The 10 Worst Remote Key Repair Mistakes Of All Time Could Have Been Prevented
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, make sure that it's not the backup remote.
If the backup remote is able to lock and unlock your car doors, then there is likely an issue with the primary remote. The most frequent causes of car remote key failure are battery or circuitry issues.
Battery
It is not uncommon for the battery inside a key fob for cars to get worn out. It is fairly easy to replace batteries, but it is important to make sure that you choose the correct type and you can consult your owner's manual, or contact the manufacturer's dealer to find out the kind of battery you need. It's recommended to examine the battery compartment with care because dead batteries can leak caustic chemicals that can harm the remote. If changing the batteries doesn't solve the problem, it may be that there are other issues that require attention from a professional. For instance, if the buttons appear stuck or broken, it may be necessary to take the remote apart and rebuild its components. You could also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new remote.
Buttons
Key fobs can become filthy and worn out due to frequent use. This is not uncommon however it can cause buttons to stop working or require a difficult press to get them to work. This can be very frustrating, especially if you are away from home and need to start your car. Fortunately, even worn-out or broken buttons can usually be fixed with a bit of time and a few materials you have in the home.
First, make sure the batteries are charged correctly and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Open the remote carefully and look over the circuit board. Check for signs of corrosion or other signs that the buttons are worn or damaged, like missing conductive paint. Utilizing a Q-tip that has been dipped in alcohol to gently clean any membrane contacts that are damaged or where conductive paint is missing. Avoid rubbing too hard as this can erode the conductive paint and stop the button from firing when pressed.
Check the battery connector terminals carefully for any loose solder connections. If this is the case, simply reconnecting them can restore function to the button. The same process can be used to restore function to any other loose connections in the fob.
If, for instance, any of the rubber buttons on the front of the key fob aren't functioning or require a difficult press to function, it is likely that the graphite disks at the back of the button are wearing down and require replacement. This can be done by rubbing a pencil on the disks, which should bring the button back to working.
If all of this doesn't help, or if the button still doesn't respond to a hard press, then it may be because the circuit board itself has gone bad. It is possible to fix this by a quick clean and refitting, but it's best to have an extra fob in case this method does not work for you.
Circuitry
The circuit board inside the remote control could be dirty regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob function or not. A thorough examination will usually resolve this issue. Water and broken cases are the most common causes of dirty boards. A damaged case can allow water and other debris to enter the circuit board, causing it to short. Water can also destroy pins and connectors that are small on the board, which are known as via's.
If you're able to open your key fob and aren't afraid of making a mess, we can de-solder the buttons and then solder new ones in their place. Also, car key repair cost should check the connections between the battery terminals. If they're loose, the buttons could not function properly or become stuck in their down position. Soldering the terminals and buttons to their proper positions is usually enough to return a malfunctioning fob to a working condition.
Non-Remote transponder chips
The non-remote chips that are sealed are more durable than remote fobs. However, they are susceptible to cracking when a hole is made into them or when a door handle for a car or lawnmowers is pushed over them. Most of the time non-remote transponder chip malfunctions can be blamed on blowing fuses.
If you are not comfortable opening the key fob, you may remove the circuitboard and utilize a multimeter to determine if the diode is working correctly. If you're not comfortable with this, visit your local Oreilly or hardware store and utilize their RF frequency tester. This will inform you whether the key fob is sending a signal.
Programming
Key fobs endure many abuses and aren't impervious to damage. They can lose their pairing to the car's receiver due to shock or a low battery, which calls for them to be reprogrammed. A professional auto locksmith or dealer will be able to reprogram your key fob to get it back up and running. In the event that resetting or repairing your key fob fails it may be time to replace it entirely.