10 Things That Your Family Teach You About Remote Key Repair

how to repair broken car key to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob doesn't work, a few easy steps can fix it. First, check to make sure it's not the backup remote.

If the backup can lock and unlock your car doors then there is likely an issue with the primary remote. Most car remote key failures are caused by battery or circuitry problems.

Battery

The battery in the key fob could be worn out over time. It is easy to replace batteries. However it is crucial to select the right kind. You can refer to the owner's manual or contact the manufacturer to determine the right type. It is also crucial to check the battery compartment as dead batteries can leak toxic chemicals that could damage the remote. If replacing the battery does not fix the issue there may be additional issues that require professional attention. For example, if buttons seem stuck or broken it could be necessary to disassemble the remote and rework its parts. You could also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new fob.

Buttons

key repair (to vuf.minagricultura.gov.co) fobs may become dirty and worn out from frequent use. This is not unusual however it can cause buttons to cease working or require a very long press to function. This can be very frustrating, especially if you are away from home and you need to start your car. Even worn-out or malfunctioning buttons can be fixed with a bit of time and materials you already have at home.

First, check 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 indications of rust or other indications that the buttons have been damaged or worn out. For instance, conductive paint may be missing. Use a Q-tip dipped in alcohol, gently clean any membrane contacts that have become worn or where conductive paint is missing. Be careful not to rub too hard, because this could damage the conductive painting and prevent the button from firing when it is it is pressed.

Also, be sure to check the battery connector terminals for an unattached solder connection. If this is the case, soldering them back in place may restore function to the button. The same procedure can be used to restore functionality to any other loose connections in the fob.

Finally, if any of the buttons made of rubber on the front of the key fob have stopped functioning or require a difficult press to function it is likely the graphite disks on the back of the button are wearing down and need to be replaced. This can be done by rubbing a pencil across the disks, which should bring the button back to working.

If none of these solutions work, or if you still cannot get the button to respond when you press it hard, it is possible that the circuitry is failing. This can be fixed by a quick clean, and refitting, but it's ideal to have a spare fob available in the event this method does not work for you.

Circuitry

The circuit board inside your remote control could be dirty regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob function or not. A thorough inspection is often enough to resolve this issue. The most common causes for dirty circuit boards is water and damaged cases. A damaged case can allow water and other debris to pass through and short out the electronic components. Water can also destroy pins and connectors that are small on the board, referred to as via's.

If you're able to open your key fob, and you're not afraid of making a mess, we can de-solder the buttons and put new ones in their place. It's also worth checking the battery terminal connections. If they're loose, the buttons may not function or get stuck 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

The non-remote chips sealed in a sealed case are more durable than remote fobs, but they are susceptible to breaking when a hole is made into them or when a door handle for a car or lawnmower runs over them. The majority of non-remote transponder chip malfunctions can be attributed to a blown fuse.

If you're handy enough to open up a key fob that is sealed and can tolerate the mess, you can easily remove the circuit board and examine the fuse with a multimeter for proper diode function. If you're not comfortable with this, go to your local Oreilly or hardware store and utilize their RF frequency tester. This will let you know whether the automotive key repair fob sends an RF signal.

Programming

Key fobs aren't impervious to destruction and can be damaged through a variety of causes. They may lose their connection to the receiver in your car due to shock or a low battery, requiring them to be reprogrammed. A professional auto locksmith or dealer can reprogram your key fob and get it back up and running. In the event that resetting or repairing your key fob doesn't work it may be time to replace it completely.