How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob doesn't work, you can fix it with just a few steps. The first step is to make sure that it's not the backup remote.

If your backup remote can unlock and lock the doors of your vehicle, it is likely that the primary remote is not working. Most problems with car remote keys are caused by battery or circuitry problems.

Battery

The battery in the key fob could get worn out over the course of time. It is simple to replace batteries. However it is crucial that you choose the right kind. You can consult your owner's manual or call the manufacturer to inquire about the right kind. It is also a good idea to inspect the battery compartment thoroughly because dead batteries can leak caustic chemicals that can damage the remote. If changing the batteries doesn't solve the issue, it may be that there are other issues that require attention from a professional. If the buttons are stuck or broken, for example, it may be necessary disassemble the remote and rework each component. It is also possible to reprogramme the vehicle to recognize the new remote.

Buttons

Key fobs can get dirty and worn-out from frequent use. It is not unusual to have buttons stop functioning, or require a hard push to make them work. This can be very frustrating especially when you're away from home and you need to turn on your car. Fortunately, even worn out or broken buttons can usually be fixed with a bit of time and a few materials you may already have around the home.

First, check that the batteries are properly charged and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Then, carefully remove the remote and examine the circuit board. Look for signs of corrosion or other signs that the buttons are worn or damaged, like missing conductive paint. Use a Q-tip, dipped in alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that is worn-out or where conductive painting is missing. Avoid rubbing too hard, because this could damage the conductive painting and prevent the button firing when the button is pressed.

Check the battery connector's terminals for loose solder connections. Soldering them back to their original position can restore the button's functionality in the event that this is the situation. You can use the same procedure 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 hard press to work, it is likely that the graphite disks on the back of the button are deteriorating and need to be replaced. You can usually do this by rubbing a pencil over the disks. This should bring the button back to life.

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

Circuitry

The circuit board of your remote control may be dirty, regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob repairs near me fob function or not. A thorough examination is usually enough to fix this issue. The most common causes of dirty circuit boards is water and broken cases. A broken case allows water and other debris to get in and short out the electronics. Water can also damage pins and vias, which are the tiny connectors on the board.

If you're handy enough to open up your key fob and aren't afraid of a little mess, we can remove the solder from the buttons and put new ones in their place. It's also worth checking the battery terminal connections. They can become extremely dirty and if they're loose, the buttons might not function or even stick in their down position. Soldering the terminals and button's back in place is usually all that's needed to return a non-working key fob to working condition.

Non-Remote transponder chips

The sealed non-remote chips are more durable than remote fobs, however they are susceptible to cracking if a hole is drilled in them, or in the event that a door handle of a G28 Car Keys or lawnmowers is pushed over them. Most of the time, non-remote transponder chip malfunctions can be attributed to blowing fuses.

If you're handy enough to open the sealed key fob and are willing to put up with the mess, you can remove the circuit board and test the fuse with an instrument to verify diode function. If you're not comfortable doing this, head to your local hardware store or Oreilly's and they usually have a radio frequency tester that can determine whether the key fob sending signals.

Programming

Key fobs take lots of abuse and aren't indestructible. They can break their connection with the receiver in your vehicle due to shocks or G28 car Keys low battery, which calls for the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or main dealer can reprogram your key repair near me fob to get it functioning again. If resetting or repairing your key fob fails it may be necessary to replace it.