11 Ways To Completely Sabotage Your Remote Key Repair
How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working
If your key fob does not work, you can fix it by following a few simple steps. The first step is to be sure that it's not your backup remote.
If your backup remote is unable to unlock and lock the doors of your car, then it is likely that the primary remote isn't working. The majority of car remote key malfunctions are caused by circuitry or battery problems.
Battery
The battery in the key fob may get worn out over the course of time. It is relatively easy to change out the battery, however it is important to ensure that you use the right type and you can consult the owner's manual or talk to the dealer for the manufacturer to find out the kind of battery you need. It is also essential to examine the battery compartment, since batteries that are not working properly can release caustic chemicals that can harm the remote. If changing the batteries doesn't solve the issue it could be because there are other issues that require professional attention. For instance, if buttons seem stuck or broken it could be necessary to disassemble the remote and rebuild its components. You could also try reprogramming your car to recognize the new key fob.
Buttons
Through frequent use, key fobs can become worn and dirty. It is not common for buttons to stop working, or to require a long press to get them working. This can be very frustrating, especially when you are away from home and have to turn on your car. Even worn-out or malfunctioning buttons are often fixable with a little effort and the tools you already have at home.
First, ensure that the batteries are charged correctly and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Then, carefully open up the remote and examine the circuit board. Look for signs of corrosion or other signs that the buttons are worn out or damaged, like missing conductive paint. Use a Q-tip dipped into rubbing alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that is worn out or where conductive painting is missing. Avoid rubbing too hard, as this can erode the conductive paint and block the button from firing when the button is pressed.
Examine car key fob repair service for loose solder connections. If this is the case, soldering them back in place may restore function to the button. The same method can be used to restore functionality to any other loose connections inside the fob.
Finally, if any of the buttons made of rubber that are on the front of the key fob aren't functioning or require a hard press to work, it is likely that the graphite disks on the back of the button are wearing down and require replacement. You can usually do this by rubbing a pencil over the disks. This should bring the button back to life.
If none of this is helpful or if the button still does not respond to a firm press It could be the case that the circuit board itself has become damaged. It is possible to fix this by a quick clean and re-soldering, but it is best to have an extra fob in case this method fails for you.
Circuitry
The circuit board of your remote control could be dirty regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob function or not. This issue can be fixed through a thorough examination. Broken and damaged cases are the most frequent causes of boards that are dirty. A damaged case can allow water and other debris to get in and short out the electronic components. Water can also eat through pins and vias, which are small connectors on the board.
If you're handy enough to open up your key fob and don't mind some mess, we can take off the buttons and solder new ones in their place. It's also worth checking the battery terminal connections. They can become very dirty and if they're loose, the buttons might not function or even stay in their down position. Soldering the terminals back into place is usually enough to bring a non-working fob to working.
Non-Remote Transponder Chips
The sealed non-remote chips are more durable than their remote fobs, however they are susceptible to breaking if a hole is drilled in them, or in the event that a door handle of a car or lawnmower runs over them. Failures of the fuse are typically to blame for non-remote chip failures.
If you're handy enough to remove a sealed non-remote key fob and are willing to put up with the mess, you can take off the circuit board and test the fuse with an instrument to verify diode function. If you're not confident doing this, visit 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 signals.
Programming
Key fobs aren't indestructible and are susceptible to being damaged by a variety of factors. They can lose their pairing with the receiver in your vehicle due to shocks or low-battery, which requires the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or the main dealer can reprogram your keyfob and get it up and running again. If, in the unlikely event that resetting and repairing your key fob doesn't work it could be the time to replace it entirely.