How to Fix a key car Repair Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob won't work and you're not sure why, you can fix it by following just a few steps. First, check to make sure it's not the backup remote.

If the backup can lock and unlock your car door, then there is likely an issue with the main remote. Most car key repair cost remote key failures are caused by circuitry or battery issues.

Battery

It is not unusual for the battery in a car key fob to degrade. It is easy to replace batteries. However it is essential to select the right type. You can check the owner's manual or contact the manufacturer to determine the correct type. It is also essential to examine the battery compartment, since dead batteries can leak caustic chemicals which can damage the remote. If replacing the battery does not fix the issue there may be additional issues requiring professional attention. For example, if buttons appear stuck or damaged It may be necessary to disassemble the remote and rework its components. You could also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new fob.

Buttons

Key fobs may become dirty and worn-out from frequent use. This is not atypical however it can cause buttons to cease functioning or require a hard press for them to work. This can be very frustrating particularly when you're away from your home and you need to start your car. Even worn-out or malfunctioning buttons are often fixable with a bit of time and tools you already have at home.

First, ensure that the batteries are up correctly and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Open the remote carefully and inspect the circuit board. Check for signs of corrosion or other signs that buttons are worn out or damaged, like missing paint that is conductive. Use a Q-tip that has been dipped in alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that has become worn out or has conductive paint missing. Do not rub too vigorously as this can damage the conductive paint and prevent the button from firing when pressed.

Examine the battery connector's terminals for key car repair loose solder connections. If this is the case, connecting them back could restore functionality to the button. The same method can be used to restore function to any other loose connections within the fob.

If any of the rubber buttons on the front of the keyfob isn't working or need to be press extremely hard the graphite disks on the back of the button may have worn out and will need to replaced. You can do this by rubbing a pen over the disks. This should bring the button back to life.

If all of this doesn't help, or if the button still doesn't respond to a hard push It could be that the circuit board itself has become damaged. This can sometimes be repaired by a quick clean and refitting, but it's recommended to have an additional fob on hand in the event that this method fails for you.

Circuitry

The circuit board inside the remote control could be dirty, regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob work or not. A thorough examination will usually resolve this issue. Water and broken cases are the most common causes of dirty boards. A damaged case allows water and other debris to pass through and short circuit the electronics. Water can also damage pins and vias, which are small connectors found on the board.

If you're able to open your key fob, and you don't mind making a mess, we can remove the buttons from their sockets and put in new ones. It's also worth examining the battery terminal connections. If they're loose, the buttons may not work or even become stuck in their down position. Soldering the terminals and buttons back into place is typically all it takes to restore keys that are not in working condition.

Non-Remote transponder chips

The non-remote chips sealed in a sealed case are more durable than remote fobs, however they can be cracked in the event of a hole being drilled in them or if a car door handle or lawnmowers is pushed over them. Most of the time, non-remote transponder chip malfunctions can be blamed on a blown fuse.

If you're handy enough to remove a sealed non-remote key fob and are willing to put up with the mess, you can easily remove the circuit board and examine the fuse with an instrument to verify diode function. If you're not comfortable with this, you can go to your local Oreilly or hardware store and utilize their RF frequency tester. This will let you know whether the key fob is sending a signal.

Programming

Key fobs are not indestructible and are susceptible to being damaged by a variety of factors. They can lose their pairing with the receiver inside your vehicle because of shocks or a low-battery, which requires changing the program. A professional auto locksmith or dealer can reprogram your key fob and get it working again. If resetting or replacing the keyfob is not working it is possible to replace it.