It's The Ugly The Truth About Remote Key Repair
How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working If your key fob isn't working A few easy steps can fix it. First, ensure that it's not the backup remote. If the backup remote is able to lock and unlock your car doors then there's a likely issue with the primary remote. key fob repair near me result from circuitry or battery problems. Battery It is not unusual for the battery in the car key fob to wear out. It is simple to replace the battery. However it is essential that you choose the right type. You can refer to your owner's guide or contact the manufacturer to inquire about the right type. It is also important to examine the battery compartment, as batteries that are not working properly can release caustic chemicals which can damage the remote. If changing the battery doesn't solve the issue there could be other issues that require professional attention. If buttons are stuck or broken, for example, it may be necessary take the remote apart and rework each component. You could also try reprogramming your vehicle to recognize the new key fob. Buttons Through repeated use, key fobs could become worn and dirty. This is not unusual, but it can cause buttons to stop functioning or require a hard press for them to work. This can be a huge hassle especially if you're away from home and you need to start your vehicle. Fortunately, even worn-out or damaged buttons can be fixed with a bit of time and a few materials you have in the home. First, make sure that the batteries are correctly inserted and that the indentation at the back of the button is filled. Open the remote carefully and inspect the circuit board. Examine for signs of rust or other signs that the buttons are worn or damaged, such as missing paint that is conductive. Use a Q-tip dipped into rubbing alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that has become worn-out or where conductive painting is missing. Avoid rubbing too hard, since this could cause damage to the conductive paint and block the button firing when the button is pressed. Check the battery connector's terminals for loose solder connections. If this is the case, simply connecting them back can bring back function to the button. You can use the same process to restore functionality to any other loose connection in the fob. If, for instance, any of the buttons made of rubber that are on the front of the key fob aren't working or require a very long press to function it is likely the graphite disks at the back of the button are deteriorating and need to be replaced. It is usually done by rubbing a pencil over the disks. This should bring the button back to life. If all of this doesn't help or if the button still doesn't respond to a firm press It could be the case that the circuit board itself has become damaged. This can sometimes be repaired by a quick clean, and refitting, but it's recommended to have an additional fob available in the event this method doesn't work for you. Circuitry The circuit board inside the remote control could be dirty, regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob are working or not. The issue can be solved through a thorough examination. The most common causes of dirty circuit boards is water and damaged cases. A damaged case can allow water and other debris to get in and short circuit the electronic components. Water can also damage 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 a mess, we can remove the buttons from their sockets and put in new ones. It's also worth checking the connections between the battery terminals. If they are 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 required to return keys that are not in working condition. Non-Remote Transponder Chips Sealed non-remote transponder chips are more durable than the remote fobs that have them but they can still be damaged by a hole that is that is drilled into them or over by a lawnmower or car door handle. The failure of the fuse is usually to blame for non-remote chips failures. If you are not comfortable opening the key fob, you may take the circuit board off and use a multimeter to check that the diode is functioning correctly. If you're not comfortable 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 transmits an RF signal. Programming Key fobs endure lots of abuse and aren't completely indestructible. They may lose their connection with the receiver in your vehicle due to shocks or a low battery, requiring the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or a main dealer will be able to reprogram your key fob and get it back up and running. If resetting or fixing your keyfob does not work, you may need to replace it.