How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob won't work and you're not sure why, you can fix it by following a few simple steps. The first step is to make sure it's not the backup remote.

If your backup remote can lock and unlock the doors of your car, then it is likely that the main remote is not working. Most problems with car remote keys are caused by circuitry or battery issues.

Battery

It is not unusual for the battery inside a key fob for cars to wear out. It is fairly easy to change out a battery, although it is important to ensure that you select the correct one that you can refer to your owner's manual or contact the dealer of the manufacturer to find out what kind of battery you require. It is recommended to inspect the battery compartment with care since dead batteries may leak harmful chemicals that can cause damage to the remote key fob repair near me. If changing the battery doesn't fix the issue there may be additional issues requiring professional attention. For instance, if buttons seem to be stuck or damaged it could be necessary to disassemble the remote and rework its parts. You can also try reprogramming your vehicle to recognize the new key fob.

Buttons

Through frequent use, key fobs can become worn and dirty. It is not unusual for buttons to stop working, or to require a long push to make them work. This can be a hassle particularly when you're away from your home and have to switch on your car. Fortunately, even worn out or broken buttons can usually be fixed with a little time and a few items you have in the house.

First, make sure that the batteries are correctly placed and that the indentation on the back of the button has been filled. Open the remote carefully and inspect the circuit board. Examine for signs of rust or other indications that the buttons are damaged or worn out. For example the paint that conducts electricity could be missing. Use a Q-tip, dipped in alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that is worn-out or where conductive paint is missing. Don't rub too hard in order to damage the conductive paint and prevent the button from firing when pressed.

Also, carefully check the battery connector's terminals for any loose solder connections. If this is the case, connecting them back may bring back function to the button. The same process can be used to restore function to any other loose connections inside the fob.

If any of the rubber buttons on the front of the keyfob isn't working or need to be pressed extremely hard, the graphite disks at the back of the button could have worn out and need to replaced. You can usually do this by rubbing a pen across the disks. This will bring the button back to life.

If none of these solutions work or you are unable to get the button to respond when pressed hard, it could be that the circuitry is failing. It is possible to fix this by cleaning and re-soldering the 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 that is inside your remote might be dirty. A thorough inspection is usually enough to fix this issue. The most common causes for dirty circuit boards are water and broken cases. A damaged case can allow water and other debris to pass through and short circuit the electronics. Water can also damage pins and vias, which are tiny connectors that are found on the board.

If you're able to open your key fob, and aren't afraid of making some mess, we can take the buttons out of their sockets and then solder new ones. It's also worth checking the battery terminal connections. If they're loose, the buttons might not work or even become stuck in their down position. Soldering the terminals and buttons to their proper positions is usually enough to bring a non-working fob to working.

Non-Remote transponder chips

The sealed non-remote chips are more durable than remote fobs. However, they can be cracked when a hole is made in them or when a Door Key repair Near me handle for a car or lawnmower runs over them. The failure of the fuse is usually the cause of non-remote chip failures.

If you're able to remove the sealed key fob and are willing to put up with the mess, you can remove the circuit board and test the fuse using a multimeter for proper diode function. If you're not comfortable with this, you can go to your local Oreilly or hardware store and use their RF frequency tester. This will let you know whether the key fob is sending an RF signal.

Programming

Key fobs are subject to a lot of abuse and aren't completely indestructible. They may lose their connection with the receiver inside your vehicle due to shocks or low-battery, which requires reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or a main dealer can reprogram your key fob to get it working again. If, in the unlikely event that resetting or repairing your key fob doesn't work it could be the time to replace it completely.