Where Is Remote Key Repair 1 Year From Now

How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob isn't functioning There are a few simple steps that can be taken to fix it. The first step is to make sure that it's not your backup remote.

If your backup remote can lock and unlock the doors of your vehicle, it is likely that the primary remote is not working. Most problems with car remote keys are caused by circuitry or battery issues.

Battery

It is not unusual to find a battery on the key fob for cars to wear out. It is easy to replace the battery. However, it is important to select the right kind. You can check your owner's manual or call the manufacturer to determine the right kind. It's recommended to examine the battery compartment carefully, as dead batteries sometimes leak harmful chemicals that can cause damage to the remote. If replacing the battery does not fix the issue there could be other issues that require attention from a professional. For instance, if the buttons seem stuck or broken, it may be necessary to disassemble the remote and rebuild its components. It is also possible to reprogramme the vehicle to recognize the new device.

Buttons

Due to frequent use, key fobs could get dirty and worn. It is not unusual for buttons to cease functioning, or require a hard push to make them work. This can be very frustrating particularly if you're away from home and need to start your vehicle. Fortunately, even worn-out or malfunctioning buttons can often be fixed with a little time and some of the materials you have in the home.

First, ensure that the batteries are charged correctly and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Then, carefully open up the remote and inspect the circuit board. Examine for indications of rust or other signs the buttons have been worn or damaged. For instance there could be conductive paint missing. Use a Q-tip that has been dipped in alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that has damaged or where conductive painting is missing. Don't rub too hard as this can damage the conductive paint and prevent the button from firing when it is pressed.

Also, carefully check the battery connector's terminals for an unattached solder connection. If this is the case, simply connecting them back can bring back function to the button. You can apply the same procedure to restore functionality to any other loose connection within the fob.

If any of the rubber buttons on the front of the keyfob are not working or require being press extremely hard, the graphite disks at the back of the button may have worn out and will need to replaced. You can do this by rubbing a pen over the disks. This should bring the button back to life.

If none of this is useful or if the button doesn't respond to a hard press, then it may be that the circuit board itself has gone bad. This can be fixed by a quick clean and re-soldering, but it is recommended to have an additional fob on hand in the event that this method does not work for you.

Circuitry

Whether or not the key fob buttons are working, the circuit board inside your remote might be dirty. A very thorough inspection will usually resolve this issue. The most common causes of dirty circuit boards is water and damaged cases. A damaged case can allow water and other debris to pass through and short out the electronics. Water can also damage pins and connectors on the board called via's.

If you're able to open your key fob and aren't afraid of some mess, we can remove the solder from the buttons and then solder new ones in their place. Also, you should check the connections between the battery terminals. They can get very dirty and if they're loose, the buttons may not work or even stay in their down position. Soldering the terminals and button's back in place is usually all that's required to return keys that are not in working condition.

Non-Remote transponder chips

The non-remote chips sealed in a sealed case are more durable than remote fobs, however they are susceptible to cracking in the event of a hole being drilled into them or when a door handle for a car key repair service or lawnmower runs over them. Most of the time non-remote transponder chips fail, and this could be attributed to an exploded fuse.

If you're not comfortable opening the key fob, you can remove the circuitboard and use a multimeter to check that the diode is operating correctly. If you're unsure about doing this, visit your local hardware store or Oreilly's, and they'll usually have a radio frequency tester that can tell you whether the key fob transmitting a signal.

Programming

Key fobs aren't impervious to destruction and can be damaged by a variety of factors. They can lose their pairing with the receiver inside your vehicle due to shocks or a low-battery, which requires the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or main dealer can reprogram your key repair shop fob to get it functioning again. In the event that resetting and repairing your key fob fails it may be time to replace it entirely.