One Of The Most Untrue Advices We've Ever Heard 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 a few simple steps. The first step is to be sure it's not the backup remote. If your backup remote is unable to unlock and lock the doors of your car, then it is most likely that the primary remote isn't functioning. The majority of car remote key malfunctions result from circuitry or battery issues. Battery The battery in a key fob can get worn out over the course of time. It is simple to replace batteries. However it is crucial that you choose the right type. You can refer to your owner's guide or contact the manufacturer to determine the right type. It's also a good idea to inspect the battery compartment thoroughly, as dead batteries sometimes leak caustic chemicals that can damage the remote. If replacing the batteries doesn't solve the problem, it may be that there are other issues that require attention by a professional. For instance, if the buttons seem stuck or broken, it may be necessary to disassemble the remote and rework its components. You can also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new device. Buttons From frequent use, key fobs can get dirty and worn. It is not uncommon for buttons to cease working, or to require a hefty push to make them work. This can be very frustrating particularly when you're away from home and you need to turn on your car. Fortunately, even worn-out or malfunctioning buttons can often be fixed with a bit of time and a few materials you may already have around the house. First, make sure that the batteries have been correctly placed and that the indentation at the back of the button is filled. Then, carefully open the remote and inspect the circuit board. Check for signs of corrosion or other indications that buttons are worn out or damaged, like missing paint that is conductive. Use a Q-tip, dipped in rubbing alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that has worn-out or where conductive painting is missing. Do not rub too vigorously, as this could erode the conductive paint, and block the button from firing when you press it. Examine the battery connector's terminals for loose solder connections. If this is the case, simply soldering them back in place can restore functionality to the button. repair car key can be used to restore function to any loose connections within the fob. Finally, if any of the buttons made of rubber that are on the front of the key fob stop working or require a long press to function, it is likely that the graphite disks that are on the back of the button are wearing out and need to be replaced. You can do this by rubbing a pen over the disks. This should bring the button back to life. If none of this is helpful, or if the button does not respond to a firm press, then it may be the case that the circuit board has become damaged. It is possible to fix this by a quick clean, and refitting, but it's best to have an extra fob in case this method doesn't work for you. Circuitry The circuit board in the remote control could be dirty regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob function or not. car key repair cost is often enough to resolve this issue. Broken cases and water are the most frequent causes of dirty boards. A broken case can allow water and other debris into the circuit board, causing it to short. Water can also eat away at pins and connectors on the board called via's. If you're able to open up your key fob and aren't afraid of a little mess, we can de-solder the buttons and put new ones in their place. It's also worth checking the connections between battery terminals. They can become 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 putting the button back into place is typically all that's needed to return a non-working key fob to working order. Non-Remote Transponder Chips Sealed non-remote transponder chips are much more durable than the remote fobs that contain them however they are still susceptible to being broken by a hole being drilled into them or run over by a lawnmower or door handle for a car. Most of the time non-remote transponder chip failures can be attributed to a blown fuse. If you're able to open a sealed non-remote key fob and can tolerate the mess, you can take off the circuit board and examine the fuse with a multimeter for proper diode function. If you're not sure with this, you can visit your local Oreilly or hardware store and use their RF frequency tester. This will inform you whether the key fob is sending a signal. Programming Key fobs take lots of abuse and aren't impervious to damage. They can lose their pairing to the receiver in your car due to shock or low battery, requiring the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or main dealer will be able to reprogram your key fob and get it back up and running. In the event that resetting and repairing your key fob doesn't work it could be the time to replace it all over again.