How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob won't work, you can fix it by following just a few steps. The first step is to make sure that it's not the backup remote.

If the backup is able to lock and unlock your electronic car key repair near me door, then there is likely an issue with the primary remote. The most common causes for key problems with your car remote are circuitry or battery issues.

Battery

It is not uncommon to find a battery on the key fob for cars to get worn out. It is simple to replace batteries. However it is essential to select the right kind. You can refer to your owner's manual or call the manufacturer to determine the right kind. It is also crucial to check the battery compartment as dead batteries can leak toxic chemicals that could damage the remote. If replacing the batteries doesn't solve the issue it could be that there are other issues that require attention by a professional. If the buttons are stuck or broken for instance it could be necessary to disassemble the remote and rework each component. You can also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new fob.

Buttons

Through frequent use, key fobs could get dirty and worn. It is not uncommon for buttons to stop functioning, or require a hard push to make them work. This can be a huge hassle, especially if you are out of town and need to start your vehicle. Fortunately, even worn-out or malfunctioning buttons can often be fixed with just a bit of time and a few materials you might already have in the house.

First, make sure that the batteries are properly placed and that the indentation at the back of the button has been filled. Take the remote apart and inspect the circuit board. Examine for signs of rust or other signs the buttons have been damaged or worn. For example, conductive paint may be missing. Utilizing a Q-tip that has been dipped in alcohol to gently clean any membrane contacts that have become damaged or where conductive paint is missing. Avoid rubbing too hard, because this could damage the conductive painting and prevent the button from firing when pressed.

Also, be sure to check the battery connector's terminals to ensure any loose solder connections. If this is the case, reconnecting them may restore function to the button. You can follow the same process to restore functionality to any other loose connection within the fob.

If any of the rubber buttons located at the front of the keyfob are not working or car key repairs near me require being pressing very hard the graphite disks at the back of the button might have worn out and require replacement. You can do this by rubbing a pencil over the disks. This will bring the button back to life.

If none of these solutions work, or if you still not be able to get the button respond when pressed hard, it is possible that the circuitry is failing. It is possible to fix this by a quick clean, and re-soldering, but it is ideal to have a spare fob in case this method does not work for you.

Circuitry

If the keys fob buttons are functioning, the circuit board inside your remote might be dirty. The issue can be solved through a thorough examination. Broken and damaged cases are the most common causes of dirty boards. A damaged case could let water and other debris to enter the circuit board, causing it to short out. Water can also damage pins and connectors on the board called via's.

If you're handy enough to remove your key fob and don't mind a little mess, we can de-solder the buttons and solder new ones in their place. It's also worth checking the connections between the battery terminals. They can become extremely dirty and if they're loose, the buttons may not work or may even remain in their down position. Soldering the terminals back into place is usually enough to restore a non-working fob back to working.

Non-Remote Transponder Chips

The sealed non-remote chips are more durable than their remote fobs, but they are susceptible to breaking when a hole is made into them or in the event that a door handle of a car key repairs near me; Read the Full Article, or lawnmower runs over them. Most of the time non-remote transponder chip malfunctions can be attributed to an exploded fuse.

If you are not comfortable opening the key fob, you can remove the circuitboard and use a multimeter to verify that the diode is working properly. If you're not sure with this, go to your local Oreilly or Car Key repairs near me hardware store and test their RF frequency tester. This will let you know whether the key fob sends a signal.

Programming

Key fobs are not indestructible and can be damaged by a lot of things. They can lose their pairing with the receiver in your vehicle due to shocks or low-battery, which requires reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith, or a dealer in the main can reprogram your key fob and get it back up and running again. In the rarer case that resetting and fixing your key fob doesn't work it could be the time to replace it entirely.