How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working If your key fob doesn't work, you can fix it by following just a few steps. The first step is to be sure that it's not the backup remote. If your backup remote cannot lock and unlock the doors of your vehicle, it is likely that the main remote isn't working. The most common causes for key problems with your car remote are issues with the circuitry or battery. Battery It is not uncommon for the battery in a key fob for cars to wear out. It is easy to replace a battery. However it is essential that you use the correct kind. You can consult your owner's manual or call the manufacturer to inquire about the correct type. It's also a good idea to examine the battery compartment carefully because dead batteries can release caustic chemicals that could cause damage to the remote. If replacing the battery does not solve the issue there may be additional issues that require attention from a professional. For key fob repairs , if buttons appear stuck or broken It may be necessary to disassemble the remote and rework its components. You could also try reprogramming your vehicle to recognize the new key fob. Buttons Key fobs may become dirty and worn-out from repeated use. This is not atypical, but it can cause buttons to stop working or require a very long press to function. This can be a hassle particularly when you're away from your home and have to switch on your car. Fortunately, even worn out or malfunctioning buttons can often be fixed with a bit of time and some of the materials you have in the home. First, make sure the batteries are properly charged and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Then, open the remote with care and examine the circuit board. Check for indications of rust or other indications that the buttons are damaged or worn out. For example the paint that conducts electricity could be missing. Use a Q-tip that has been dipped in rubbing alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that is worn-out or where conductive paint is missing. Don't rub too hard, as this could erode the conductive paint and prevent the button from firing when it is pressed. Examine the battery connector's terminals for loose solder connections. If this is the case, soldering them back in place may bring back function to the button. You can use 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 aren't working or require being pressed extremely hard the graphite disks on the back of the button could 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 this is useful or if the button still doesn't respond to a firm press It could be the case that the circuit board has become damaged. It is possible to fix this with a quick clean and replacing the solder, but it is best to have an extra fob available in the event this method fails for you. Circuitry The circuit board of your remote control may be dirty, regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob work or not. The issue can be solved through a thorough examination. The most frequent causes of dirty circuit boards are water and broken cases. A damaged case can allow water and other debris to enter the circuit board, which can cause it to short out. Water can also damage pins and vias, which are tiny connectors that are found on the board. If you're able to remove your key fob and aren't afraid of some mess, we can remove the solder from the buttons and then solder new ones in their place. It's also worth examining the battery terminal connections. They can become very filthy and if they're not tight enough, the buttons might not work or may even remain in their down position. Soldering terminals and buttons back into place is usually enough to return a malfunctioning fob to working. Non-Remote Transponder Chips Sealed non-remote transponder chip are more durable than the remote fobs they are contained in, however they are still susceptible to being broken by a hole being drilled into them or run over by a lawnmowers blade or door handle for a car. Most of the time non-remote transponder chip malfunctions can be blamed on an exploded fuse. If you're able to open up a key fob that is sealed and are able to bear the mess, you can remove the circuit board and check the fuse with an instrument to verify diode function. If you're not comfortable doing this, go to your local hardware store or Oreilly's and they'll usually have a radio frequency tester that can tell you whether the key fob sending a signal. Programming Key fobs are not indestructible and are susceptible to damage by a variety of factors. They may lose their connection with the receiver in your vehicle due to shocks or a low-battery, which requires the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or dealer can reprogram your key fob to get it back up and running. If, in the unlikely event that resetting and repairing your key fob fails it may be time to replace it completely.
key fob repairs
