How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

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

If the backup is able to lock and unlock your car doors then there is likely an issue with the primary remote. The most frequent causes of key malfunctions for car remotes are issues with the circuitry or battery.

Battery

The battery inside the key fob may get worn out over the course of time. It is relatively easy to replace the battery, however it is crucial 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 the kind of battery you require. It is also important to inspect the battery compartment, as batteries that are not working properly can release caustic chemicals that can harm the remote. If changing the battery doesn't fix the problem, there may be other issues that require professional attention. For instance, if buttons appear stuck or broken it could be necessary to take the remote apart and rework its parts. You can also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new key fob repair fob.

Buttons

Due to frequent use, key fobs could get dirty and worn. This is not uncommon however, key lock repair Near Me it can cause buttons to cease working or require a hard press for them to work. This can be very frustrating, especially when you are away from home and need to turn on your car. Even broken or damaged buttons can be fixed with a bit of time and materials you already have at home.

First, make sure that the batteries have been correctly installed and that the indentation on the back of the button has been filled. Take the remote car key repair near me apart and look over 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 that has been dipped in alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that is damaged or where conductive painting is missing. Don't rub too hard as this can damage the conductive paint and stop the button from firing when it is pressed.

Check the battery connector terminals carefully for This Web site any loose solder connections. If this is the case, simply soldering them back in place can restore functionality to the button. The same method can be used to restore function to any loose connections inside 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 long press to function it is likely the graphite disks that are on the back of the button are deteriorating and require replacement. This can usually be done by rubbing a pencil across the disks. This should bring the button back to working.

If none of this is useful, or if the button still doesn't respond to a hard push It could be the case that the circuit board is damaged. This can be fixed by a quick clean, and re-soldering, but it is ideal to have a spare fob in case this method fails for you.

Circuitry

The circuit board of your remote control may be dirty regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob function or not. A very thorough inspection is usually enough to fix this issue. The most common causes of dirty circuit boards are water and damaged cases. A damaged case can allow water and other debris to enter and short out the electronic components. Water can also eat through pins and vias, which are the tiny connectors that are found on the board.

If you're able to open your key fob and don't mind a little mess, we can take off the buttons and solder new ones in their place. It's also worth looking at the battery terminal connections. They can become very dirty and if they're loose, the buttons might not work or may even remain in their down position. Soldering the terminals back to their proper positions is usually enough to bring a non-working fob to a working condition.

Non-Remote Transponder Chips

The sealed non-remote chips are more durable than remote fobs, but they are susceptible to breaking when a hole is made in them, or if a car door handle or lawnmower runs over them. The majority of non-remote transponder chip failures can be blamed on an exploded fuse.

If you're not confident opening the key fob, you can remove the circuitboard and utilize a multimeter to verify that the diode is operating properly. If you're unsure about doing this, head to your local hardware store or the Oreilly's and they will usually have an RF frequency tester that will tell you whether the key fob is transmitting a signal.

Programming

Key fobs are subject to many abuses and aren't completely indestructible. They may lose their connection with the receiver in your vehicle because of shocks or a low-battery, which requires reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or main dealer, can reprogram your keyfob and get it up and running again. In the event that resetting and repairing your key fob isn't working, it could be time to replace it completely.