How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob does not work, you can fix it by following some simple steps. First, check to make sure it's not the backup remote.

If the backup remote is able to lock and unlock your car door, it is most likely an issue with the main remote. Most car remote key failures result from battery or circuitry problems.

Battery

It is not unusual for the battery in a car key fob to degrade. It is fairly easy to replace a battery, although it is essential to ensure you select the correct one that you can refer to your owner's manual or contact the dealer for the manufacturer to find out what kind of battery you require. It is also a good idea to inspect the battery compartment carefully, as dead batteries sometimes leak caustic chemicals that can cause damage to the remote. If changing the batteries does not solve the problem it could be that there are other issues that require professional attention. If buttons are damaged or stuck for instance, remote key repair it may be necessary remove the remote and rebuild each component. You could also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new remote key repair.

Buttons

Through frequent use, key fobs could wear out and become dirty. This is not atypical, but it can cause buttons to stop functioning or require a hard press for them to function. This can be a huge hassle particularly if you're out of town and need to start your car. Even worn-out or malfunctioning buttons are often fixable with a little effort and the tools you already have at home.

First, make sure the batteries are up correctly and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Open the remote carefully and examine the circuit board. Check for evidence of rust, or other signs the buttons have been damaged or worn. For example the paint that conducts electricity could be missing. Use the Q-tip, dipped in alcohol, gently clean any membrane contacts that are worn or where conductive paint is missing. Don't rub too hard as this can damage the conductive paint and stop the button from firing when you press it.

Check the battery connector terminals carefully for any loose solder connections. Soldering them back to their original position will allow the button to function again in the event that this is the case. The same process can be used to restore function to any loose connections 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 very hard press to work it is likely the graphite disks at the back of the button are deteriorating and need to be replaced. This can be done by rubbing a pencil across the disks, which will bring the button back to working.

If none of these solutions work or you not be able to get the button respond when pressed hard, it could be that the circuitry is failing. This can be fixed with a quick clean and replacing the solder, but it is ideal to have a spare fob available in the event this method fails for you.

Circuitry

The circuit board in the remote control could be dirty, regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob work or not. A thorough examination will usually resolve this issue. Broken and damaged cases are the most common causes of boards that are dirty. A broken case allows water and other debris to enter and short out the electronic components. Water can also get through pins and vias, which are the tiny connectors found on the board.

If you're skilled enough to open your key fob, and you don't mind making some mess, we can remove the buttons from their sockets and then solder new ones. Also, you should check the connections between battery terminals. If they're loose, the buttons might not work or even become stuck in their down position. Soldering the terminals, and putting the button back in place is usually all that's required to return keys that are not in working condition.

Non-Remote Transponder Chips

The non-remote chips that are sealed are more durable than their remote fobs, but they are susceptible to cracking in the event of a hole being drilled into them or if a car door 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 handy enough to open up a sealed non-remote key fob and are willing to put up with the mess, you can easily remove the circuit board and check the fuse with a multimeter to ensure that it is functioning as intended. function. If you're not sure with this, visit your local Oreilly or hardware store and utilize their RF frequency tester. This will let you know whether the key fob is sending a signal.

Programming

key repairs near me fobs are subject to lots of abuse and aren't completely indestructible. They can lose their pairing to the receiver in your repair car key because of shock or a low battery, which requires the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or main dealer will be able to reprogram your key fob to get it back up and running. In the rarer case that resetting and repairing your key fob isn't working it may be time to replace it entirely.