5 Laws That Can Help The Remote Key Repair Industry
How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working
If your key fob doesn't work then you can fix it with a few simple steps. First, check to make sure it's not the backup remote.
If the backup can lock and unlock your car door, it is most likely an issue with the primary remote. The most frequent causes of key problems with your car remote are issues with the circuitry or battery.
Battery
The battery inside the key fob could be worn out over time. It is easy to replace a battery. However it is essential that you choose the right type. You can refer to your owner's manual or call the manufacturer to find out the correct type. It is also essential to examine the battery compartment as batteries that are not working properly can release 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 professional attention. If buttons are broken or stuck, for example, it may be necessary remove the remote and rebuild each component. You could also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new device.
Buttons
From repeated use, key fobs could get dirty and worn. This is not atypical however it can cause buttons to stop functioning or require a difficult press to get them to work. This can be very frustrating, especially if you are out of town and need to start your vehicle. Fortunately, even worn-out or broken buttons can usually be fixed with a little time and some of the materials you have in the home.
First, ensure that the batteries are charged correctly and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Then, carefully remove the remote and inspect the circuit board. Check for signs of corrosion or other indications that the buttons are worn out or damaged, like missing the conductive paint. Use a Q-tip dipped into alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that is worn-out or where conductive paint is missing. Do not rub too vigorously, as this could erode the conductive paint and prevent the button from firing when it is pressed.
Also, make sure to inspect the battery connector's terminals for a loose solder connection. Soldering them back to their original position will restore the button's functionality If this is the situation. The same method can be used to restore function to any loose connections in the fob.
Finally, if any of the rubber buttons on the front of the key fob stop functioning or require a long press to function, it is likely that the graphite disks on the back of the button are deteriorating and need to be replaced. This is usually done by rubbing a pencil on the disks. This should bring the button back to life.
If all of this doesn't help or if the button doesn't respond to a hard push It could be because the circuit board is damaged. car key fob repair is possible to fix the issue by cleaning and re-soldering the button however, you should have a spare in case it does not work.
Circuitry
The circuit board of the remote control could be dirty regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob are working or not. A very thorough inspection is often enough to resolve this issue. The most common causes for dirty circuit boards are water and damaged cases. A broken case can let water and other debris to get into the circuit board, causing it to short out. Water can also eat away at pins and small connectors on the board, referred to as via's.
If you're able to open up your key fob and don't mind a little mess, we can take off the buttons and then solder new ones in their place. It's also worth checking the connections between the battery terminals. If they are loose, the buttons could not function or get stuck in their down position. Soldering terminals and buttons back to their original positions is often enough to bring a non-working fob back to working.
Non-Remote Transponder Chips
Sealed non-remote transponder chips are more durable than 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 door handle for a car. Most of the time non-remote transponder chip malfunctions can be blamed on blowing fuses.
If you're able to remove a key fob that is sealed and are able to bear the mess, you can easily remove the circuit board and examine the fuse with a multimeter for proper diode function. If you're not sure with this, you can go to your local Oreilly or hardware store and use their RF frequency tester. This will let you know whether the key fob transmits signals.
Programming
Key fobs aren't impervious to destruction and are susceptible to being damaged by a lot of things. key fob repair may lose their connection with the receiver in your vehicle because of shocks or a low-battery, which requires the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or a dealer in the main can reprogram your key fob and get it back up and running again. In the event that resetting and repairing your key fob isn't working it may be time to replace it all over again.