What's The Ugly Facts About Remote Key Repair
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. First, ensure that it's not your backup remote.
If the backup is able to lock and unlock your car doors then there is likely an issue with the main remote. The most common causes of car remote key failure are battery or circuitry issues.
Battery
It is not uncommon for the battery in a car key fob to get worn out. It is fairly easy to change out the battery, however it is important to ensure that you use the right type; you can look in your owner's manual or contact the manufacturer's dealer to find out the kind of battery you require. It's also a good idea to examine the battery compartment thoroughly, as dead batteries sometimes leak harmful chemicals that can damage the remote. If replacing the batteries doesn't solve the problem it could be because there are other issues that require attention by a professional. If buttons are damaged or stuck, for example it could be necessary to disassemble the remote and rework each component. You could also try reprogramming your car to recognize the new key fob.
Buttons
Key fobs can become dirty and worn out from frequent use. It is not unusual for buttons to cease working, or to require a long press to make them work. This can be a hassle, especially when you are away from your home and have to start your car. Fortunately, even worn out or damaged buttons can be fixed with a little time and a few materials you have in the house.
First, make sure that the batteries are correctly inserted and that the indentation at the back of the button has been filled. Then, open the remote with care and examine the circuit board. Examine for evidence of rust, or other signs the buttons are worn or damaged. For example there could be conductive paint missing. Then, using a Q-tip dipped in rubbing alcohol, gently clean any membrane contacts that have become worn or have conductive paint missing. Don't rub too hard in order to damage the conductive paint, and block the button from firing when it is pressed.
Check the battery connector's terminals for loose solder connections. If this is the case, simply soldering them back in place may restore function to the button. You can use the same method to restore functionality to any other loose connection within the fob.
Finally, if any of the buttons made of rubber that are on the front of the key fob stop functioning or require a difficult press to function it is likely that the graphite disks at the back of the button are wearing out and need to be replaced. This can be done by rubbing a pencil across the disks. This should bring the button back to its original state.
If none of this is helpful or if the button still does not respond to a hard press It could be that the circuit board is damaged. It is possible to fix this by cleaning and re-soldering the fob however, you should have another spare in case it doesn't work.
Circuitry
The circuit board of your remote control could be dirty, regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob function or not. A thorough inspection is often enough to resolve this problem. Broken and damaged cases are the most common causes of boards that are dirty. A damaged case can allow water and other debris to get in and short circuit the electronics. Water can also damage pins and connectors that are small on the board called via's.
If you're able to remove 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, it's worth checking the connections between the battery terminals. They can get very filthy and if they're not tight enough, the buttons might not work or even stick in their down position. Soldering the terminals and buttons back in their place is generally all that's required to return keys that are not in functioning condition.
Non-Remote Transponder Chips
Sealed non-remote transponder chips are much more durable than the remote fobs that have them however they are still susceptible to being broken by a hole being drilled into them or run over by a lawnmowers or door handle for a car. The majority of non-remote transponder chips fail, and this could be attributed to a blown fuse.
If you're able to remove the sealed key fob and are able to bear the mess, you can remove the circuit board and check the fuse with a multimeter to ensure that it is functioning as intended. function. If try these guys 're not comfortable with this, you can go to your local Oreilly or hardware store and utilize their RF frequency tester. This will let you know whether the key fob is sending a signal.
Programming
Key fobs aren't impervious to destruction and can be damaged by a variety of factors. They can lose their pairing to the receiver in your car because of shock or a low battery, which calls for them to be reprogrammed. A professional auto locksmith or a dealer in the main can reprogram your keyfob to get it working again. If resetting or replacing your keyfob does not work it is possible to replace it.