How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob isn't functioning A few easy steps can be taken to fix it. The first step is to be sure that it's not your 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

The battery inside the key fob may get worn out over the course of time. It is fairly easy to change out the battery, however it is important to ensure you select the correct one; you can look in your owner's manual, or contact the manufacturer's dealer to find out the kind of battery you require. It is also important to examine the battery compartment as batteries that are not working properly can release caustic chemicals which can damage the remote. If replacing the battery does not fix the issue, there may be other issues requiring professional attention. If buttons are damaged or stuck for instance, it may be necessary remove the remote and rebuild each component. You can also try reprogramming your vehicle to recognize the new key fob.

Buttons

Key fobs can get filthy and worn out due to frequent use. This is not uncommon, but it can cause buttons to cease functioning or require a long press to function. This can be frustrating especially when you're away from home and have to start your car. Even malfunctioning or worn-out buttons are often fixable with a little time and the tools you already have at home.

First, ensure that the batteries are charged correctly and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Take the remote apart and examine the circuit board. Look for evidence of rust, or other signs the buttons are worn or damaged. For example the paint that conducts electricity could be missing. Use the Q-tip, dipped in alcohol, gently clean any membrane contacts that have become damaged or have conductive paint missing. Avoid rubbing too hard as this can erode the conductive paint and stop the button from firing when it is it is pressed.

Also, carefully check the battery connector terminals for an unattached solder connection. If this is the case, connecting them back may bring back function to the button. You can follow the same procedure to restore functionality to any other loose connection inside the fob.

If any of the rubber buttons on the front of the keyfob are not functioning or require to be pressed very hard, the graphite disks at the back of the button could have worn out and need to replaced. This can usually be done by rubbing a pencil over the disks, which will bring the button back to its original state.

If none of this is useful, or if the button does not respond to a hard press, key repair Car then it may be the case that the circuit board has become damaged. It is possible to fix this issue by cleaning and Key Repair Car re-soldering the fob but you should also have another spare in case it doesn't work.

Circuitry

Whether or not the key fob buttons are working the circuit board in your remote may be dirty. The issue can be solved through a thorough examination. The most frequent causes of dirty circuit boards are water and broken cases. A broken case can let water and other debris to enter the circuit board, causing it to short out. Water can also eat away at pins and small connectors on the board called via's.

If you're handy enough to open your repair key fob, and you're not afraid of a little mess, we can de-solder the buttons and put new ones in their place. It's also worth checking the connections between battery terminals. If they are loose, the buttons could not function or get stuck in their down position. Soldering terminals and buttons back to their original positions is often enough to return a malfunctioning fob to working.

Non-Remote Transponder Chips

The sealed non-remote chips are more durable than their remote fobs, but they can be cracked if a hole is drilled in them, or if a car door handle or lawnmowers is pushed over them. Most of the time non-remote transponder chip failures could be attributed to blowing fuses.

If you are not comfortable opening the key fob, you may remove the circuitboard and use a multimeter to verify that the diode is operating properly. If you're unsure about doing this, visit your local hardware store or Oreilly's and they'll usually have an radio frequency tester that can let you know whether the key fob is transmitting a signal.

Programming

Key fobs are not indestructible and can be damaged through a variety of causes. They can lose their pairing to the car's receiver due to shock or a low battery, which calls for the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or a dealer in the main can reprogram your Key Repair Car fob and get it back functioning again. If resetting or repairing your keyfob does not work it is possible to replace it.