How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob isn't working A few easy steps can be taken to fix it. The first step is to be sure that it's not the backup Remote Key Repair.

If the backup can lock and unlock your car doors, car remote key repair then there's a likely issue with the primary remote. The majority of car remote key malfunctions result from battery or circuitry problems.

Battery

It is not uncommon to find a battery on the car key fob to wear out. It is easy to replace a battery. However, it is important that you use the correct kind. You can check the owner's manual or contact the manufacturer to find out the right type. It is also a good idea to examine the battery compartment carefully, as dead batteries sometimes leak caustic chemicals that can damage the remote. If replacing the batteries doesn't solve the problem, it may be that there are other issues that require attention by a professional. For instance, if the buttons seem to be stuck or damaged 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

Key fobs may become dirty and worn out from repeated use. It is not common for buttons to cease functioning, or require a hefty push to make them work. This can be frustrating, especially when you are away from your home and have to start your car. Even worn-out or malfunctioning buttons are often fixable with a bit of time and the tools you already have at home.

First, make sure the batteries are charged correctly and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Then, carefully open the remote and inspect the circuit board. Look for signs of rust or other indications that the buttons are damaged or worn. For instance, conductive paint may be missing. Use a Q-tip that has been dipped in rubbing alcohol, gently clean any membrane contacts that have become damaged or where conductive paint is missing. Don't rub too hard, as this could erode the conductive paint and stop the button from firing when you press it.

Also, be sure to check the battery connector terminals for a loose solder connection. Soldering them back in place will allow the button to function again if this is the case. You can apply the same process to restore functionality to any other loose connection in the fob.

In the end, if any of the rubber buttons on the front of the key fob have stopped working or require a very difficult press to function it is likely the graphite disks on the back of the button are wearing out and need to be replaced. You can usually do this by rubbing a pen across the disks. This should bring the button back to life.

If all of this doesn't help, or if the button doesn't respond to a hard push It could be the case that the circuit board itself has become damaged. It is possible to fix this by cleaning and re-soldering the fob however, you should have another spare in case it doesn't work.

Circuitry

The circuit board inside your remote control could be dirty, regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob are working or not. This issue can be fixed by a thorough inspection. Water and broken key repair near me cases are the most frequent causes of dirty boards. A damaged case allows water and other debris to get in and short circuit the electronics. Water can also damage pins and small connectors on the board called via's.

If you're handy enough to remove your key fob, and you're not afraid of a little mess, we can de-solder the buttons and then solder new ones in their place. It's also worth looking at the battery terminal connections. They can become very filthy and if they're not tight enough, the buttons might not work or even stick in their down position. Soldering terminals and buttons back into place is usually enough to return a malfunctioning fob to a working condition.

Non-Remote Transponder Chips

The sealed non-remote chips are more durable than their remote fobs, but they are susceptible to breaking in the event of a hole being drilled in them or if a car door Car Key Repairs Near Me handle or lawnmower runs over them. Most of the time non-remote transponder chips fail, and this can be blamed on a blown fuse.

If you're not comfortable opening the key fob, you can remove the circuitboard and use a multimeter to verify that the diode is operating correctly. If you're not confident doing this, visit your local hardware store or the Oreilly's and they'll usually have a RFID frequency tester that can determine whether the key fob transmitting a signal.

Programming

Key fobs aren't indestructible and are susceptible to being damaged through a variety of causes. They can break their connection with the receiver in your vehicle because of shocks or a low-battery, which requires the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or a dealer in the main can reprogram the key fob and get it back working again. If resetting or replacing your key fob fails it is possible to replace it.