How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key repair service fob won't work, you can fix it by following a few simple steps. First, make sure that it's not the backup remote.

If the backup remote is able to lock and unlock your car key fob repair near me doors, then there's a likely issue with the main remote. Most problems with repair car keys remote keys are caused by battery or circuitry problems.

Battery

It is not unusual to find a battery on a key fob for cars to get worn out. It is quite simple to change out batteries, but it is important to make sure that you use the right type 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 also important to check the battery compartment, since batteries that are not working properly can release caustic chemicals which can damage the remote. If replacing the battery does not fix the problem there could be other issues that require attention from a professional. If buttons are broken or stuck for instance, it may be necessary take the remote apart and rework each component. You can also try reprogramming your car to recognize the new key fob.

Buttons

Key fobs may become dirty and worn-out from frequent use. This is not atypical however, it can cause buttons to stop functioning or require a difficult press to get them to function. This can be a hassle, especially when you are away from your home and you need to switch on your car. Even worn-out or malfunctioning buttons are often fixable with a bit of time and tools you already have at home.

First, ensure that the batteries are charged correctly and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Then, open the remote with care and inspect the circuit board. Look for indications of rust or other signs the buttons have been damaged or worn out. For example, conductive paint may be missing. Then, using a Q-tip that has been dipped in alcohol to gently clean any membrane contacts that have become worn or car key fob repair near me where conductive paint is missing. Be careful not to rub too hard, since this could cause damage to the conductive paint and stop the button firing when pressed.

Also, be sure to check the battery connector's terminals for any loose solder connections. If this is the case, soldering them back in place may bring back function to the button. You can follow the same process to restore functionality to any other loose connection inside the fob.

If, for instance, any of the buttons made of rubber that are on the front of the key fob have stopped working or require a difficult press to function, it is likely that the graphite disks on the back of the button are wearing out and require replacement. This is usually done by rubbing a pencil across the disks, which should bring the button back to working.

If none of this is useful, or if the button doesn't respond to a hard push, then it may be that the circuit board itself has become damaged. This can be fixed by a quick clean, car Key Fob repair near me and re-soldering, but it is best to have an extra fob available in the event this method doesn't work for you.

Circuitry

The circuit board of your remote control may be dirty, regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob function or not. A thorough examination is usually enough to fix this problem. The most frequent causes of dirty circuit boards is water and broken cases. A broken case allows water and other debris to pass through and short out the electronic components. Water can also destroy pins and connectors that are small on the board, referred to as via's.

If you're able 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. Also, it's worth checking the connections between battery terminals. They can get very 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 that's required to return a non-working key fob to working condition.

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 cracked by a hole drilled into them or run over by a lawnmowers or car door handle. The failure of the fuse is usually the cause of non-remote chip failures.

If you are not comfortable opening the key fob, you can remove the circuitboard and use a multimeter to determine if the diode is working properly. If you're not sure with this, visit your local Oreilly or hardware store and use their RF frequency tester. This will tell you whether the key fob sends a signal.

Programming

Key fobs endure a lot of abuse and aren't completely indestructible. They can lose their pairing with the receiver in your vehicle because of shocks or a low battery, requiring reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or main dealer can reprogram your key fob and get it back up and running. If resetting or fixing your key fob fails it is possible to replace it.