How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob does not work and you're not sure why, you can fix it by following a few simple steps. First, ensure that it's not your backup remote.

If the backup can lock and unlock your car doors, then there is likely an issue with the primary remote. Most Car Key fob repair near me remote key failures result from circuitry or battery problems.

Battery

It is not unusual for the battery inside the car key fob to degrade. It is easy to replace the battery. However it is essential that you choose the right type. You can refer to your owner's manual or call the manufacturer to determine the correct type. It's also a good idea to examine the battery compartment with care, as dead batteries sometimes leak harmful chemicals that can damage the remote. If changing the batteries does not solve the problem it could be that there are other issues that require attention from a professional. For instance, if the buttons seem to be stuck or broken It may be necessary to disassemble the remote and rework its parts. You could also try reprogramming your car to recognize the new key fob.

Buttons

Through repeated use, key fobs could become worn and dirty. It is not uncommon for buttons to stop working, or car key fob repair near me to require a long push to make them work. This can be very frustrating especially when you're away from home and have to start your car. Fortunately, even worn-out or malfunctioning buttons can often be fixed with a bit of time and some of the materials you have in the house.

First, check that the batteries are up correctly and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Then, carefully open the remote and look at the circuit board. Check for signs of corrosion or other signs that the buttons are worn or damaged, like missing the conductive paint. Use a Q-tip, dipped in rubbing alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that has worn-out or has conductive paint missing. Don't rub too hard, as this could erode the conductive paint, and block the button from firing when you press it.

Also, be sure to check the battery connector's terminals to ensure a loose solder connection. Soldering them back to their original position can restore the button's functionality in the event that this is the situation. The same method can be used to restore function to any loose connections within the fob.

In the end, if any of the buttons made of rubber on the front of the key fob repair fob aren't working or require a very difficult press to function, it is likely that the graphite disks at the back of the button are wearing out and need to be replaced. This can be done by rubbing a pencil on the disks. This should bring the button back to its original state.

If none of this is useful, or if the button does not respond to a hard push, then it may be that the circuit board itself has become damaged. It is possible to fix the issue by cleaning and car key fob repair near Me re-soldering your fob however, you should have a spare in case it doesn't work.

Circuitry

Whether or not the key fob buttons are working, the circuit board inside the remote could be dirty. The issue can be solved by a thorough inspection. Broken and damaged cases are the most common causes of dirty boards. A broken case can let water and other debris to get into the circuit board, causing it to short. Water can also eat away at pins and connectors that are small on the board called via's.

If you're able to open your key fob and don't mind making some mess, we can take the buttons out of their sockets and then solder new ones. It's also worth examining the battery terminal connections. If they are loose, the buttons may not work or even become stuck in their down position. Soldering the terminals and buttons to their proper positions is usually enough to bring a non-working fob back to working.

Non-Remote transponder chips

Sealed non-remote transponder chips are much more durable than the remote fobs that have them but they can be broken by a hole being drilled into them or run over by a lawnmowers or door handle for a car. The majority of non-remote transponder chip malfunctions can be attributed to an exploded fuse.

If you're able to remove a key fob that is sealed and can tolerate the mess, you can easily remove the circuit board and examine the fuse with an instrument to verify diode function. If you're not confident doing this, go to your local hardware store or the Oreilly's and they'll usually have an RFID frequency tester that can determine whether the key fob is sending a signal.

Programming

Key fobs take a lot 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 a main dealer can reprogram your key fob to get it back up and running. If, in the unlikely event that resetting or repairing your key fob doesn't work it could be the time to replace it all over again.