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Blog entry by Eloy Beliveau

Nine Things That Your Parent Teach You About Remote Key Repair

Nine Things That Your Parent Teach You About Remote Key Repair

How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob does not work, you can fix it by following a few simple steps. First, check to make sure it's not the backup remote.

Hyundai.jpgIf the backup remote is able to lock and key fob repairs; click through the next page, unlock your car keys repairs door, then there is likely an issue with the main remote. The most common causes for car remote key failure are battery or circuitry issues.

Battery

It is not unusual for the battery in a car remote key repair shop near me key fob to wear out. It is easy to replace the battery. However it is crucial that you choose the right type. You can consult your owner's manual or call the manufacturer to inquire about the correct type. It's recommended to examine the battery compartment thoroughly because dead batteries can leak caustic chemicals that can cause damage to the remote. If changing the battery doesn't fix the issue there could be other issues that require professional attention. If buttons are damaged or stuck, for example it might be necessary to disassemble the Remote key repair and rework each component. You can also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new fob.

Buttons

Through repeated use, key fobs could become worn and dirty. This is not uncommon however, it can cause buttons to cease functioning or require a difficult press to get them to function. This can be very frustrating especially if you're out of town and need to start your car. Fortunately, even worn out or malfunctioning buttons can often be fixed with just a bit of time and a few materials you may already have around the house.

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 inspect the circuit board. Look for indications of rust or other signs the buttons are worn or damaged. For example, conductive paint may be missing. Use a Q-tip, dipped in rubbing alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that has worn-out or where conductive paint is missing. Don't rub too hard as this can damage the conductive paint and prevent the button from firing when pressed.

Also, make sure to inspect the battery connector's terminals to ensure an unattached solder connection. Soldering them back in place will restore the button's functionality in the event that this is the situation. The same process can be used to restore functionality to any other loose connections within the fob.

If any of the rubber buttons at the front of the keyfob aren't working or require being pressing extremely hard the graphite disks on the back of the button could have worn out and will need to replaced. You can do this by rubbing a pencil over the disks. This should bring the button back to life.

If all of this doesn't help, or if the button does not respond to a hard push, then it may be the case that the circuit board itself is damaged. It is possible to fix this by cleaning and re-soldering your fob however, you should have a spare in case it does not work.

Circuitry

The circuit board in the remote key fob repairs control could be dirty, regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob function or not. A very thorough inspection will usually resolve this problem. The most common causes of dirty circuit boards is water and broken cases. A damaged case can allow water and other debris to enter and short circuit the electronic components. Water can also destroy pins and connectors that are small on the board, which are known as via's.

If you're skilled enough to open your key fob, and don't mind making some mess, we can take the buttons out of their sockets and solder in new ones. It's also worth checking the connections between battery terminals. If they're 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 restore a non-working fob to a working condition.

Non-Remote transponder chips

The sealed non-remote chips are more durable than their remote fobs. However, they are susceptible to cracking in the event of a hole being drilled into them or when a door handle for a car or lawnmowers is pushed over them. Fuse failures are usually to blame for non-remote chip failures.

If you're able to remove a key fob that is sealed and can tolerate 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 doing this, visit your local hardware store or the Oreilly's and they usually have an RF frequency tester that will determine whether the key fob sending signals.

Programming

Key fobs are not indestructible and can be damaged through a variety of causes. 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. If, in the unlikely event that resetting and repairing your key fob doesn't work it may be time to replace it completely.

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