10 Facts About Remote Key Repair That Make You Feel Instantly A Good Mood
How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working If your key fob doesn't work A few easy steps can be taken to fix it. car remote key repair is to 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 main remote. The most frequent causes of car remote key failure are circuitry or battery issues. Battery The battery in a key fob can wear out over time. It is simple to replace a battery. However it is crucial that you choose the right type. You can check your owner's guide or contact the manufacturer to determine the right type. It's also a good idea to inspect the battery compartment thoroughly, as dead batteries sometimes leak caustic chemicals that can damage the remote. If changing the batteries does not solve the problem it could be that there are other issues that require attention from a professional. If buttons are stuck or broken for instance it might be necessary to remove the remote and rebuild each component. You can also try reprogramming your car to recognize the new key fob. Buttons Due to repeated use, key fobs could wear out and become dirty. This is not unusual however it can cause buttons to stop functioning or require a difficult press to get them to work. This can be a huge hassle particularly if you're away from home and need to start your vehicle. Fortunately, even worn-out or malfunctioning buttons can often be fixed with just a bit of time and a few items you may already have around the home. First, check that the batteries are up correctly and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Take the remote apart and examine the circuit board. Look for signs of corrosion or other indications that buttons are worn out or damaged, like missing paint that is conductive. Utilizing the Q-tip, dipped in rubbing alcohol, gently clean any membrane contacts that have worn or where conductive paint is missing. Avoid rubbing too hard as this can erode the conductive painting and prevent the button from firing when pressed. Also, be sure to check the battery connector's terminals to ensure an unattached solder connection. If this is the case, simply reconnecting them can bring back function to the button. You can use the same method to restore functionality to any other loose connection within the fob. If any of the rubber buttons located at the front of the keyfob are not working or need to be press very hard the graphite disks on the back of the button could have worn out and will need to replaced. This can be done by rubbing a pencil across the disks. This should bring the button back to life. If none of this is helpful, or if the button doesn't respond to a hard push, then it may be that the circuit board itself has gone bad. It is possible to fix this by a quick clean, and replacing the solder, but it is best to have an extra fob on hand in the event that this method does not work for you. Circuitry Whether or not the key fob buttons are working the circuit board that is inside your remote might be dirty. The issue can be solved through a thorough examination. The most common causes for dirty circuit boards is water and damaged cases. A damaged case allows water and other debris to pass through and short out the electronic components. Water can also destroy pins and small connectors on the board, which are known as via's. If you're able to open your key fob, and you don't mind making some mess, we can take the buttons out of their sockets and solder in new ones. It's also worth looking at the battery terminal connections. They can become extremely filthy and if they're not tight enough, the buttons may not work or may even remain in their down position. Soldering the terminals back into place is usually enough to restore a non-working fob to a working condition. Non-Remote Transponder Chips Sealed non-remote transponder chips are more durable than remote fobs they are contained in, but they can still be cracked by a hole made in them or pushed over by a lawnmowers blade or car door handle. Most of the time non-remote transponder chips fail, and this could be attributed to blowing fuses. If you're able to open a key fob that is sealed and are willing to put up with the mess, you can easily remove the circuit board and check the fuse using a multimeter for proper diode function. If you're unsure about doing this, go to your local hardware store or Oreilly's, and they'll usually have a radio frequency tester that can determine whether the key fob sending a signal. Programming Key fobs are not indestructible and are susceptible to being damaged by a lot of things. They can lose their pairing to the receiver in your car because of shock or a low battery, requiring the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or the main dealer, can reprogram your key fob and get it back working again. If, in the unlikely event that resetting and repairing your key fob isn't working it may be time to replace it completely.