It's The Ugly Truth 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 by following some simple steps. The first step is to make sure that it's not your backup remote.
If the backup remote is able to lock and unlock your car door, 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
The battery in the key fob could be worn out over time. It is easy to replace batteries. However, it is important that you use the correct type. You can refer to your owner's manual or call the manufacturer to determine the right kind. It is also important to inspect the battery compartment, as dead batteries can leak caustic chemicals which can damage the remote. If replacing the battery does not fix the issue there could be other issues that require attention from a professional. For instance, if the buttons appear stuck or broken It may be necessary to disassemble the remote and rework its parts. You can also try reprogramming your vehicle to recognize the new key fob.
Buttons
From repeated use, key fobs can become worn and dirty. It is not common for buttons to stop working, or to require a hefty push to make them work. This can be frustrating particularly when you're away from home and need to turn on your car. Fortunately, even worn-out or malfunctioning buttons can often be fixed with just a bit of time and a few materials you have in the house.
First, check that the batteries have been correctly inserted and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Then, carefully remove the remote and inspect the circuit board. Look for signs of rust or other indications that the buttons are damaged or worn. For instance, conductive paint may be missing. Use a Q-tip, dipped in rubbing 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 pressed.
Also, make sure to inspect the battery connector's terminals for an unattached solder connection. If this is the case, simply reconnecting them can bring back function to the button. The same method can be used to restore function to any loose connections inside the fob.
If any of the rubber buttons located at the front of the keyfob aren't working or require being press very hard, the graphite disks at the back of the button could have worn out and will require replacement. You can usually do this by rubbing a pen across the disks. This will bring the button back to life.
If none of these solutions work or you are unable to get the button to respond when you press it hard, it could be that the circuitry is failing. It is possible to fix this by cleaning and re-soldering your fob however, you should have a spare in case it doesn't work.
Circuitry
Whether or not the key fob buttons function the circuit board that is inside your remote may be dirty. This issue can be fixed by a thorough inspection. Water and broken cases are the most common causes of boards that are dirty. A damaged case allows water and other debris to pass through and short circuit the electronic components. Water can also get through pins and vias, which are the tiny connectors that are found on the board.
If you're handy enough to remove your key fob, and you're not afraid of some mess, we can remove the solder from the buttons and solder new ones in their place. It's also worth examining the battery terminal connections. If they're loose, the buttons may not work or even become stuck in their down position. Soldering the terminals and buttons back in place is usually all it takes to restore the key fob that is not working to working order.
Non-Remote Transponder Chips
The non-remote chips sealed in a sealed case are more durable than remote fobs, however they are susceptible to cracking in the event of a hole being drilled into them or in the event that a door handle of a car or lawnmower runs over them. Most of the time non-remote transponder chip malfunctions can be blamed on an exploded fuse.
If car key circuit board repair enough to open up a sealed non-remote key fob and are able to bear the mess, you can take off the circuit board and examine the fuse using a multimeter to ensure that it is functioning as intended. function. If you're not sure with this, go to your local Oreilly or hardware store and test their RF frequency tester. This will let you know whether the key fob sends signals.
Programming
Key fobs are subject to lots of abuse and aren't indestructible. They can lose their pairing to the car's receiver because of shock or a low battery, requiring the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or a main dealer will be able to reprogram your key fob and get it working again. In the rarer case that resetting and repairing your key fob fails it could be the time to replace it completely.