Nine Things That Your Parent Teach You About Remote Key Repair

How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob isn't functioning, a few easy steps can fix it. First, check to make sure it's not your backup remote.

If the backup remote is able to lock and unlock your car doors, then there's a likely issue with the primary remote key repair service repair car key fob (http://www.stes.tyc.edu.tw/xoops/modules/profile/userinfo.Php?uid=1310488). Most car remote key failures are caused by circuitry or battery issues.

Battery

It is not unusual for the battery inside a car key fob to degrade. It is easy to replace a battery. However it is crucial to select the right kind. You can check the owner's manual or contact the manufacturer to inquire about the correct type. It is also a good idea to inspect the battery compartment carefully, as dead batteries sometimes leak caustic chemicals that can harm the remote. If changing the batteries does not solve the issue, it may be that there are other issues that require attention by a professional. If the buttons are damaged 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 remote.

Buttons

Through repeated use, key fobs may wear out and become dirty. It is not common for buttons to stop functioning, or require a hard press to make them work. This can be very frustrating, especially when you are away from your home and you need to switch on your car. Fortunately, even worn out or malfunctioning buttons can often be fixed with a bit of time and a few items you might already have in the home.

First, make sure that the batteries are correctly placed and that the indentation at the back of the button is filled. Then, carefully open the remote and inspect the circuit board. Look for evidence of rust, or other signs the buttons are damaged or worn. For instance the paint that conducts electricity could be missing. Use a Q-tip dipped in alcohol, gently clean any membrane contacts that have become damaged or where conductive paint is missing. Be careful not to rub too hard, since this could cause damage to the conductive paint and block the button from firing when the button is pressed.

Check the battery connector's terminals carefully for any loose solder connections. If this is the case, simply reconnecting them can restore functionality to the button. You can use the same process to restore functionality to any other loose connection in the fob.

If any of the rubber buttons located at the front of the keyfob aren't working or require being pressing extremely hard the graphite disks at the back of the button could have worn out and will need to replaced. This is usually done by rubbing a pencil over the disks, which should bring the button back to its original state.

If none of these solutions work, or if you still 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 also have a spare in case it doesn't work.

Circuitry

Whether or not the key fob buttons are working the circuit board in your remote might be dirty. A thorough examination is often enough to resolve this problem. The most common causes for dirty circuit boards is water and damaged cases. A damaged case can allow water and other debris into the circuit board, which can cause it to short out. Water can also eat through pins and vias, which are tiny connectors that are found on the board.

If you're able to remove your key fob, and you're not afraid of some mess, we can take off the buttons and solder new ones in their place. Also, it's worth checking the connections between the battery terminals. If they're loose, the buttons could not function or get stuck in their down position. Soldering the terminals and buttons into place is usually enough to bring a non-working fob to a working condition.

Non-Remote Transponder Chips

The non-remote chips that are sealed are more durable than their remote fobs, however they are susceptible to breaking in the event of a hole being drilled in them or if a car door handle or lawnmower runs over them. The failure of the fuse is usually the cause of non-remote chip failures.

If you're not confident opening the key fob, remove the circuitboard and utilize a multimeter to verify that the diode is operating properly. If you're not confident doing this, head to your local hardware store or Oreilly's, and they usually have an RFID frequency tester that can determine if the key fob is transmitting a signal.

Programming

Key fobs aren't indestructible and are susceptible to being damaged by a lot of things. They can lose their pairing with the receiver in your vehicle key repairs due to shocks or low-battery, which requires changing the program. A professional auto locksmith or main dealer can reprogram your key fob and get it back up and running again. In the event that resetting and repairing your key fob doesn't work it may be time to replace it all over again.