How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob isn't working, a few easy steps can be taken to fix it. First, ensure that it's not the backup remote.

If the backup is able to lock and unlock your car door, then there's a likely issue with the primary remote. Most car remote key failures result from circuitry or battery issues.

Battery

It is not uncommon for the battery inside a key fob for cars to degrade. It is fairly easy to change out batteries, but it is important to ensure that you use the right type that you can refer to your owner's manual or contact the manufacturer's dealer to find out the kind of battery you need. It is recommended to inspect the battery compartment with care since dead batteries may leak caustic chemicals that can harm the remote. If changing the battery doesn't solve the issue there may be additional issues that require professional attention. For example, if buttons appear stuck or damaged, it may be necessary to take the remote apart and Where To Repair Car Key Remote rework its parts. You can also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new key fob.

Buttons

From frequent use, key fobs may get dirty and worn. It is not common for buttons to cease functioning, or require a hefty push to make them work. This can be extremely frustrating, especially if you are away from home and need to start your car. 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, make sure that the batteries have been correctly inserted and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Then, open the remote with care and examine the circuit board. Check for signs of rust or other indications that the buttons have been damaged or worn. For instance there could be conductive paint missing. Use a Q-tip, dipped in rubbing alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that has become damaged or where to repair car Key remote conductive painting is missing. Avoid rubbing too hard, since this could cause damage to the conductive paint and stop the button from firing when the button is pressed.

Check the battery connector terminals carefully for any loose solder connections. If this is the case, soldering them back in place may restore functionality to the button. The same process can be used to restore function to any loose connections in the fob.

If any of the rubber buttons located at the front of the keyfob aren't working or need to be pressing very hard the graphite disks on the back of the button could have worn out and need to replaced. It is usually done by rubbing a pencil over the disks. This should bring the button to life.

If all of this doesn't help, or if the button doesn't respond to a hard press, then it may be because the circuit board itself has gone bad. This can be fixed by a quick clean, and replacing the solder, but it is recommended to have an additional fob on hand in the event that this method doesn't work for you.

Circuitry

If the key fob buttons function the circuit board in your remote might be dirty. The issue can be solved through a thorough examination. Broken cases and water are the most frequent causes of dirty boards. A damaged case could allow water and other debris into the circuit board, causing it to short out. Water can also get through pins and vias, which are tiny connectors found on the board.

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 then solder new ones. It's also worth looking at the battery terminal connections. If they're loose, the buttons might not function properly or become stuck in their down position. Soldering the terminals and button's back in their place is generally all it takes to restore the key fob that is not working to working condition.

Non-remote car key repair Transponder Chips

Sealed non-remote transponder chips are more durable than remote fobs that have them however they are still susceptible to being cracked by a hole drilled into them or run over by a lawnmowers blade or door handle for a car. Most of the time non-remote transponder chip failures can be attributed to blowing fuses.

If you're not confident opening the key fob, remove the circuitboard and use a multimeter to verify that the diode is operating correctly. If you're not sure with this, visit your local Oreilly or hardware store and utilize their RF frequency tester. This will inform you whether the key fob sends a signal.

Programming

Key fobs endure lots of abuse and aren't completely indestructible. They may lose their connection with the receiver inside your vehicle due to shocks or a low battery, which calls for changing the program. A professional auto locksmith or a dealer in the main can reprogram the key fob and get it back up and running again. In the rarer case that resetting or repairing your key fob doesn't work, it could be time to replace it completely.