How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

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

If the backup remote is able to lock and unlock your car doors, then there's a likely issue with the primary remote. The most common causes for car remote key failure are battery or circuitry issues.

Battery

The battery inside the key fob may get worn out over the course of time. It is quite simple to replace the battery, however it is important to make sure that you use the right type that you can refer to your owner's manual or contact the dealer of the manufacturer to find out the kind of battery you need. It is also a good idea to examine the battery compartment thoroughly, as dead batteries sometimes leak harmful chemicals that can harm the remote. If changing the batteries doesn't solve the problem it could be that there are other issues that require attention by a professional. For example, if buttons seem stuck or broken it could be necessary to take the remote apart and rebuild its components. You can also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new remote.

Buttons

From frequent use, key fobs may get dirty and worn. It is not unusual to have buttons stop functioning, or require a long press to make them work. This can be a huge hassle, especially if you are away from home and need to start your vehicle. Fortunately, even worn out or malfunctioning buttons can often be fixed with a bit of time and Remote Key Fob Repair Near Me some of the materials you might already have in the house.

First, check that the batteries are properly placed and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Then, Car Key Repairs Near Me carefully remove the remote and look at the circuit board. Examine for signs of rust or other indications that the buttons are damaged or worn. For example, conductive paint may be missing. Use the Q-tip, dipped in alcohol to gently clean any membrane contacts that have become damaged or have conductive paint missing. Do not rub too vigorously in order to damage the conductive paint and prevent the button from firing when pressed.

Examine the battery connector's terminals carefully for any loose solder connections. Soldering them back to their original position 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 functioning or require a hard press to work it is likely the graphite disks on the back of the button are deteriorating and require replacement. This is usually done by rubbing a pencil on the disks, which will bring the button back to working.

If none of this is helpful or if the button doesn't respond to a hard push, then it may be because the circuit board has gone bad. It is possible to fix this issue by cleaning and re-soldering your fob however, you should have a spare in case it does not work.

Circuitry

Whether or not the keys fob buttons are functioning, the circuit board inside your remote may be dirty. This problem can be resolved through a thorough examination. The most common causes for dirty circuit boards are water and broken cases. A broken case can allow water and other debris to enter the circuit board, causing it to short. Water can also get through pins and vias, which are small connectors that are found on the board.

If you're able to open up your key fob and don't mind some mess, we can take off the buttons and broken Key repair (littleyaksa.yodev.Net) then solder new ones in their place. Also, it's worth checking the connections between battery terminals. If they are loose, the buttons might not work or even become stuck in their down position. Soldering the terminals and buttons back in their place is generally all it takes to restore the key fob that is not working to functioning condition.

Non-Remote Transponder Chips

Sealed non-remote transponder chip are more durable than the remote fobs that have them however they are still susceptible to being damaged by a hole that is drilled into them or run over by a lawnmowers or door handle for a car. Most of the time non-remote transponder chip malfunctions could be attributed to blowing fuses.

If you're able 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 examine the fuse using a multimeter for proper diode function. If you don't feel comfortable with this, you can visit your local Oreilly or hardware store and test their RF frequency tester. This will inform you whether the key fob transmits signals.

Programming

Key fobs take lots of abuse and aren't indestructible. They can lose their pairing with the receiver in your vehicle due to shocks or low battery, requiring the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or a main dealer will be able to reprogram your key fob and get it working again. If, in the unlikely event that resetting or repairing your key fob fails, it could be time to replace it entirely.