A Delightful Rant About Remote Key Repair
How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working If your key fob doesn't work, you can fix it by following some simple steps. First, make sure that it's not the backup remote. If the backup is able to lock and unlock your car doors then there's a likely issue with the primary remote. Most car remote key failures are caused by circuitry or battery issues. Battery It is not uncommon for the battery inside the key fob for cars to wear out. It is relatively easy to change out the battery, however it is essential to ensure you choose the correct type that you can refer to your owner's manual, or contact the manufacturer's dealer to determine the type of battery you require. It is also important to check the battery compartment, since dead batteries can leak caustic chemicals that can harm the remote. If replacing the batteries doesn't solve the issue it could be that there are other issues that require attention from a professional. If the buttons are damaged or stuck, for example it might be necessary to remove the remote and rebuild each component. You could also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new remote. car key repair shop near me can get dirty and worn out from frequent use. It is not unusual for buttons to cease working, or to require a hard press to get them working. This can be extremely frustrating, especially if you are out of town and need to start your vehicle. Fortunately, even worn out or broken buttons can usually be fixed with a little time and some of the materials you might already have in the house. First, make sure the batteries are charged correctly and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Open the remote carefully and examine the circuit board. Check for signs of rust or other indications that the buttons are damaged or worn out. For example there could be conductive paint missing. Use the Q-tip, dipped in alcohol, gently clean any membrane contacts that are damaged or where conductive paint is missing. Do not rub too vigorously in order to damage the conductive paint and prevent the button from firing when you press it. Check the battery connector's terminals carefully for any loose solder connections. Soldering them back to their original position will restore the button's functionality in the event that this is the case. You can follow the same procedure to restore functionality to any other loose connection within the fob. If any of the rubber buttons on the front of the keyfob are not working or require being pressed extremely hard, the graphite disks at the back of the button might have worn out and will need to replaced. This is usually done by rubbing a pencil over the disks. This should 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 has failed. It is possible to fix the issue by cleaning and re-soldering the fob but you should also have a spare in case it doesn't work. Circuitry Whether or not the key fob buttons are working the circuit board in the remote could be dirty. A thorough examination is often enough to resolve this issue. Water and broken cases are the most common causes of boards that are dirty. car key fob repairs near me damaged case could allow water and other debris into the circuit board, which can cause it to short. Water can also get through pins and vias, which are small connectors on the board. If you're able to open your key fob, and aren't afraid of making an mess, you can remove the buttons from their sockets and then solder new ones. It's also worth checking the battery terminal connections. They can get very dirty and if they're loose the buttons might not function or even stick in their down position. Soldering the terminals and buttons to their original positions is often enough to return a malfunctioning fob to a working condition. Non-Remote transponder chips The sealed non-remote chips are more durable than their remote fobs, however they can be cracked if a hole is drilled into them or if a car door handle or lawnmower runs over them. Most of the time, non-remote transponder chip malfunctions can be blamed on an exploded fuse. If you're not confident opening the key fob, you can remove the circuitboard and use a multimeter to check that the diode is functioning correctly. If you're unsure about doing this, visit your local hardware store or Oreilly's and they'll usually have an RFID frequency tester that can let you know if the key fob is sending signals. Programming Key fobs aren't indestructible and are susceptible to being damaged through a variety of causes. They may lose their connection to the car's receiver due to shock or low battery, which requires the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or a 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.