How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob doesn't work then you can fix it by following some simple steps. The first step is to be sure that it's not your backup remote.

If your backup remote cannot unlock and lock key repair near Me the doors of your vehicle, it is likely that the main remote is not working. The most frequent causes of car remote key fob repair remote key failure are battery or circuitry issues.

Battery

It is not uncommon for the battery inside a key fob for cars to degrade. It is quite simple to change out batteries, but it is crucial to ensure you use the right type and you can consult your owner's manual, or contact the dealer of the manufacturer to find out the kind of battery you need. It's also a good idea to examine the battery compartment carefully since dead batteries may leak harmful chemicals that can damage the remote. If changing the batteries does not solve the problem it could be because there are other issues that require professional attention. For example, if buttons seem stuck or broken 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 can get dirty and worn out from repeated use. It is not uncommon to have buttons stop functioning, or require a hard push to make them work. This can be a hassle particularly when you're away from your home and have to switch on your car. Even worn-out or malfunctioning buttons can be fixed with a little effort and materials you already have at home.

First, verify that the batteries have been correctly installed and that the indentation at the back of the button is filled. Then, carefully open up the remote and examine the circuit board. Examine for evidence of rust, or other indications that the buttons are damaged or worn. For instance, conductive paint may be missing. Use a Q-tip dipped into rubbing alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that is worn-out or where to repair car key remote conductive painting is missing. Do not rub too vigorously, as this could erode the conductive paint and stop the button from firing when you press it.

Also, make sure to inspect the battery connector's terminals for a loose solder connection. Soldering them back to their original position can restore the button's functionality if this is the situation. The same method can be used to restore functionality to any other loose connections in the fob.

In the end, if any of the rubber buttons on the front of the key fob stop working or require a long press to function it is likely the graphite disks on the back of the button are deteriorating and require replacement. This can usually be done by rubbing a pencil on the disks, which should bring the button back to its original state.

If none of these solutions work, or if you still not be able to get the button respond when pressed hard, it could be that the circuitry has failed. It is possible to fix the issue by cleaning and re-soldering the fob however, you should have an extra in case it does not work.

Circuitry

The circuit board in your remote control may be dirty, regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob function or not. A thorough inspection will usually resolve this issue. The most frequent causes of dirty circuit boards is water and broken cases. A damaged case allows water and other debris to get in and short out the electronic components. Water can also eat through pins and vias, which are small connectors on the board.

If you're handy enough to open up your key fob and aren't afraid of a little mess, we can remove the solder from the buttons and put new ones in their place. It's also worth examining the battery terminal connections. If they are loose, the buttons could not function or get stuck in their down position. Soldering the terminals and buttons back in place is usually all that's needed to return keys that are not in working condition.

Non-Remote Transponder Chips

The sealed non-remote chips are more durable than their remote fobs, however they are susceptible to breaking when a hole is made in them or if a car key repair company door handle or lawnmowers plows over them. Most of the time non-remote transponder chip malfunctions could be attributed to a blown fuse.

If you are not comfortable opening the key fob, you may take the circuit board off and use a multimeter to check that the diode is functioning correctly. If you're not sure with this, go to your local Oreilly or hardware store and test their RF frequency tester. This will let you know whether the key fob is sending an RF signal.

Programming

Key fobs aren't impervious to destruction and are susceptible to damage by a lot of things. They may lose their connection to the receiver in your car due to shock or a low battery, requiring them to be reprogrammed. A professional auto locksmith or dealer can reprogram your key fob to get it back up and running. If resetting or fixing your keyfob does not work it is possible to replace it.