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

If your key fob won't work, you can fix it with a few simple steps. First, make sure that it's not the backup remote.

If the backup is able to lock and unlock your car doors it is most likely an issue with the primary remote. The most common causes of key problems with your car keys repairs remote are circuitry or battery issues.

Battery

The battery in the key fob may wear out over time. It is relatively easy to replace a battery, although it is essential to ensure you select the correct one and you can consult your owner's manual or contact the dealer of the manufacturer to determine the type of battery you need. It is recommended to inspect the battery compartment with care since dead batteries may leak harmful chemicals that can damage the remote. If changing the battery doesn't fix the problem, there may be other issues that require attention from a professional. For instance, if the buttons seem to be stuck or broken it could be necessary to disassemble the remote and rework its components. You can also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new fob.

Buttons

From repeated use, key fobs could wear out and become dirty. It is not uncommon for buttons to stop functioning, or require a hefty push to make them work. This can be frustrating particularly when you're away from home and need to start your car key repairs. Even broken or damaged buttons are often fixable with a little effort and the tools you already have at home.

First, make sure that the batteries are correctly inserted and that the indentation at the back of the button has been filled. Then, open the remote with care and look over the circuit board. Check for indications of rust or other signs the buttons have been damaged or worn out. For example the paint that conducts electricity could be missing. Use 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 firing when the button is pressed.

Also, make sure to inspect the battery connector's terminals for a loose solder connection. If this is the case, soldering them back in place could restore function to the button. You can follow the same method to restore functionality to any other loose connection within 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 that the graphite disks on the back of the button are deteriorating and need to be replaced. You can do this by rubbing a pen across the disks. This should bring the button to life.

If none of these solutions work or you cannot get the button to respond when pressed hard, it could be that the circuitry is failing. This can sometimes be repaired by a quick clean, and refitting, but it's best to have an extra fob available in the event this method fails for you.

Circuitry

Whether or not the key fob buttons function the circuit board that is inside your remote might be dirty. This issue can be fixed through a thorough examination. Broken cases and water are the most common causes of dirty boards. A broken case can allow water and other debris into the circuit board, causing it to short out. Water can also get through pins and vias, which are the tiny connectors that are found on the board.

If you're skilled enough to open your key fob, and aren't afraid of making an mess, you can remove the buttons from their sockets and put in new ones. It's also worth examining the battery terminal connections. They can get very dirty and if they're loose, the buttons might not function or may even remain in their down position. Soldering terminals and buttons back to their proper positions is usually enough to bring a non-working fob to a working condition.

Non-Remote transponder chips

The non-remote chips that are sealed are more durable than remote fobs, but they are susceptible to breaking in the event of a hole being drilled into them or in the event that a door key repair near me handle of a car or lawnmowers is pushed over them. Most of the time non-remote key repair (just click the next document) transponder chip malfunctions could be attributed to blowing fuses.

If you're handy enough to open up a key fob that is sealed and are willing to put up with the mess, you can easily remove the circuit board and test the fuse using an instrument to verify diode function. If you don't feel comfortable with this, visit your local Oreilly or hardware store and use their RF frequency tester. This will let you know whether the key fob sends an RF signal.

Programming

Key fobs are subject to many abuses and aren't indestructible. They may lose their connection with the receiver inside your vehicle key repairs because of shocks or a low battery, which calls for reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or dealer can reprogram your key fob to get it functioning again. In the rarer case that resetting and fixing your key fob isn't working it could be the time to replace it all over again.