Enough Already! 15 Things About Remote Key Repair We're Overheard

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 by following a few simple steps. First, ensure that it's not the backup remote. If your backup remote is unable to lock and unlock the doors of your vehicle, it is most likely that the primary remote isn't functioning. The most frequent causes of car remote key failure are battery or circuitry issues. Battery The battery in the key fob could wear out over time. It is quite simple to replace batteries, but it is important to make sure that you select the correct one that you can refer to your owner's manual or contact the manufacturer's dealer to find out what kind of battery you require. It is also important to check the battery compartment as batteries that are not working properly can release caustic chemicals that can harm the remote. If replacing the battery does not fix the problem there may be additional issues that require attention from a professional. If the buttons are stuck or broken, for example it could be necessary to disassemble the remote and rework each component. You could also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new device. Buttons Through frequent use, key fobs could become worn and dirty. This is not uncommon however it can cause buttons to stop working or require a very difficult press to get them to work. This can be very frustrating, especially if you are out of town and need to start your car. Even worn-out or malfunctioning buttons are often fixable with a little effort and materials you already have at home. First, ensure that the batteries are up correctly and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Then, carefully open up the remote and look at the circuit board. Check for signs of corrosion or other signs that buttons are worn out or damaged, such as missing paint that is conductive. Use a Q-tip dipped into alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that has become worn out or where conductive paint is missing. Be careful not to rub too hard, since this could cause damage to the conductive painting and prevent the button from firing when it is pressed. Also, be sure to check the battery connector terminals for a loose solder connection. If this is the case, soldering them back in place may restore functionality to the button. You can apply the same process to restore functionality to any other loose connection within the fob. If any of the rubber buttons located at the front of the keyfob isn't working or need to be pressing extremely hard the graphite disks on the back of the button could have worn out and will need to replaced. It is usually done by rubbing a pencil over the disks. This will bring the button back to life. If none of these solutions work, or if you still are unable to get the button to respond when you press it hard, it could be that the circuitry is failing. This can sometimes be repaired by a quick clean, and refitting, but it's ideal to have a spare fob available in the event this method does not work for you. Circuitry The circuit board of the remote control could be dirty, regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob function or not. A very thorough inspection will usually resolve this issue. The most common causes for dirty circuit boards is water and broken cases. A damaged case allows water and other debris to enter and short out the electronic components. Water can also eat through pins and vias, which are tiny connectors on the board. If you're handy enough to open up your key fob, and you're not afraid of a little mess, we can remove the solder from the buttons and then solder new ones in their place. It's also worth looking at the battery terminal connections. They can become extremely filthy and if they're not tight enough, the buttons might not function or even stick in their down position. Soldering click here to read and buttons back in place is usually all it takes to restore keys that are not in working order. 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 that is drilled into them or over by a lawnmowers or door handle for a car. The majority of non-remote transponder chip failures could be attributed to a blown fuse. If you're not confident opening the key fob, you may remove the circuitboard and utilize a multimeter to verify that the diode is working properly. If you're not comfortable doing this, head to your local hardware store or Oreilly's, and they will usually have a RF frequency tester that will determine whether the key fob is sending signals. Programming Key fobs aren't indestructible and are susceptible to being damaged by a variety of factors. They may lose their connection to the receiver in your car because of shock or a low battery, which requires them to be reprogrammed. A professional auto locksmith or main dealer can reprogram your key fob to get it working again. If resetting or repairing the keyfob is not working it may be necessary to replace it.