The 10 Most Dismal Remote Key Repair Errors Of All Time Could Have Been Prevented
How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working
If your key fob doesn't work A few easy steps can be taken to fix it. First, ensure that it's not the backup remote.
If the backup can lock and unlock your car door, it is most likely an issue with the main remote. Most problems with car remote keys are caused by circuitry or battery issues.
Battery
It is not uncommon to find a battery on the car key fob to wear out. It is fairly easy to replace a battery, although it is essential to make sure that you use the right type and you can consult your owner's manual, or contact the dealer of the manufacturer to determine the type of battery you need. It's recommended to examine the battery compartment with care, as dead batteries sometimes leak caustic chemicals that can damage the remote. If changing the batteries doesn't solve the problem, it may be that there are other issues that require attention from a professional. If buttons are damaged or stuck for instance it might be necessary to disassemble the remote and rework each component. You can also try reprogramming your vehicle to recognize the new key fob.
Buttons
Due to frequent use, key fobs may become worn and dirty. This is not unusual, but it can cause buttons to cease working or require a difficult press to get them to work. This can be very frustrating especially if you're away from home and need to start your car. Even broken or damaged buttons are often fixable with a little effort and the tools you already have at home.
First, make sure that the batteries have been correctly installed and that the indentation at the back of the button has been filled. Open the remote carefully and look over the circuit board. Check for signs of corrosion or other signs that buttons are worn out or damaged, such as missing conductive paint. Utilizing the Q-tip, dipped in alcohol, gently clean any membrane contacts that have become worn or where conductive paint is missing. Avoid rubbing too hard, as this can erode the conductive paint and block the button from firing when pressed.
Check the battery connector's terminals carefully for any loose solder connections. If this is the case, simply reconnecting them may bring back function to the button. The same method can be used to restore function to any loose connections within the fob.
If, for instance, any of the buttons made of rubber that are on the front of the key fob stop working or require a very 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. This can usually be done by rubbing a pencil across the disks, which will bring the button back to working.
If none of this is helpful, or if the button doesn't respond to a hard push It could be the case that the circuit board has become damaged. This can sometimes be repaired by a quick clean, and replacing the solder, but it is best to have an extra fob available in the event this method doesn't work for you.
Circuitry
If the keys fob buttons are functioning the circuit board in your remote may be dirty. This problem can be resolved by a thorough inspection. The most common causes of dirty circuit boards is water and broken cases. A damaged case could let water and other debris to get into the circuit board, causing it to short. Water can also eat away at pins and small connectors on the board called via's.
If you're able to open your key fob and you don't mind making an mess, you can remove the buttons from their sockets and then solder new ones. Also, it's worth checking the connections between battery terminals. They can get very dirty and if they're loose, the buttons might not work or even stay in their down position. Soldering the terminals and buttons into place is usually enough to restore a non-working fob to a working condition.
Non-Remote Transponder Chips
The non-remote chips sealed in a sealed case are more durable than remote fobs, but they are susceptible to cracking if a hole is drilled into them or in the event that a door handle of a car or lawnmowers plows over them. Failures of the fuse are typically to blame for non-remote chip failures.
If you're handy enough to open up the sealed key fob and are able to bear the mess, you can easily remove the circuit board and examine the fuse using a multimeter for proper diode function. If remote key fob repair about doing this, visit your local hardware store or Oreilly's and they usually have a radio frequency tester that can tell you whether the key fob sending a signal.
Programming
Key fobs endure a lot 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, requiring the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or main dealer can reprogram your key fob to get it working again. If resetting or fixing your key fob fails, you may need to replace it.
