How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob won't work, you can fix it with just a few steps. The first step is to make sure that it's not your backup remote.

If your backup remote cannot lock and unlock the doors of your vehicle, it is most likely that the primary remote isn't working. The most frequent causes of key problems with your car remote are circuitry or battery issues.

Battery

The battery in the key fob could be worn out over time. It is easy to replace the battery. However it is essential to select the right type. You can consult the owner's manual or contact the manufacturer to find out the right type. It is also important to examine the battery compartment, as dead batteries can leak caustic chemicals which can damage the remote. If changing the battery doesn't fix the issue there may be additional issues requiring professional attention. If buttons are stuck or broken, for example, it may be necessary take the remote apart and rework each component. You could also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new remote.

Buttons

Key fobs may become dirty and worn-out from repeated use. This is not uncommon however it can cause buttons to cease working or require a hard press for them to function. This can be frustrating especially when you're away from your home and have to start your car. Even worn-out or malfunctioning buttons can be fixed with a bit of time and tools you already have at home.

First, verify that the batteries have been correctly placed and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Open the remote carefully and look over the circuit board. Look for indications of rust or other signs the buttons have been worn or damaged. For example, conductive paint may be missing. Use a Q-tip, dipped in alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that has worn out or has conductive paint missing. Do not rub too vigorously in order to damage the conductive paint, and remote key repair near Me block the button from firing when you press it.

Also, carefully check the battery connector's terminals for any loose solder connections. If this is the case, simply connecting them back can restore functionality to the button. You can use the same procedure to restore functionality to any other loose connection within the fob.

In the end, if any of the buttons made of rubber on the front of the key fob aren't working or require a very hard press to work, it is likely that the graphite disks that are on the back of the button are deteriorating and need to be replaced. This is usually done by rubbing a pencil on the disks, which will bring the button back to working.

If none of these solutions work or you cannot get the button to respond when you press it hard, it could be that the circuitry has failed. It is possible to fix this by a quick clean and refitting, but it's best to have an extra fob in case this method does not work for you.

Circuitry

The circuit board inside your remote key repair near me (Highly recommended Internet site) control may be dirty, regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob are working or not. This issue can be fixed by a thorough inspection. Water and broken cases are the most common causes of boards that are dirty. A damaged case can allow water and other debris to enter the circuit board, which can cause it to short out. Water can also eat through pins and vias, which are the tiny connectors on the board.

If you're able to open up your key fob and don't mind making a mess, we can remove the solder from the buttons and then solder new ones in their place. Also, you should check the connections between the battery terminals. They can become extremely dirty and if they're loose the buttons may not work or even stay in their down position. Soldering the terminals and buttons back in place is usually all that's needed to return a non-working key fob to working condition.

Non-Remote transponder chips

The non-remote chips that are sealed are more durable than remote fobs, however they can be cracked in the event of a hole being drilled into them or when a door handle for a car or lawnmowers is pushed over them. Fuse failures are usually the cause of non-remote chip failures.

If you are not comfortable opening the key fob, you may remove the circuitboard and use a multimeter to check that the diode is working properly. If you're not sure with this, you can go to your local Oreilly or hardware store and use their RF frequency tester. This will tell you whether the key fob sends a signal.

Programming

Key fobs endure a lot of abuse and aren't completely indestructible. They can lose their pairing with the receiver in your vehicle due to shocks or a low-battery, which requires changing the program. A professional auto locksmith or main dealer will be able to reprogram your key fob and get it functioning again. In the rarer case that resetting and fixing your key fob isn't working it could be the time to replace it entirely.