Remote Key Repair: The Ugly Real Truth Of Remote Key Repair
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How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working
If your key fob won't work and you're not sure why, you can fix it with just a few steps. First, check to make sure it's not the backup remote.
If your backup remote can unlock and lock the doors of your car, then it is most likely that the primary remote isn't working. Most car remote key failures are caused by circuitry or battery issues.
Battery
It is not uncommon for the battery in a key fob for cars to degrade. It is simple to replace batteries. However it is essential to select the right type. You can refer to the owner's manual or contact the manufacturer to inquire about the correct type. It's recommended to examine the battery compartment with care since dead batteries may leak caustic chemicals that can damage the remote. If changing the batteries does not solve the problem, it may be that there are other issues that require professional attention. If buttons are stuck or broken for instance, it may be necessary take the remote apart and rework each component. You could also try reprogramming your car to recognize the new key fob.
Buttons
Key fobs can get filthy and worn out due to frequent use. It is not common for buttons to stop functioning, or require a hard press to make them work. This can be very frustrating, especially if you are away from home and need to start your vehicle. Even malfunctioning or worn-out buttons are often fixable with a little time and the tools you already have at home.
First, check that the batteries are correctly placed 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 indications that the buttons are worn out or damaged, like missing conductive paint. Use a Q-tip, dipped in alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that is damaged or where conductive paint is missing. Avoid rubbing too hard because this could damage the conductive painting and prevent the button from firing when it is pressed.
Also, carefully check the battery connector terminals for any loose solder connections. Soldering them back to their original position can restore the button's functionality in the event that this is the situation. The same procedure can be used to restore function to any other loose connections inside the fob.
In the end, if any of the buttons made of rubber on the front of the key fob have stopped working or require a hard press to work it is likely the graphite disks on the back of the button are wearing down and require replacement. It is usually done by rubbing a pen over the disks. This should bring the button back to life.
If none of this is useful, or if the button does not respond to a firm press It could be that the circuit board itself has become damaged. It is possible to fix the issue more info by cleaning and re-soldering your fob but you should also have more info another spare in case it does not work.
Circuitry
The circuit board in your remote control could be dirty regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob are working or not. A thorough inspection is usually enough to fix this issue. Broken cases and water are the most common causes of boards that are dirty. A damaged case can allow water and other debris to pass remote key repairs through and short out the electronic components. Water can also eat away at pins and small connectors on the board called via's.
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 put in new ones. Also, you should check the connections between battery terminals. They can become very filthy and if they're not tight enough, the buttons may not work or may even remain in their down position. Soldering terminals and buttons back into place is usually enough to bring a non-working fob back to working.
Non-Remote Transponder Chips
Sealed non-remote transponder chips are more durable than remote fobs they are contained in, but they can be cracked by a hole drilled into them or run over by a lawnmowers or door handle for a car. The majority of non-remote transponder chip failures can be blamed on blowing fuses.
If you're handy enough to remove a sealed non-remote key fob and are willing to put up with the mess, you can easily remove the circuit board and examine the fuse with a multimeter for proper diode function. If you don't feel comfortable with this, you can visit your local Oreilly or hardware store and use their more info RF frequency tester. This will let you know whether the key fob is sending an RF signal.
Programming
Key fobs take lots of repair car key near me abuse and aren't completely indestructible. They may lose their connection to the receiver in your car because of shock or a low battery, which calls for the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or the main dealer can reprogram your key fob and get it back up and running again. If resetting or fixing your keyfob does not work it is possible to replace it.