How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

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

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

Battery

It is not uncommon to find a battery on the car key fob to degrade. It is simple to replace a battery. However, it is important to select the right kind. You can refer to the owner's manual or contact the manufacturer to inquire about the right type. It is also crucial to examine the battery compartment, as batteries that are not working properly can release caustic chemicals which can damage the remote. If changing the batteries doesn't solve the problem it could be that there are other issues that require professional attention. If the buttons are stuck or broken for instance it might be necessary to remove the remote and rebuild each component. It is also possible to reprogramme the vehicle to recognize the new remote.

Buttons

Due to frequent use, key fobs could get dirty and worn. This is not atypical however, it can cause buttons to stop working or require a very hard press for them to work. This can be very frustrating, especially when you are away from home and need to start your car. Even broken or repair keys near me damaged buttons can be fixed with a little effort and the tools you already have at home.

First, check that the batteries have been correctly inserted and that the indentation at the back of the button is filled. Take the remote apart and examine the circuit board. Check for signs of corrosion or other signs that the buttons are worn or damaged, such as missing the conductive paint. Use a Q-tip dipped into rubbing alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that is damaged or where conductive painting is missing. Be careful not to rub too hard, since this could cause damage to the conductive paint and stop the button firing when the button is pressed.

Also, make sure to inspect the battery connector terminals for any loose solder connections. If this is the case, reconnecting them could restore functionality to the button. You can apply the same procedure to restore functionality to any other loose connection in the fob.

Finally, if any of the buttons made of rubber on the front of the key fob stop working or require a difficult press to function it is likely that the graphite disks that are on the back of the button are deteriorating and need to be replaced. This is usually done by rubbing a pencil across the disks, which will bring the button back to life.

If none of this is helpful, or if the button still does not respond to a hard push It could be because the circuit board itself is damaged. This can be fixed with a quick clean and refitting, but it's ideal to have a spare fob available in the event this method fails for you.

Circuitry

The circuit board inside your remote control may be dirty regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob function or not. A thorough inspection is usually enough to fix this problem. broken car key repair near me and damaged cases are the most frequent causes of dirty boards. A broken 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, repair keys near me which are known as via's.

If you're able to open your key fob and you don't mind making an mess, you can take the buttons out of their sockets and put in new ones. It's also worth looking at the battery terminal connections. If they're loose, the buttons could not work or even become stuck in their down position. Soldering the terminals, and putting the button back into place is typically all it takes to restore a non-working key fob to functioning condition.

Non-Remote transponder chips

The non-remote chips sealed in a sealed case are more durable than their remote fobs. However, they can be cracked if a hole is drilled into them or if a car door handle or lawnmowers plows over them. The majority of non-remote transponder chip malfunctions could be attributed to a blown fuse.

If you're able to open a sealed non-remote key fob and are able to bear the mess, you can remove the circuit board and test the fuse with a multimeter for proper diode function. If you're not confident doing this, go to your local hardware store or Oreilly's, and they usually have a radio frequency tester that can let you know whether the key fob sending a signal.

Programming

Key fobs take a lot of abuse and aren't completely indestructible. They may lose their connection to the car's receiver because of shock or a low battery, which requires the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or the main dealer can reprogram the keyfob to get it functioning again. In the rarer case that resetting and repairing your key fob fails it could be the time to replace it completely.