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, make sure that it's not the backup remote.

If your backup remote is unable to unlock and lock the doors of your car key repairs near me, it is likely that the main remote isn't working. The most common causes of key problems with your car key fob repair service remote are battery or circuitry issues.

Battery

It is not unusual for the battery in a car key and repair key fob to degrade. It is easy to replace batteries. However, it is important that you choose the right type. You can consult the owner's manual or contact the manufacturer to find out the correct type. It is also a good idea to examine the battery compartment with care because dead batteries can leak harmful chemicals that can harm the remote. If changing the battery doesn't solve the issue there could be other issues requiring professional attention. For example, if buttons seem stuck or damaged, it may be necessary to disassemble the remote and rework its parts. You could also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new device.

Buttons

Through frequent use, key fobs could become worn and dirty. It is not common for buttons to cease working, or to require a hard press to get them working. This can be frustrating, especially when you are away from home and have to switch on your car. Even malfunctioning or worn-out buttons can be fixed with a little time and the tools you already have at home.

First, check that the batteries are properly placed and that the indentation at the back of the button is filled. Open the remote carefully and look over the circuit board. Check for indications of rust or other indications that the buttons have been worn or damaged. For instance the paint that conducts electricity could be missing. Use a Q-tip that has been dipped in alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that is worn out or has conductive paint missing. Avoid rubbing too hard since this could cause damage to the conductive painting and prevent the button from firing when pressed.

Also, carefully check the battery connector's terminals for a loose solder connection. If this is the case, reconnecting them may restore function to the button. The same process can be used to restore function to any other loose connections inside the fob.

If, for instance, any of the buttons made of rubber on the front of the key fob stop working or require a hard press to work it is likely the graphite disks at the back of the button are wearing down and require replacement. This is usually done by rubbing a pencil on the disks, which should bring the button back to working.

If none of this is useful, or if the button does not respond to a hard press, then it may be because the circuit board itself has become damaged. This can be fixed with a quick clean and re-soldering, but it is recommended to have an additional fob available in the event this method does not work for you.

Circuitry

The circuit board in your remote control may be dirty regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob are working or not. A very thorough inspection is often enough to resolve this issue. The most common causes for dirty circuit boards is water and damaged cases. A broken car key repair near me case can allow water and other debris into the circuit board, causing it to short out. Water can also eat away at pins and connectors that are small on the board called via's.

If you're skilled enough to open your key fob and don't mind making an mess, you can remove the buttons from their sockets and then solder new ones. Also, it's worth checking the connections between the battery terminals. They can become extremely dirty and if they're loose, the buttons may not work or even stick in their down position. Soldering the terminals back into place is usually enough to return a malfunctioning fob to a working condition.

Non-Remote transponder chips

The sealed non-remote chips are more durable than their remote fobs, however they can be cracked if a hole is drilled in them or in the event that a door handle of a electronic car key repair near me or lawnmowers plows over them. Fuse failures are usually to blame for non-remote chip failures.

If you're not confident opening the key fob, you may remove the circuitboard and utilize a multimeter to check that the diode is working correctly. If you don't feel comfortable with this, you can go to your local Oreilly or hardware store and utilize their RF frequency tester. This will tell you whether the key fob sends signals.

Programming

Key fobs aren't impervious to destruction and are susceptible to damage through a variety of causes. They can break their connection with the receiver inside your vehicle due to shocks or low-battery, which requires the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or dealer will be able to reprogram your key fob to get it working again. If resetting or repairing your key fob fails it is possible to replace it.