How to Fix car key repair near me That isn't Working
If your key fob does not work, you can fix it with some simple steps. First, ensure that it's not the backup remote.
If your backup remote can unlock and lock the doors of your car, then it is likely that the main remote is not working. Most car remote key failures are caused by circuitry or battery issues.
Battery
The battery inside a key fob can be worn out over time. It is relatively easy to change out the battery, however it is crucial to ensure you use the right type that you can refer to the owner's manual or talk to the dealer of the manufacturer to find out the kind of battery you need. It is also crucial to check the battery compartment, as dead batteries can leak caustic chemicals that can harm the remote. If replacing the battery does not solve the issue there could be other issues requiring professional attention. For example, if buttons seem to be stuck or damaged It may be necessary to take the remote apart and rebuild its components. You can also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new key fob.
Buttons
Key fobs can become dirty and worn out from frequent use. This is not unusual however it can cause buttons to cease working or require a difficult press to get them to work. This can be frustrating particularly when you're away from home and have to turn on your car. Fortunately, even worn-out or malfunctioning buttons can often be fixed with a bit of time and a few items you have in the home.
First, verify that the batteries are correctly installed and that the indentation at the back of the button is filled. Then, open the remote with care and look over the circuit board. Check for evidence of rust, or other indications that the buttons are damaged or worn. For example the paint that conducts electricity could be missing. Use a Q-tip that has been dipped in rubbing alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that has worn-out or where conductive paint is missing. Do not rub too vigorously in order to damage the conductive paint and prevent the button from firing when you press it.
Also, be sure to check the battery connector's terminals for any loose solder connections. Soldering them back into place will restore the button's functionality if this is the case. You can follow the same procedure to restore functionality to any other loose connection in the fob.
If any of the rubber buttons at the front of the keyfob aren't working or need to be pressing very hard the graphite disks on the back of the button may have worn out and need to replaced. This can be done by rubbing a pencil across the disks, which will bring the button back to its original state.
If none of this is helpful, or if the button does not respond to a hard push, then it may be because the circuit board is damaged. This can be fixed by a quick clean and re-soldering, but it is ideal to have a spare fob in case this method fails for you.
Circuitry
The circuit board in your remote control could be dirty, regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob work or not. This problem can be resolved through a thorough examination. The most frequent causes of dirty circuit boards are water and damaged cases. A damaged case could let water and other debris into the circuit board, which can cause it to short. Water can also get through pins and vias, which are the tiny connectors on the board.
If you are handy enough to open your key fob, and you don't mind making some mess, we can take the buttons out of their sockets and then solder new ones. Also, it's worth checking the connections between battery terminals. They can become very filthy and if they're not tight enough, the buttons might not function or even stick in their down position. Soldering the terminals back to their proper positions is usually enough to bring a non-working fob to working.
Non-Remote transponder chips
The non-remote chips that are sealed are more durable than their remote fobs, however they can be cracked in the event of a hole being drilled into them or in the event that a door handle of a car or lawnmower runs over them. The failure of the fuse is usually the cause of non-remote chip failures.
If you're not comfortable opening the key fob, you may remove the circuitboard and utilize a multimeter to check that the diode is functioning properly. If you're not confident doing this, head to your local hardware store or Oreilly's and they usually have a radio frequency tester that can let you know if the key fob is sending signals.
Programming
Key fobs aren't indestructible and are susceptible to damage by a lot of things. They can lose their pairing to the receiver in your car due to shock or low battery, requiring the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or the main dealer can reprogram your keyfob to get it functioning again. In the rarer case that resetting and fixing your key fob fails it could be the time to replace it all over again.