The 10 Most Scariest Things About Remote Key Repair
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How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working
If your key fob doesn't work and you're not sure why, you can fix it by following some simple steps. First, check to make sure it's not the backup remote.
If the backup can lock and unlock your car doors it is most likely an issue with the primary remote. The most common causes of key malfunctions for car remotes are battery or circuitry issues.
Battery
It is not unusual to find a battery on the key fob for cars to degrade. It is simple to replace a battery. However, it is important that you use the correct kind. You can consult your owner's manual or call the manufacturer to determine the correct type. It is recommended to examine the battery compartment with care because dead batteries can release caustic chemicals that could harm the remote. If replacing the battery does not fix the problem there could be other issues that require professional attention. If the buttons are damaged or stuck, for example it might be necessary to take the remote apart and rework each component. It is also possible to reprogramme the vehicle to recognize the new remote.
Buttons
Through frequent use, key fobs could wear out and become dirty. This is not uncommon however it can cause buttons to stop working or require a long press to work. This can be very frustrating particularly if you're out of town and need to start your vehicle. Even malfunctioning or worn-out buttons are often fixable with a bit of time and the tools you already have at home.
First, make sure the batteries are charged correctly and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Then, carefully remove the remote and examine the circuit board. Examine for signs of rust or other signs the buttons are damaged or worn. For instance there could be conductive paint missing. Utilizing a Q-tip that has been dipped in alcohol to gently clean any membrane contacts that have become worn or have conductive paint missing. Don't rub too hard as this can damage the conductive paint and stop the button from firing when it is more info pressed.
Examine the battery connector's terminals for loose solder connections. If this is the case, soldering them back in place may restore function to the button. You can use the same procedure to restore functionality to any other loose connection inside the fob.
If any of the rubber buttons located at the front of the keyfob are not working or require being press extremely hard the graphite disks at the back of the button might have worn out and require replacement. This is usually more info done by rubbing a pencil across the disks. This should bring the button back to life.
If none of these solutions work, or if you still cannot get the button to respond when you press it hard, it could be that the circuitry has failed. It is possible to fix this by cleaning and re-soldering your fob however, you should have a spare in case it doesn't work.
Circuitry
The circuit board of your remote control may check here be dirty regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob are working or not. A thorough inspection will usually resolve this problem. The most common causes of dirty circuit boards are water and broken cases. A damaged case can let water and other debris to enter the circuit board, which can cause it to short. Water can also damage pins and connectors on key repairs the board, referred to as via's.
If you're able to remove your key fob and don't mind making a mess, we can remove the solder from the buttons and put new ones in their place. It's also worth checking the battery terminal connections. If they're loose, the buttons may not function properly or become stuck in their down position. Soldering the terminals back to their original positions is often enough to return a malfunctioning fob to working.
Non-Remote transponder chips
The sealed non-remote chips are more durable than remote fobs, however they are susceptible to cracking if a hole is drilled in them, or when a door handle for a car or lawnmowers plows over them. The majority of non-remote transponder chip failures could be attributed to blowing fuses.
If you're able to remove the sealed key fob and are willing to put up with the mess, you can take off the circuit board and examine the fuse with an instrument to verify diode function. If you're not comfortable with this, you can go to your local Oreilly or hardware store and use their RF frequency tester. This will inform you whether the key fob sends an RF signal.
Programming
Key fobs aren't impervious to destruction and are susceptible to being damaged through a variety of causes. They can lose their pairing to the receiver in your car because of shock or a low battery, which requires the reprogramming. A website professional auto locksmith or a main dealer will be able to reprogram your key fob and get it working again. If resetting or replacing your keyfob does not work it may be necessary to replace it.