How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob won't work and you're not sure why, you can fix it by following a few simple steps. First, check to make sure it's not the backup remote.

If the backup is able to lock and unlock your car Key repair Cost doors, it is most likely an issue with the main remote. The most common causes of key problems with your car remote are circuitry or battery issues.

Battery

It is not unusual to find a battery on the key fob for cars to wear out. It is simple to replace the battery. However it is crucial that you choose the right kind. You can check the owner's manual or contact the manufacturer to determine the right kind. It is also important to examine the battery compartment as dead batteries can leak caustic chemicals which can damage the remote. If changing the battery doesn't solve the issue, there may be other issues that require attention from a professional. If buttons are broken or stuck for instance, it may be necessary remove the remote key fob repair and rebuild each component. You could also try reprogramming your car to recognize the new key fob.

Buttons

Key fobs can get dirty and worn out from frequent use. It is not unusual for buttons to cease functioning, or require a hefty push to make them work. This can be frustrating especially when you're away from your home and have to start your car. Fortunately, even worn-out or malfunctioning buttons can often be fixed with a little time and some of the materials you have in the house.

First, ensure that the batteries are up correctly and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Take the remote apart and examine the circuit board. Look 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 into alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that is damaged or where conductive painting is missing. Do not rub too vigorously in order to damage the conductive paint and stop the button from firing when it is pressed.

Also, make sure to inspect the battery connector's terminals for any loose solder connections. If this is the case, simply reconnecting them could bring back function to the button. The same procedure can be used to restore function to any other loose connections in the fob.

If any of the rubber buttons located at the front of the keyfob isn't working or need to be pressed extremely hard, the graphite disks at the back of the button could have worn out and will require replacement. You can usually do this by rubbing a pen over the disks. This will bring the button back to life.

If none of these solutions work, or if you still are unable to get the button to respond when you press it hard, it could be that the circuitry is failing. This can be fixed by a quick clean and replacing the solder, but it is ideal to have a spare fob on hand in the event that this method does not work for you.

Circuitry

The circuit board of your remote control may 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 common causes of dirty circuit boards is water and damaged cases. A damaged case could allow water and other debris into the circuit board, causing it to short out. Water can also eat through pins and vias, which are small connectors on the board.

If you're handy enough to open your key fob and aren't afraid of a little mess, we can take off the buttons and solder new ones in their place. It's also worth looking at the battery terminal connections. They can become extremely dirty and if they're loose, the buttons might not work or even stick in their down position. Soldering the terminals and buttons back into place is typically all it takes to restore a non-working key fob to working order.

Non-Remote Transponder Chips

Sealed non-remote transponder chips are much more durable than the remote fobs that contain them however they are still susceptible to being damaged by a hole that is that is drilled into them or over by a lawnmowers blade or car door handle. The failure of the fuse is usually to blame for non-remote chips failures.

If you're handy enough to open a key fob that is sealed and are able to bear the mess, you can remove the circuit board and Vehicle key repairs examine the fuse using an instrument to verify diode function. If you're not sure with this, visit your local Oreilly or hardware store and utilize their RF frequency tester. This will inform you whether the key car repair fob transmits signals.

Programming

Key fobs take lots of abuse and aren't impervious to damage. They can lose their pairing to the car's receiver due to shock or low battery, requiring the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or dealer can reprogram your key fob to get it functioning again. If resetting or fixing your key fob fails it is possible to replace it.