How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob won't work and you're not sure why, you can fix it with just a few steps. First, check to make sure it's not your backup remote.

If your backup remote can lock and unlock the doors of your car, it is likely that the main remote isn't working. The most common causes of car remote key failure are battery or circuitry issues.

Battery

It is not unusual to find a battery on the car key lock repair near me fob to get worn out. It is fairly easy to change out batteries, but it is essential to ensure that you use the right type and you can consult your owner's manual or contact the dealer of the manufacturer to find out what kind of battery you need. It's also a good idea to examine the battery compartment thoroughly since dead batteries may leak harmful chemicals that can damage the remote. If changing the battery doesn't fix the problem, there may be other issues that require attention from a professional. For instance, if the buttons seem stuck or broken, it may be necessary to disassemble the remote and rebuild its components. You could also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new fob.

Buttons

From repeated use, key fobs can become worn and dirty. This is not uncommon, but it can cause buttons to stop functioning or require a difficult press to get them to work. This can be very frustrating, especially when you are away from home and you need to turn on your car. Even worn-out or malfunctioning buttons are often fixable with a little time and tools you already have at home.

First, make sure that the batteries are correctly inserted and that the indentation on the back of the button has been filled. Take the remote apart and examine the circuit board. Look for signs of corrosion or other signs that the buttons are worn out or damaged, such as missing the conductive paint. Utilizing a Q-tip that has been dipped in alcohol, gently clean any membrane contacts that are damaged or where conductive paint is missing. Avoid rubbing too hard, because this could damage the conductive paint and stop the button from firing when it is it is pressed.

Check the battery connector terminals for loose solder connections. Soldering them back in place can restore the button's functionality If this is the situation. You can apply the same process to restore functionality to any other loose connection inside the fob.

In the end, if any of the buttons made of rubber that are on the front of the key fob stop working or require a difficult press to function it is likely the graphite disks at the back of the button are wearing out and need to be replaced. This is usually done by rubbing a pencil over the disks. This should bring the button back to working.

If none of these solutions work, or if you still cannot get the button to respond when you press it hard, it is possible that the circuitry has failed. This can be fixed with a quick clean and replacing the solder, but it is recommended to have an additional fob available in the event this method fails for you.

Circuitry

The circuit board inside your remote control may be dirty regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob function or not. A thorough inspection is often enough to resolve this issue. broken key repair near me and damaged cases are the most frequent causes of dirty boards. A broken Key repair near me case allows water and Broken key Repair near me other debris to enter and short out the electronics. Water can also eat through pins and vias, which are tiny connectors on the board.

If you're able to open your key fob and aren't afraid of making an mess, you can remove the buttons from their sockets and solder in new ones. It's also worth checking the battery terminal connections. They can get very dirty and if they're loose, the buttons may not work or may even remain in their down position. Soldering the terminals and buttons into place is usually enough to return a malfunctioning fob to a working condition.

Non-Remote Transponder Chips

The non-remote chips that are sealed are more durable than remote fobs, however they can be cracked if a hole is drilled in them, or if a car door handle or lawnmowers is pushed over them. Failures of the fuse are typically to blame for non-remote chips failures.

If you're able to open up the sealed key fob and are willing to put up with the mess, you can remove the circuit board and examine the fuse with a multimeter to ensure that it is functioning as intended. function. If you're not confident doing this, visit your local hardware store or Oreilly's and they will usually have an RFID frequency tester that can let you know if the key fob is transmitting a signal.

Programming

Key fobs are subject to many abuses and aren't indestructible. They can lose their pairing with the receiver inside your vehicle due to shocks or a low battery, requiring changing the program. A professional auto locksmith, or main dealer, can reprogram your keyfob to get it working again. In the event that resetting and fixing your key fob isn't working it could be the time to replace it all over again.