This Weeks Best Stories Concerning Remote Key Repair

How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working
If your key fob doesn't work A few easy steps can be taken to fix it. The first step is to make sure that it's not the backup remote.
If your backup remote is unable to lock and unlock the doors of your car, it is most likely that the primary remote isn't working. Most car remote key failures result from battery or circuitry problems.
view publisher site in a key fob can be worn out over time. It is fairly easy to replace a battery, although it is important to make sure that you select the correct one that you can refer to your owner's manual or contact the manufacturer's dealer to find out the kind of battery you need. It is recommended to examine the battery compartment thoroughly since dead batteries may leak caustic chemicals that can damage the remote. If changing the batteries doesn't solve the problem, it may be that there are other issues that require attention from a professional. If buttons are damaged or stuck, for example, it may be necessary remove the remote and rebuild each component. It is also possible to reprogramme the vehicle to recognize the new remote.
Buttons
Key fobs may become filthy and worn out due to frequent use. It is not unusual for buttons to stop working, or to require a hard push to make them work. This can be extremely frustrating especially if you're out of town and need to start your vehicle. Even worn-out or malfunctioning buttons are often fixable with a little time and tools you already have at home.
First, verify that the batteries have been correctly placed and that the indentation on the back of the button has been filled. Then, carefully remove the remote and examine the circuit board. Check for linked resource site of corrosion or other signs that the buttons are worn out or damaged, like missing conductive paint. Use a Q-tip dipped in alcohol, gently clean any membrane contacts that have worn or have conductive paint missing. Do not rub too vigorously, as this could erode the conductive paint and prevent the button from firing when pressed.
Also, be sure to check the battery connector's terminals to ensure any loose solder connections. Soldering them back to their original position will allow the button to function again If this is the case. 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 that are on the front of the key fob aren't working or require a very hard press to work, it is likely that the graphite disks that are on the back of the button are wearing out and need to be replaced. You can usually do this by rubbing a pen across the disks. This should bring the button back 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 has failed. It is possible to fix the issue by cleaning and re-soldering the fob, but you should have another spare in case it doesn't work.
Circuitry
Whether or not the keys fob buttons are functioning the circuit board in the remote could be dirty. A thorough inspection is often enough to resolve this issue. Broken cases and water are the most common causes of boards that are dirty. A broken case allows water and other debris to enter and short circuit the electronics. Water can also damage pins and connectors that are small on the board called via's.
If get more info are handy enough to open your key fob, and you don't mind making an mess, you can take the buttons out of their sockets and put in new ones. It's also worth looking at the battery terminal connections. They can become extremely dirty and if they're loose, the buttons may not work or even stay in their down position. Soldering the terminals and buttons back in their place is generally all it takes to restore keys that are not in functioning condition.
Non-Remote transponder chips
The non-remote chips that are sealed are more durable than remote fobs, but they are susceptible to cracking in the event of a hole being drilled into them or if a car door handle or lawnmowers is pushed over them. Most of the time non-remote transponder chips fail, and this can be attributed to a blown fuse.
If you're not confident opening the key fob, you can take the circuit board off and use a multimeter to determine if the diode is working properly. If you're not sure with this, you can go to your local Oreilly or hardware store and use their RF frequency tester. This will inform you whether the key fob is sending signals.
Programming
Key fobs are not indestructible and are susceptible to damage by a lot of things. They can lose their pairing with the receiver inside your vehicle due to shocks or a low battery, requiring reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or a main dealer can reprogram your key fob and get it functioning again. If, in the unlikely event that resetting and fixing your key fob fails it may be time to replace it all over again.