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How to Fix a auto key fob repair Fob That isn't Working
If your auto key repair near me fob won't work, you can fix it by following a few simple steps. The first step is to make sure it's not the backup remote.
If your backup remote cannot unlock and lock the doors of your vehicle, it is likely that the main remote is not working. The most common causes for key problems with your electronic car key repair near me remote are issues with the circuitry or battery.
Battery
It is not uncommon for the battery in the key fob for cars to get worn out. It is quite simple to change out batteries, but it is crucial to ensure you choose the correct type; you can look in your owner's manual, or contact the manufacturer's dealer to determine the type of battery you require. It's also a good idea to examine the battery compartment thoroughly since dead batteries may leak harmful chemicals that can damage the remote. If replacing the battery does not solve the issue there may be additional issues that require attention from a professional. For example, if buttons appear stuck or damaged it could be necessary to take the remote apart and rebuild its components. It is also possible to reprogramme the vehicle to recognize the new fob.
Buttons
Key fobs can become filthy and worn out due to repeated use. It is not common for buttons to cease working, or to require a hard press to get them working. This can be very frustrating particularly when you're away from home and need to switch on your car. Even broken or damaged buttons can be fixed with a bit of time and materials you already have at home.
First, verify that the batteries have been correctly inserted and that the indentation at the back of the button has been filled. Open the remote carefully and examine the circuit board. Check for indications of rust or other signs the buttons are damaged or worn out. For example the paint that conducts electricity could be missing. Use a Q-tip, dipped in rubbing alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that is damaged or where conductive paint is missing. Avoid rubbing too hard since this could cause damage to the conductive painting and prevent the button from firing when pressed.
Check the battery connector terminals carefully for any loose solder connections. Soldering them back to their original position 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 in the fob.
Finally, if any of the buttons made of rubber on the front of the key fob have stopped functioning or require a long press to function it is likely that the graphite disks at the back of the button are wearing down and require replacement. This can usually be done by rubbing a pencil across the disks. This should bring the button back to working.
If none of these solutions work or you are unable to get the button to respond when you press it hard, it is possible that the circuitry is failing. It is possible to fix this by cleaning and re-soldering your fob, but you should have another spare in case it does not work.
Circuitry
Whether or not the key fob buttons function, the circuit board inside your remote may be dirty. The issue can be solved through a thorough examination. Broken cases and water are the most common causes of dirty boards. A broken case allows water and other debris to pass through and short circuit the electronics. Water can also damage pins and small connectors on the board, referred to as via's.
If you're able to open your key fob and don't mind making an mess, you can take the buttons out of their sockets and then solder new ones. Also, it's worth checking the connections between battery terminals. They can get very filthy and if they're not tight enough, the buttons may not work or even stick in their down position. Soldering the terminals back to their proper positions is usually enough to bring a non-working fob back to working.
Non-Remote transponder chips
Sealed non-remote transponder chips are much more durable than the remote fobs that contain them but they can be damaged by a hole that is made in them or pushed over by a lawnmowers blade or door handle for a car. Failures of the fuse are typically the cause of non-remote chip failures.
If you're not comfortable opening the key fob, you can remove the circuitboard and use a multimeter to check that the diode is functioning correctly. If you're not comfortable with this, you can visit your local Oreilly or hardware store and test their RF frequency tester. This will let you know whether the key fob is sending an RF signal.
Programming
Key fobs are not indestructible and are susceptible to damage by a lot of things. They may lose their connection with the receiver in your vehicle because of shocks or a low-battery, which requires the reprogramming. A professional auto key Fob repair locksmith or main dealer can reprogram your key fob and get it working again. In the rarer case that resetting and fixing your key fob isn't working it could be the time to replace it completely.