since this could cause damage to the conductive painting and prevent the button firing when the button is pressed.
Also, carefully check the battery connector terminals for an unattached solder connection. Soldering them back in place will allow the button to function again if this is the situation. You can use the same process to restore functionality to any other loose connection inside the fob.
If, for instance, any of the buttons made of rubber on the front of the key fob stop 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 need to be replaced. You can usually do this by rubbing a pen over the disks. how to repair car key fob should bring the button to life.
If none of this is useful, or if the button does not respond to a firm press It could be that the circuit board has become damaged. This can be fixed by a quick clean, and re-soldering, but it is best to have an extra fob on hand in the event that this method fails for you.
Circuitry
Whether or not the key fob buttons are working the circuit board in the remote could be dirty. A thorough inspection will usually resolve this issue. The most frequent causes of dirty circuit boards are water and broken cases. A broken case allows water and other debris to enter and short circuit the electronic components. Water can also destroy pins and small connectors on the board called via's.
If you are handy enough to open your key fob, and you don't mind making some mess, we can remove the buttons from their sockets and put in new ones. It's also worth looking at the battery terminal connections. They can become extremely filthy and if they're not tight enough, the buttons may not work or may even remain in their down position. Soldering the terminals back into place is usually enough to bring a non-working fob back to working.
Non-Remote Transponder Chips
Sealed non-remote transponder chip are more durable than remote fobs they are contained in, however they are still susceptible to being damaged by a hole that is that is drilled into them or over by a lawnmower or door handle for a car. Most of the time non-remote transponder chips fail, and this could be attributed to an exploded fuse.
If you're not confident opening the key fob, remove the circuitboard and utilize a multimeter to check that the diode is working properly. If you're not confident doing this, go to your local hardware store or Oreilly's, and they'll usually have a radio frequency tester that can let you know if the key fob is transmitting a signal.
Programming
Key fobs aren't indestructible and can be damaged by a lot of things. They can lose their pairing with the receiver in your vehicle due to shocks or low-battery, which requires reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or main dealer can reprogram your key fob to get it back up and running. In the event that resetting and repairing your key fob isn't working, it could be time to replace it all over again.