10 Quick Tips About Remote Key Repair

How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working
If your key fob isn't functioning There are a few simple steps that can be taken to fix it. First, make sure that it's not your 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 car remote key failure are battery or circuitry issues.
Battery
The battery in a key fob can wear out over time. It is fairly easy to replace batteries, but it is important to ensure you use the right 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 examine the battery compartment, as dead batteries can leak toxic chemicals that could damage the remote. If replacing the battery does not solve the issue, there may be other issues requiring professional attention. For instance, if the buttons appear stuck or damaged, it may be necessary to take the remote apart and rebuild its components. You could also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new remote.
Buttons
From repeated use, key fobs can become worn and dirty. It is not uncommon to have buttons stop working, or to require a hard press to get them working. This can be a huge hassle, especially if you are away from home and you need to start your car. Even car key fob repair near me or worn-out buttons can be fixed with a bit of time and materials you already have at home.
First, ensure that the batteries are up correctly and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Then, carefully open the remote and look at the circuit board. Examine for signs of rust or other indications that buttons are worn out or damaged, such as missing conductive paint. Use a Q-tip dipped into rubbing alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that has damaged or has conductive paint missing. Do not rub too vigorously in order to damage the conductive paint, and block the button from firing when you press it.
Also, be sure to check the battery connector's terminals for any loose solder connections. If this is the case, reconnecting them may restore functionality to the button. You can follow the same process to restore functionality to any other loose connection within the fob.
If, for instance, any of the rubber buttons on the front of the key fob have stopped functioning or require a hard press to work it is likely that the graphite disks at the back of the button are wearing out and need to be replaced. You can do this by rubbing a pencil over the disks. This should bring the button to life.
If all of this doesn't help, or if the button doesn't respond to a firm press, then it may be that the circuit board is damaged. It is possible to fix the issue by cleaning and re-soldering the button but you should also have a spare in case it does not work.
Circuitry
The circuit board in your remote control may be dirty regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob function or not. key car repair is often enough to resolve this issue. The most common causes for dirty circuit boards are water and broken cases. A broken case can allow water and other debris to get into the circuit board, causing it to short. Water can also eat through pins and vias, which are the tiny connectors on the board.
If you're handy enough to remove your key fob and aren't afraid of some mess, we can take off the buttons and put 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 and button's back into place is typically all that's needed to return a non-working key fob to working order.
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 blade or car door handle. Fuse failures are usually the cause of non-remote chip failures.
If you're not confident opening the key fob, remove the circuitboard and utilize a multimeter to determine if the diode is functioning correctly. If you're not confident doing this, head to your local hardware store or the Oreilly's and they will usually have a radio frequency tester that can tell you whether the key fob sending a signal.
Programming
Key fobs endure a lot of abuse and aren't completely indestructible. They can lose their pairing to the receiver in your car due to shock or a low battery, which calls for the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or main dealer can reprogram your key fob to get it back up and running. In the event that resetting and fixing your key fob isn't working, it could be time to replace it all over again.