A Look At The Ugly Reality 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 just a few steps. First, make sure that it's not your backup remote.
If your backup remote can lock and unlock the doors of your car, it is most likely that the primary remote isn't working. The most common causes of key problems with your car remote are circuitry or battery issues.
Battery
The battery inside a key fob can wear out over time. It is simple to replace a battery. However it is essential that you use the correct type. You can consult the owner's manual or contact the manufacturer to find out the correct type. It is also a good idea to examine the battery compartment thoroughly, as dead batteries sometimes leak caustic chemicals that can harm the remote. If replacing the batteries doesn't solve the issue it could be because there are other issues that require professional attention. For example, if buttons seem stuck or damaged, it may be necessary to take the remote apart and rework its components. You can also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new remote.
Buttons
Due to repeated use, key fobs may get dirty and worn. This is not uncommon however it can cause buttons to cease working or require a long press to work. This can be frustrating particularly when you're away from home and have to turn on your car. Fortunately, even worn out or broken buttons can usually be fixed with just a bit of time and a few items you might already have in the house.
First, verify that the batteries are correctly installed and that the indentation on the back of the button has been filled. Take the remote apart and inspect the circuit board. Examine for signs of rust or other signs the buttons are damaged or worn. 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 has worn out or has conductive paint missing. Full Article rub too hard as this can damage the conductive paint and prevent the button from firing when it is pressed.
Examine the battery connector's terminals carefully for any loose solder connections. If this is the case, soldering them back in place can restore function to the button. You can follow the same process to restore functionality to any other loose connection within the fob.
If, for instance, any of the buttons made of rubber on the front of the key fob aren't working or require a very long press to function it is likely the graphite disks that are on the back of the button are wearing down and require replacement. This can be done by rubbing a pencil across the disks, which should bring the button back to its original state.
If none of this is useful or if the button still does not respond to a hard push It could be the case that the circuit board itself has become damaged. It is possible to fix the issue by cleaning and re-soldering your fob, but you should have a spare in case it doesn't work.
Circuitry
The circuit board inside your remote control may be dirty, regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob work or not. This issue can be fixed by a thorough inspection. The most common causes of dirty circuit boards is water and broken cases. A broken case allows water and other debris to pass through and short circuit the electronics. Water can also get through pins and vias, which are small connectors found on the board.
If you're skilled enough 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. It's also worth examining the battery terminal connections. They can become extremely dirty and if they're loose, the buttons might not function or even stick in their down position. Soldering the terminals and buttons into place is usually enough to restore a non-working fob back to working.
Non-Remote Transponder Chips
Sealed non-remote transponder chips are much more durable than remote fobs they are contained in, but they can be cracked by a hole made in them or pushed over by a lawnmowers blade or door handle for a car. The majority of non-remote transponder chip failures could be attributed to blowing fuses.
If you're able to open the sealed key fob and can tolerate 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 you don't feel comfortable with this, go to your local Oreilly or hardware store and use their RF frequency tester. This will tell you whether the key fob sends signals.
Programming
Key fobs are subject to lots of abuse and aren't completely indestructible. They can lose their pairing with the receiver in your vehicle because of shocks or a low battery, which calls for changing the program. A professional auto locksmith or main dealer will be able to reprogram your key fob and get it back up and running. If resetting or repairing your keyfob does not work it may be necessary to replace it.