How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob isn't functioning A few easy steps can be taken to fix it. The first step is to be sure it's not the backup remote.

If the backup is able to lock and unlock your car keys repairs door, it is most likely an issue with the main remote. The most common causes for key malfunctions for car remotes are battery or circuitry issues.

Battery

The battery in the key fob may get worn out over the course of time. It is quite simple to replace batteries, but it is crucial to ensure you select the correct one; you can look in your owner's manual or contact the dealer of the manufacturer to find out the kind of battery you require. It is also important to examine the battery compartment as dead batteries can leak caustic chemicals that can harm the remote. If changing the batteries does not solve the issue it could be that there are other issues that require attention from a professional. If buttons are broken or stuck, for car Key and repair example it could be necessary to disassemble the remote and rework each component. You could also try reprogramming your car to recognize the new key fob.

Buttons

Key fobs may become filthy and worn out due to repeated use. It is not uncommon to have buttons stop working, or to require a long push to make them work. This can be a huge hassle particularly if you're away from home and you need to start your vehicle. Even broken or damaged buttons can be fixed with a little time and the tools you already have at home.

First, make sure that the batteries are properly placed and that the indentation on the back of the button has been filled. Open the remote carefully and examine the circuit board. Check for signs of corrosion or other signs that the buttons are worn or damaged, like missing paint that is conductive. Use a Q-tip dipped into alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that has become damaged or where conductive painting is missing. Avoid rubbing too hard, because this could damage the conductive paint and stop the button firing when it is pressed.

Check the battery connector terminals for loose solder connections. Soldering them back in place will restore the button's functionality if this is the case. You can follow the same process to restore functionality to any other loose connection within the fob.

If, for instance, any of the rubber buttons on the front of the key fob stop functioning or require a hard press to work it is likely the graphite disks at the back of the button are wearing out and require replacement. It is usually done by rubbing a pen across the disks. This should bring the button back to life.

If none of this is useful, or if the button still doesn't respond to a hard press It could be because the circuit board has gone bad. It is possible to fix the issue by cleaning and re-soldering the button however, you should have an extra in case it doesn't work.

Circuitry

Whether or not the keys fob buttons are functioning the circuit board in your remote might be dirty. This issue can be fixed by a thorough inspection. The most common causes for dirty circuit boards is water and broken cases. A broken case can let water and other debris to get into the circuit board, which can cause it to short out. Water can also eat through pins and vias, which are the tiny connectors on the board.

If you're able to open up your key fob and aren't afraid of some mess, we can take off the buttons and solder new ones in their place. Also, you should check the connections between 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, and putting the button back in place is usually all that's needed to return a non-working key fob to working condition.

Non-Remote Transponder Chips

The non-remote chips sealed in a sealed case are more durable than remote fobs, but they are susceptible to breaking in the event of a hole being drilled in them, or if a car Key and repair door car key And Repair handle or lawnmowers is pushed over them. The majority of non-remote transponder chip malfunctions can be blamed on a blown fuse.

If you're not confident opening the key fob, you may take the circuit board off and use a multimeter to verify that the diode is working correctly. If you're not sure with this, you can visit your local Oreilly or hardware store and test their RF frequency tester. This will inform you whether the key fob sends a signal.

Programming

Key fobs are subject to many abuses and aren't completely indestructible. They can break their connection with the receiver in your vehicle due to shocks or a low-battery, which requires reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or a dealer in the main can reprogram the keyfob and get it working again. If, in the unlikely event that resetting or repairing your key fob doesn't work it could be the time to replace it entirely.