How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

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

If your backup remote can lock and unlock the doors of your vehicle, it is most likely that the primary remote is not working. The majority of car key immobiliser repair remote key malfunctions result from circuitry or battery issues.

Battery

The battery inside a key fob can wear out over time. It is simple to replace batteries. However it is crucial that you use the correct type. You can refer to your owner's manual or call the manufacturer to find out the right type. 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 changing the batteries doesn't solve the issue, it may be that there are other issues that require attention by a professional. For instance, if the buttons appear stuck or broken It may be necessary to take the remote apart and rework its components. You can also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new fob.

Buttons

Key fobs may become dirty and worn out from repeated use. It is not common for buttons to cease working, or to require a hefty push to make them work. This can be frustrating, especially when you are away from your home and you need to switch on your repair car key fob. Fortunately, even worn-out or damaged buttons can be fixed with just a bit of time and a few items you may already have around the house.

First, ensure that the batteries are up correctly and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Then, open the remote with care and inspect the circuit board. Look for signs of corrosion or other signs that the buttons are worn or damaged, such as missing paint that is conductive. Use a Q-tip that has been dipped in alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that has worn-out or has conductive paint missing. Don't rub too hard in order to damage the conductive paint and stop the button from firing when you press it.

Check the battery connector's terminals for loose solder connections. Soldering them back in place will allow the button to function again 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 rubber buttons on the front of the key fob have stopped working or require a difficult press to function, it is likely that the graphite disks on the back of the button are wearing down and require replacement. You can 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 not be able to get the button respond when pressed hard, it is possible that the circuitry has failed. It is possible to fix the issue by cleaning and re-soldering the fob however, you should have another spare in case it doesn't work.

Circuitry

Whether or not the key fob buttons are working, the circuit board inside your remote may be dirty. A thorough inspection is often enough to resolve this problem. Broken cases and car remote key repair Shop near me water are the most common causes of dirty boards. A damaged case allows water and other debris to enter and short out the electronic components. Water can also eat through pins and vias, which are the tiny connectors that are found on the board.

If you're handy enough to open your key fob, and you're not afraid of making a mess, we can de-solder the buttons and put new ones in their place. Also, it's worth checking the connections between the battery terminals. They can get very dirty and if they're loose, the buttons might not work or even stick in their down position. Soldering terminals and buttons back into place is usually enough to restore a non-working fob to working.

Non-Remote Transponder Chips

The non-remote chips that are sealed are more durable than remote fobs, but they can be cracked if a hole is drilled into them or when a door handle for a car remote Key Repair shop near me or lawnmower runs over them. Most of the time non-remote transponder chips fail, and this can be attributed to a blown fuse.

If you're not comfortable opening the key fob, take the circuit board off and use a multimeter to determine if the diode is operating correctly. If you're not comfortable doing this, visit your local hardware store or Oreilly's, and they usually have a RF frequency tester that will determine if the key fob is sending signals.

Programming

Key fobs are subject to a lot of abuse and aren't completely indestructible. They may lose their connection with the receiver in your vehicle because of shocks or car remote Key repair Shop near me a low battery, requiring reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or dealer can reprogram your key fob to get it back up and running. If resetting or replacing your key fob fails it may be necessary to replace it.