How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob won't work, you can fix it by following some simple steps. First, make sure that it's not the backup remote.

If your backup remote is unable to lock and unlock the doors of your car, it is most likely that the primary remote is not working. The most frequent causes of key malfunctions for car key repair service remotes are battery or circuitry issues.

Battery

It is not uncommon for the battery inside a key fob for cars to wear out. It is relatively easy to replace the battery, however it is important to ensure you choose the correct type that you can refer to your owner's manual or contact the dealer of the manufacturer to find out what kind of battery you need. It's recommended to inspect the battery compartment thoroughly because dead batteries can leak caustic chemicals that 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. If the buttons are stuck or broken, for example it might be necessary to remove the remote and rebuild each component. You can also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new key fob.

Buttons

Key fobs may become dirty and Car Key Repair Service worn-out from frequent use. This is not unusual however it can cause buttons to stop working or require a difficult press to get them to function. This can be a hassle especially when you're away from home and you need to switch on your car key repair cost. Even broken or damaged buttons are often fixable with a bit of time and tools you already have at home.

First, check that the batteries are properly charged and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Open the remote carefully and look over the circuit board. Examine for signs of rust or other indications that the buttons are worn out or damaged, like missing paint that is conductive. Use the Q-tip, dipped in alcohol, gently clean any membrane contacts that have become worn or where conductive paint is missing. Do not rub too vigorously in order to damage the conductive paint and prevent the button from firing when pressed.

Check the battery connector's terminals carefully for any loose solder connections. Soldering them back in place will allow the button to function again If this is the situation. You can follow the same procedure to restore functionality to any other loose connection within the fob.

Finally, car key repair service if any of the rubber buttons on the front of the key fob have stopped working or require a very hard press to work it is likely the graphite disks at the back of the button are wearing out and require replacement. This can be done by rubbing a pencil over 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 is failing. It is possible to fix the issue by cleaning and re-soldering the button, but you should have an extra in case it does not work.

Circuitry

Whether or not the key fob buttons function the circuit board that is inside your remote might be dirty. A thorough examination is often enough to resolve this issue. Broken cases and water are the most frequent causes of dirty boards. A damaged case allows water and other debris to enter and short circuit the electronic components. Water can also eat away at pins and small connectors on the board, referred to as via's.

If you're able to open your key fob and aren't afraid of making a mess, we can take the buttons out of their sockets and then solder new ones. It's also worth checking the connections between battery terminals. If they're loose, the buttons may not function or get stuck in their down position. Soldering the terminals and buttons back into place is typically all it takes to restore a non-working key fob to functioning condition.

Non-Remote transponder chips

The non-remote chips sealed in a sealed case are more durable than their remote fobs. However, they are susceptible to cracking when a hole is made in them, or in the event that a door handle of a car keys repairs or lawnmower runs over them. Most of the time non-remote transponder chip failures can be blamed on blowing fuses.

If you're able to open up a sealed non-remote key fob and can tolerate 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 doing this, go to your local hardware store or Oreilly's, and they will usually have a radio frequency tester that can tell you whether the key fob sending signals.

Programming

Key fobs endure a lot of abuse and aren't completely indestructible. They may lose their connection with the receiver in your vehicle due to shocks or a low battery, which calls for the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or a main dealer will be able to reprogram your key fob to get it back up and running. In the event that resetting or repairing your key fob fails, it could be time to replace it entirely.