10 Quick Tips For Remote Key Repair
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How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working
If your key fob doesn't work There are a few simple steps that can be taken to fix it. First, ensure that it's not your backup remote.
If the backup is able to lock and unlock your car doors then there's a likely issue with the primary remote. Most car remote key failures result from battery or circuitry problems.
Battery
It is not uncommon for the battery in the key fob for cars to get worn out. It is simple to replace the battery. However, it is important that you use the correct kind. You can refer to your owner's guide or contact the manufacturer to inquire about the right type. It is recommended to inspect the battery compartment carefully because dead batteries can leak caustic chemicals that can damage the remote. If changing the battery doesn't fix the issue there could be other issues that require attention from a professional. For instance, if the buttons seem stuck or broken it could be necessary to take the remote apart and rework its parts. It is also possible to reprogramme the vehicle to recognize the new fob.
Buttons
From frequent use, key fobs may become worn and dirty. It is not common to have buttons stop working, or to require a hard press to make them work. This can be frustrating particularly when you're away from home and need to turn on your car. Fortunately, even worn out or malfunctioning buttons can often be fixed with a bit of time and a few items you may already have around the house.
First, make sure the batteries are charged correctly and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Then, carefully open up the remote and inspect the circuit board. Look for signs of corrosion or other indications that the buttons are worn out or damaged, like missing conductive paint. Use a Q-tip that has been dipped in alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that is damaged or where conductive painting is missing. Do not rub too vigorously in order to damage the conductive paint, and block the button from firing when pressed.
Also, make sure to inspect the battery connector's terminals to ensure an unattached solder connection. If this is the case, simply reconnecting them can bring back function to the button. You can use the same process to restore functionality to any other loose connection inside the fob.
In the end, if any of the rubber buttons on the front of the key fob aren't working or require a very hard press to work it is likely that the graphite disks at the back of the button are wearing out and require replacement. 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 not be able to get the button respond when you press it hard, it could be that the circuitry has failed. This get more info can be fixed here by a quick clean and re-soldering, but click here it is ideal to have a spare fob available in the event this method does not work for you.
Circuitry
The circuit board inside your remote control may be dirty regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob work or not. A very thorough inspection will usually resolve this issue. The most frequent causes of dirty circuit boards are water and broken cases. A damaged case can allow water and other debris to pass through and short out the electronics. Water can also eat away at pins and connectors on the board called via's.
If you're able to open your key fob and don't mind some mess, we can de-solder the buttons and solder new ones in their place. It's also worth looking at the battery terminal connections. They can become extremely filthy and if they're not tight enough, the buttons might not work or even stay in their down position. Soldering the terminals and buttons into place is usually enough to return a malfunctioning fob to a working condition.
Non-Remote Transponder Chips
The sealed non-remote chips are more durable than their remote fobs. However, they are susceptible to breaking when a hole is made into them or when a more info door handle for a car or lawnmowers plows over them. Fuse failures are usually the cause of non-remote chip failures.
If you're handy enough to remove a key fob that is sealed and are able to bear the mess, you can remove the circuit board and test the fuse with a multimeter for proper diode function. If you're not comfortable doing this, head to your local hardware store or Oreilly's and they'll usually have a radio frequency tester that can determine whether the key fob sending a signal.
Programming
Key fobs endure lots of abuse and aren't completely indestructible. They may lose their connection with the receiver inside your vehicle due to shocks or a low-battery, which requires reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or a main dealer can reprogram your key fob and get it back up and running. If resetting or replacing the keyfob website is not working it is possible to replace it.