A Relevant Rant About Remote Key Repair
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. The first step is to be sure that it's not your backup remote.
If the backup can lock and unlock your car doors, it is most likely an issue with the main remote. The most common causes for key problems with your car remote are issues with the circuitry or battery.
Battery
It is not uncommon to find a battery on a car key fob to get worn out. It is easy to replace the battery. However, it is important that you choose the right type. You can refer to the owner's manual or contact the manufacturer to inquire about the correct type. It is also crucial to examine 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. If the buttons are broken or stuck, for example it could be necessary to disassemble the remote and rework each component. You could also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new key fob.
Buttons
Key fobs can become dirty and worn out from repeated use. It is not uncommon for buttons to stop functioning, or require a hard press to get them working. mobile key repair near me can be very frustrating especially if you're away from home and need to start your car. Fortunately, even worn out or malfunctioning buttons can often be fixed with just a bit of time and a few items you might already have in the house.
First, check that the batteries are up correctly and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Take the remote apart and inspect the circuit board. Check for indications of rust or other signs the buttons have been damaged or worn out. For instance, conductive paint may be missing. Use a Q-tip that has been dipped in rubbing alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that is damaged or has conductive paint missing. Avoid rubbing too hard, since this could cause damage to the conductive painting and prevent the button from firing when pressed.
Examine the battery connector's terminals for loose solder connections. Soldering them back into place will restore the button's functionality If this is the situation. You can use the same method to restore functionality to any other loose connection inside the fob.
If any of the rubber buttons at the front of the keyfob are not functioning or require to be pressed extremely hard the graphite disks on the back of the button could have worn out and need to replaced. You can usually do this by rubbing a pencil over the disks. This should bring the button to life.
If none of these solutions work or you are unable to get the button to respond when pressed hard, it is possible that the circuitry has failed. It is possible to fix the issue by cleaning and re-soldering your fob but you should also have another spare in case it does not work.
Circuitry
The circuit board of the remote control could be dirty regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob are working or not. A thorough inspection will usually resolve this issue. 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 electronics. Water can also eat away at pins and small connectors on the board called via's.
If you're handy enough to remove your key fob, and you're not afraid of a little 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 might not function properly or become stuck in their down position. Soldering the terminals, and putting the button back in place is usually all that's needed to return keys that are not in working order.
Non-Remote Transponder Chips
The non-remote chips that are sealed are more durable than remote fobs, but they are susceptible to cracking 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 attributed to blowing fuses.
If you're not comfortable opening the key fob, remove the circuitboard and utilize a multimeter to verify that the diode is working properly. If you're unsure about doing this, go to your local hardware store or the Oreilly's and they'll usually have an RF frequency tester that will determine if the key fob is sending a signal.
Programming
Key fobs aren't indestructible and can be damaged by a lot of things. They can lose their pairing with the receiver in your vehicle due to shocks or a low-battery, which requires the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith, or main dealer can reprogram the key fob and get it back working again. In the event that resetting or repairing your key fob doesn't work it may be time to replace it all over again.