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What's The Ugly Facts About Remote Key Repair
How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob does not work and you're not sure why, you can fix it with some simple steps. First, check to make sure it's not your backup remote.

If the backup remote is able to lock and unlock your car door, it is most likely an issue with the main remote. Most problems with car remote keys are caused by circuitry or battery problems.

Battery

The battery in a key fob can wear out over time. It is quite simple to replace the battery, however it is important to ensure that you choose the correct type that you can refer to your owner's manual or contact the dealer for the manufacturer to find out what kind of battery you need. It is also important to inspect the battery compartment, since batteries that are not working properly can release caustic chemicals which can damage the remote. If changing the batteries does not solve the issue it could be because there are other issues that require professional attention. For instance, if the buttons appear stuck or broken, it may be necessary to disassemble the remote and rework its components. You can also try reprogramming your vehicle to recognize the new key fob.

Buttons

Key fobs can get dirty and worn-out from repeated use. It is not uncommon to have buttons stop working, or to require a hefty press to make them work. This can be very frustrating particularly if you're out of town and need to start your vehicle. Fortunately, even worn-out or malfunctioning buttons can often be fixed with just a bit of time and some of the materials you might already have in the home.

First, make sure the batteries are properly charged and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Open the remote carefully and look over the circuit board. Examine for signs of rust or other signs that buttons are worn out or damaged, such as missing the conductive paint. Use a Q-tip, dipped in rubbing alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that is worn out or where conductive paint is missing. Avoid rubbing too hard, as this can erode the conductive painting and prevent the button firing when pressed.

Also, make sure to inspect the battery connector terminals for any loose solder connections. Soldering them back to their original position will allow the button to function again in the event that this is the situation. The same method can be used to restore function to any loose connections inside the fob.

If any of the rubber buttons at the front of the keyfob are not working or require being pressed very hard the graphite disks on the back of the button might have worn out and require replacement. This can be done by rubbing a pencil across the disks, which will bring the button back to working.

If none of these solutions work, or if you still are unable to get the button to respond when you press it hard, it is possible that the circuitry has failed. This can sometimes be repaired by a quick clean, and refitting, but it's best to have an extra fob on hand in the event that this method doesn't work for you.

Circuitry

The circuit board of your remote control may be dirty regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob work or not. The issue can be solved by a thorough inspection. The most common causes for dirty circuit boards are water and damaged cases. A damaged case can allow water and other debris to enter and short circuit the electronics. Water can also eat away at pins and connectors on the board, which are known as via's.

If you are handy enough to open your key fob and you don't mind making an mess, you can take the buttons out of their sockets and solder in new ones. It's also worth checking the connections between the battery terminals. key fob repairs can get very filthy and if they're not tight enough, the buttons might not function or even stick in their down position. Soldering the terminals and buttons into place is usually enough to restore a non-working fob to a working condition.

Non-Remote transponder chips

Sealed non-remote transponder chip are more durable than the remote fobs that have them but they can be broken by a hole being that is drilled into them or over by a lawnmowers blade or car door handle. Fuse failures are usually to blame for non-remote chip failures.


If you're handy enough to open the sealed key fob and are able to bear the mess, you can easily remove the circuit board and test the fuse using an instrument to verify diode function. If you're not comfortable with this, visit your local Oreilly or hardware store and utilize their RF frequency tester. This will tell you whether the key fob sends signals.

Programming

Key fobs take a lot of abuse and aren't indestructible. They can break their connection with the receiver inside your vehicle due to shocks or low battery, requiring reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or a main dealer can reprogram your key fob to get it working again. If, in the unlikely event that resetting and fixing your key fob doesn't work it could be the time to replace it completely.

Read More: https://www.g28carkeys.co.uk/car-key-repairs-near-me/