How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob doesn't work, you can fix it by following a few simple steps. First, check to make sure it's not your backup remote.

If the backup can lock and unlock your car doors it is most likely an issue with the primary remote. Most problems with car remote keys result from battery or circuitry problems.

Battery

It is not uncommon for the battery inside a key fob for cars to get worn out. It is relatively easy to change out the battery, however it is important to ensure that you choose the correct type and you can consult your owner's manual or contact the manufacturer's dealer to find out what kind of battery you require. It's recommended to inspect the battery compartment with care since dead batteries may leak harmful chemicals that can harm the remote. If changing the battery doesn't fix the issue, there may be other issues that require professional attention. For instance, if the buttons seem to be stuck or damaged it could be necessary to take the remote apart and rework its components. You can also try reprogramming your car to recognize the new key fob.

Buttons

Due to frequent use, key fobs can wear out and become dirty. It is not unusual to have buttons stop working, or to require a hefty press to make them work. This can be very frustrating, especially when you are away from your home and need to switch on your car. Fortunately, even worn-out or malfunctioning buttons can often be fixed with just a bit of time and some of the materials you have in the house.

First, ensure that the batteries are charged correctly and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Then, carefully open up the remote and inspect the circuit board. Look for signs of corrosion or other indications that the buttons are worn or damaged, such as missing paint that is conductive. Use a Q-tip dipped into rubbing alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that is worn-out or has conductive paint missing. Do not rub too vigorously in order to damage the conductive paint and stop the button from firing when it is pressed.

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

Finally, if any of the buttons made of rubber that are on the front of the key fob stop working or require a difficult press to function, it is likely that the graphite disks at the back of the button are deteriorating and require replacement. It is usually done by rubbing a pen over the disks. This will bring the button back to life.

If none of this is helpful, or if the button doesn't respond to a hard press, then it may be the case that the circuit board itself has become damaged. 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 lock and key repair near me not the key fob buttons are working the circuit board that is inside your remote might be dirty. A very thorough inspection is usually enough to fix this issue. Broken and damaged cases are the most common causes of boards that are dirty. A damaged case can allow water and other debris to enter and short circuit the electronics. Water can also eat through pins and vias, which are the tiny connectors on the board.

If you're skilled enough to open your key fob and don't mind making a mess, we can remove the buttons from their sockets and solder in new ones. Also, you should check the connections between battery terminals. If they are loose, the buttons may not function or get stuck in their down position. Soldering the terminals and buttons back in their place is generally all that's required to return the key fob that is not working to working order.

Non-Remote Transponder Chips

The non-remote chips that are sealed are more durable than remote fobs, but they are susceptible to breaking when a hole is made in them, or when a door Remote Key Repair handle for a car or lawnmower runs over them. Fuse failures are usually to blame for non-Remote Key Repair chip failures.

If you're able to open a sealed non-remote key fob and are willing to put up with the mess, you can remove the circuit board and test the fuse with a multimeter to ensure that it is functioning as intended. function. If you're unsure about doing this, head to your local hardware store or Oreilly's and they will usually have a RF frequency tester that will determine whether the key fob sending a signal.

Programming

Key fobs are subject to a lot of abuse and aren't impervious to damage. They may lose their connection with the receiver inside your vehicle because of shocks or a low-battery, which requires reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith, or a dealer in the main can reprogram your keyfob and get it working again. In the event that resetting or repairing your key fob fails, it could be time to replace it completely.