How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

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

If the backup can lock and unlock your repair car keys near me door, it is most likely an issue with the main remote. Most repair car keys near me remote key failures result from circuitry or battery issues.

Battery

The battery in a key fob can wear out over time. It is relatively easy to replace the battery, however it is essential to ensure you select the correct one; you can look in your owner's manual or contact the manufacturer's dealer to determine the type of battery you need. It is also essential to inspect the battery compartment, as dead batteries can leak caustic chemicals which can damage the remote. If replacing the batteries doesn't solve the issue it could be that there are other issues that require attention by a professional. For example, if buttons seem stuck or damaged It may be necessary to disassemble the remote and rework its parts. You could also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new remote.

Buttons

Through repeated use, key fobs could get dirty and worn. It is not common to have buttons stop functioning, or require a hard push to make them work. This can be very frustrating particularly if you're away from home and need to start your vehicle. Fortunately, even worn-out or damaged buttons can be fixed with a little time and a few items you have in the home.

First, ensure that the batteries are properly charged and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Take the remote apart and examine the circuit board. Check for signs of corrosion or other indications that buttons are worn out or damaged, such as missing paint that is conductive. Then, using the Q-tip, dipped in rubbing alcohol, gently clean any membrane contacts that are worn or have conductive paint missing. Avoid rubbing too hard, because this could damage the conductive paint and block the button from firing when it is pressed.

Also, be sure to check the battery connector's terminals for any loose solder connections. Soldering them back to their original position will restore the button's functionality in the event that this is the case. You can use the same procedure to restore functionality to any other loose connection within the fob.

In the end, if any of the buttons made of rubber on the front of the key fob stop 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 need to be replaced. It is usually done by rubbing a pencil over the disks. This should bring the button back to life.

If none of these solutions work or you are unable to get the button to respond when you press it hard, it is possible that the circuitry has failed. It is possible to fix this by a quick clean, and refitting, but it's ideal to have a spare fob available in the event this method does not work for you.

Circuitry

The circuit board inside the remote control could be dirty, regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob are working or not. A thorough inspection will usually resolve this issue. The most frequent causes of dirty circuit boards is water and damaged cases. A damaged case allows water and other debris to pass through and short out the electronic components. Water can also damage pins and small connectors on the board, which are known as via's.

If you are handy enough to open your key fob, and aren't afraid of making a mess, we can remove the buttons from their sockets and solder in new ones. Also, you should check the connections between battery terminals. They can get very filthy and if they're not tight enough, the buttons might not function or even stick in their down position. Soldering terminals and buttons back into place is usually enough to return a malfunctioning fob back to working.

Non-Remote transponder chips

The sealed non-remote chips are more durable than their remote fobs, but they are susceptible to breaking in the event of a hole being drilled in them or when a door handle for a car or lawnmowers is pushed over them. Most of the time non-remote transponder chip malfunctions can be blamed on an exploded fuse.

If you're not comfortable opening the key fob, you may remove the circuitboard and utilize a multimeter to verify that the diode is working correctly. If you're unsure about doing this, visit your local hardware store or Oreilly's, and they usually have an radio frequency tester that can tell you whether the key fob is transmitting a signal.

Programming

Key fobs aren't impervious to destruction and can be damaged by a variety of factors. They can lose their pairing with the receiver in your vehicle because of shocks or a low battery, requiring the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or a dealer in the main, can reprogram your keyfob and car key fob Repairs get it up and running again. If resetting or replacing your key fob fails it may be necessary to replace it.