How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob isn't working A few easy steps can fix it. The first step is to be sure it's not the backup remote.

If your backup remote can unlock and lock the doors of your car, it is most likely that the primary remote is not working. The most frequent causes of key malfunctions for car remotes are circuitry or battery issues.

Battery

It is not uncommon for the battery in a key fob for cars to wear out. It is quite simple to change out batteries, but it is essential 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 require. It is also important to inspect the battery compartment, as dead batteries can leak caustic chemicals that can harm the remote. If changing the batteries doesn't solve the problem it could be because there are other issues that require attention by a professional. If buttons are broken or stuck for instance, it may be necessary remove the remote and rebuild each component. It is also possible to reprogramme the vehicle to recognize the new device.

Buttons

Key fobs can become dirty and worn out from repeated use. It is not uncommon for buttons to stop working, or to require a long push to make them work. This can be extremely frustrating, especially if you are out of town and need to start your vehicle. Even broken key repair or damaged buttons are often fixable with a little time and tools 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. Then, open the remote with care and examine the circuit board. Look for signs of corrosion or other indications that buttons are worn out or damaged, like missing the conductive paint. Use a Q-tip, dipped in alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that has damaged or has conductive paint missing. Do not rub too vigorously, as this could erode the conductive paint and prevent the button from firing when it is pressed.

Also, be sure to check the battery connector terminals for an unattached solder connection. If this is the case, simply soldering them back in place may bring back function to the button. You can use the same process to restore functionality to any other loose connection within the fob.

In the end, if any of the buttons made of rubber that are on the front of the key fob have stopped working or require a long press to function it is likely the graphite disks that are on the back of the button are wearing out and need to be replaced. You can usually do this by rubbing a pencil over the disks. This should bring the button to life.

If none of these solutions work, or if you still 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 issue by cleaning and re-soldering your fob, but you should have another spare in case it does not work.

Circuitry

If the keys fob buttons are functioning the circuit board in your remote might be dirty. A thorough examination is usually enough to fix this issue. The most common causes for dirty circuit boards are water and broken cases. A damaged case allows water and other debris to get in and short out the electronics. Water can also damage pins and vias, which are the tiny connectors found on the board.

If you're able to open up your key fob and don't mind making a mess, we can take off the buttons and solder new ones in their place. It's also worth checking the battery terminal connections. They can become very filthy and if they're not tight enough, the buttons might not function or even stay in their down position. Soldering the terminals and buttons back in place is usually all that's required to return a non-working key fob to functioning condition.

Non-Remote Transponder Chips

Sealed non-remote transponder chips are much more durable than remote fobs that contain them but they can still be damaged by a hole that is made in them or pushed over by a lawnmowers blade or electronic car key repair near me door key repair near me handle. The majority of non-Remote car Key Repairs transponder chip failures can be blamed on blowing fuses.

If you're able to remove the sealed key fob and can tolerate the mess, you can remove the circuit board and examine the fuse using a multimeter for proper diode function. If you're not confident doing this, head to your local hardware store or Oreilly's and they usually have a radio frequency tester that can determine whether the key fob transmitting a signal.

Programming

Key fobs aren't indestructible and can be damaged by a lot of things. They may lose their connection to the receiver in your car because of shock or a low battery, requiring the reprogramming. A professional auto key repair near me locksmith, or the main dealer, can reprogram your keyfob to get it up and running again. In the event that resetting and fixing your key fob isn't working it may be time to replace it completely.