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

If your key fob won't work then you can fix it with a few simple steps. The first step is to be sure that it's not your backup remote.

If your backup remote can unlock and lock the doors of your car, then it is most likely that the primary remote is not working. The most common causes for key problems with your car key fob repair service remote are circuitry or battery issues.

Battery

The battery inside the key fob could wear out over time. It is fairly easy to change out batteries, but it is crucial to make sure that you use the right type that you can refer to your owner's manual, or contact the manufacturer's dealer to determine the type of battery you need. It is also a good idea to examine the battery compartment thoroughly since dead batteries may release caustic chemicals that could cause damage to the remote. If changing the batteries does not solve the issue it could be that there are other issues that require professional attention. If the buttons are stuck or broken for instance, it may be necessary disassemble the remote and rework each component. You could also try reprogramming your vehicle to recognize the new key fob.

Buttons

Key fobs can get dirty and worn-out from repeated use. This is not unusual, but it can cause buttons to cease working or require a hard press for them to function. This can be extremely frustrating especially if you're away from home and need to start your car. Fortunately, even worn out or damaged buttons can be fixed with a bit of time and some of the materials you might already have in the house.

First, check that the batteries are properly charged and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Then, carefully open up the remote and look at the circuit board. Examine for signs of rust or other signs that buttons are worn out or damaged, like missing conductive paint. Utilizing the Q-tip, dipped in alcohol to gently clean any membrane contacts that have damaged or have conductive paint missing. Be careful not to rub too hard, as this can erode the conductive paint and stop the button from firing when it is pressed.

Examine the battery connector's terminals for loose solder connections. Soldering them back in place will allow the button to function again in the event that this is the case. The same process can be used how to repair car key fob restore function to any other loose connections within the fob.

If any of the rubber buttons at the front of the keyfob are not working or require being pressed extremely hard the graphite disks on the back of the button could have worn out and require replacement. This can be done by rubbing a pencil over the disks. This should bring the button back to working.

If none of this is useful, or if the button doesn't respond to a hard press It could be the case that the circuit board is damaged. It is possible to fix the issue by cleaning and re-soldering the button, but you should have a spare in case it doesn't work.

Circuitry

The circuit board inside the remote control could be dirty, regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob function or not. A very thorough inspection will usually resolve this issue. The most frequent causes of dirty circuit boards is water and broken Key repair near me cases. A damaged case can allow water and other debris to get in and short out the electronic components. Water can also get through pins and vias, which are tiny connectors found on the board.

If you're handy enough to open your key fob, and you're not afraid of making a mess, we can take off the buttons and put new ones in their place. 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 even stay in their down position. Soldering the terminals and buttons back in place is usually all it takes to restore keys that are not in working condition.

Non-Remote transponder chips

Sealed non-remote transponder chips are more durable than the remote fobs that have them but they can still be damaged by a hole that is drilled into them or run over by a lawnmowers or door handle for a car. Failures of the fuse are typically to blame for non-remote chip failures.

If you're able to open the sealed key fob and are willing to put up with the mess, you can take off the circuit board and examine the fuse using an instrument to verify diode function. If you're not comfortable with this, visit your local Oreilly or hardware store and utilize their RF frequency tester. This will tell you whether the key fob transmits an RF signal.

Programming

Key fobs take lots of abuse and aren't indestructible. They may lose their connection 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 working again. If resetting or repairing your key fob fails it may be necessary to replace it.