How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

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

If your backup remote is unable to unlock and lock the doors of your car, it is likely that the primary remote isn't working. Most car keys repairs near me remote key failures result from circuitry or battery problems.

Battery

It is not unusual for the battery in a key fob for cars to get worn out. It is fairly easy to change out the battery, however it is crucial to ensure that you choose the correct type that you can refer to the owner's manual or talk to the manufacturer's dealer to find out what kind of battery you need. It is also essential to check the battery compartment, since dead batteries can leak toxic chemicals that could damage the remote. If changing the battery doesn't fix the problem, there may be other issues requiring professional attention. For example, if buttons seem stuck or broken 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 may get dirty and worn. It is not common to have buttons stop working, or to require a long push to make them work. This can be extremely frustrating, especially if you are away from home and you need to start your repair car keys near me. Fortunately, even worn-out or broken buttons can usually be fixed with just a bit of time and a few items you may already have around the home.

First, check that the batteries are properly inserted and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Then, carefully remove the remote and look at the circuit board. Check for signs of corrosion or other signs that the buttons are worn or damaged, such as missing conductive paint. Utilizing a Q-tip dipped in alcohol to gently clean any membrane contacts that have become worn or Broken have conductive paint missing. Avoid rubbing too hard, as this can erode the conductive paint and block the button from firing when it is pressed.

Check the battery connector terminals carefully for any loose solder connections. Soldering them back into place will restore the button's functionality if this is the situation. You can use the same procedure to restore functionality to any other loose connection within the fob.

Finally, if any of the buttons made of rubber on the front of the key fob aren't working or require a long press to function it is likely the graphite disks that are on the back of the button are wearing down and need to be replaced. You can usually do this by rubbing a pen over the disks. This should bring the button back to life.

If none of this is useful, or if the button still does not respond to a firm press, then it may be that the circuit board is damaged. It is possible to fix this issue by cleaning and re-soldering the button, but you should have a spare in case it does not work.

Circuitry

If the key fob buttons are working the circuit board in your remote might be dirty. A thorough inspection is usually enough to fix this issue. The most frequent causes of dirty circuit boards is water and broken cases. A broken case allows water and other debris to enter and short circuit the electronic components. Water can also damage pins and connectors on the board called via's.

If you are handy enough to open your key fob, and you don't mind making some mess, we 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 may not work or even become stuck in their down position. Soldering the terminals, and putting the button back in their place is generally all that's needed to return keys that are not in working condition.

Non-Remote transponder chips

Sealed non-remote transponder chips are much more durable than the remote fobs they are contained in, but they can be broken by a hole being that is drilled into them or over by a lawnmower or repair car remote control key door handle. Most of the time non-remote transponder chips fail, and this can be attributed to a blown fuse.

If you're not confident opening the key fob, you can remove the circuitboard and use a multimeter to determine if the diode is operating properly. If you're not sure with this, you can visit 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 aren't indestructible and are susceptible to being damaged by a variety of factors. They can lose their pairing to the receiver in your car due to shock or low battery, requiring the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or dealer can reprogram your key fob to get it back up and running. If resetting or repairing the keyfob is not working it may be necessary to replace it.