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How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working
If your key fob doesn't work then you can fix it by following some simple steps. The first step is to be sure that it's not the backup remote.
If lock key repair near me is able to lock and unlock your car doors then there's a likely issue with the primary remote. Most car remote key failures are caused by battery or circuitry problems.
Battery
It is not unusual to find a battery on the car key fob to degrade. It is easy to replace batteries. However, it is important that you use the correct type. You can consult your owner's guide or contact the manufacturer to determine the right type. It is recommended to examine the battery compartment thoroughly because dead batteries can leak harmful chemicals that can cause damage to the remote. If changing the batteries doesn't solve the issue, it may be that there are other issues that require attention by a professional. For instance, if buttons appear stuck or broken, it may be necessary to take the remote apart and rework its parts. You can also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new fob.
Buttons
From repeated use, key fobs could become worn and dirty. key repair service is not uncommon however it can cause buttons to stop working or require a very difficult press to get them to work. This can be very frustrating especially when you're away from your home and need to turn on your car. Fortunately, even worn-out or damaged buttons can be fixed with a little time and some of the materials you have in the house.
First, check that the batteries are correctly installed and that the indentation at the back of the button is filled. Take the remote apart and look over the circuit board. Look for signs of corrosion or other signs that the buttons are worn or damaged, such as missing paint that is conductive. Use a Q-tip, dipped in rubbing alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that has worn-out or has conductive paint missing. Avoid rubbing too hard as this can erode the conductive paint and block the button from firing when it is pressed.
Also, be sure to check the battery connector's terminals to ensure any loose solder connections. Soldering them back to their original position can restore the button's functionality in the event that this is the situation. The same procedure can be used to restore function to any loose connections in the fob.
Finally, if any of the buttons made of rubber on the front of the key fob stop working or require a difficult press to function, it is likely that the graphite disks that are on the back of the button are wearing down and need to be replaced. This can usually be done by rubbing a pencil over the disks, which will bring the button back 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 is failing. It is possible to fix this with a quick clean and replacing the solder, but it is best to have an extra fob available in the event this method doesn't work for you.
Circuitry
The circuit board of your remote control could be dirty, regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob work or not. This problem can be resolved through a thorough examination. The most common causes for dirty circuit boards is water and damaged cases. A damaged case can allow water and other debris to enter and short out the electronics. Water can also eat away at pins and small connectors on the board, referred to as via's.
If you're handy enough to open your key fob and don't mind a little mess, we can de-solder the buttons and then solder new ones in their place. It's also worth examining the battery terminal connections. If they are loose, the buttons could not work or even become stuck in their down position. Soldering the terminals back into place is usually enough to return a malfunctioning fob to a working condition.
Non-Remote Transponder Chips
Sealed non-remote transponder chips are much more durable than the remote fobs that have them but they can be broken by a hole being drilled into them or run over by a lawnmowers or door handle for a car. Most of the time non-remote transponder chip malfunctions can be blamed on blowing fuses.
If you're not confident opening the key fob, you may take the circuit board off and use a multimeter to verify that the diode is working properly. If you're not sure with this, go to your local Oreilly or hardware store and utilize their RF frequency tester. This will tell you whether the key fob is sending signals.
Programming
Key fobs aren't impervious to destruction and can be damaged through a variety of causes. They may lose their connection to the car's receiver due to shock or a low battery, requiring the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or main dealer can reprogram your key fob and get it back up and running. In the rarer case that resetting and fixing your key fob isn't working it could be the time to replace it entirely.