How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob does not work and you're not sure why, you can fix it by following just a few steps. The first step is to make sure that it's not your backup remote.

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

Battery

It is not uncommon to find a battery on a key fob for cars to wear out. It is fairly easy to change out a battery, although it is crucial to ensure that you select the correct one that you can refer to your owner's manual or contact the manufacturer's dealer to find out the kind of battery you need. It is also crucial to check the battery compartment, as batteries that are not working properly can release toxic chemicals that could damage the remote. If changing the batteries doesn't solve the issue it could be because there are other issues that require attention from a professional. For instance, if buttons appear stuck or damaged it could be necessary to take the remote apart and rebuild its components. You could also try reprogramming your car key fob repair near me to recognize the new key repair shop near me fob.

Buttons

From repeated use, key fobs could wear out and become dirty. It is not uncommon to have buttons stop working, or to require a long push to make them work. This can be very frustrating, especially if you are away from home and you need to start your vehicle. Even malfunctioning or worn-out buttons can be fixed with a little time and the tools you already have at home.

First, check that the batteries are properly placed and that the indentation on the back of the button has been filled. Take the remote apart and look over the circuit board. Look for signs of corrosion or other signs that the buttons are worn out or damaged, such as missing conductive paint. Utilizing the Q-tip, dipped in rubbing alcohol, gently clean any membrane contacts that have become damaged or have conductive paint missing. Be careful not to rub too hard, as this can erode the conductive paint and stop the button from firing when the button is pressed.

Examine the battery connector's terminals carefully for any loose solder connections. Soldering them back into place will restore the button's functionality If this is the situation. You can use the same method to restore functionality to any other loose connection within the fob.

If, for instance, any of the buttons made of rubber on the front of the key fob stop working or require a difficult press to function, it is likely that the graphite disks on the back of the button are wearing down and require replacement. You can do this by rubbing a pencil over the disks. This will bring the button back to life.

If all of this doesn't help or if the button still does not respond to a hard push, then it may be because 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 available in the event this method fails for you.

Circuitry

If the keys fob buttons are functioning the circuit board in your remote may be dirty. This issue can be fixed by a thorough inspection. Water and broken key repair cases are the most common causes of dirty boards. A damaged case could let water and other debris to enter the circuit board, which can cause it to short. Water can also eat through pins and vias, which are tiny connectors that are found on the board.

If you're handy enough to open your key fob and aren't afraid of making a mess, we can remove the solder from the buttons and then solder new ones in their place. It's also worth looking at the battery terminal connections. They can become very dirty and if they're loose, the buttons might not function or even stay in their down position. Soldering the terminals and buttons to their original positions is often enough to return a malfunctioning fob back where to repair car key remote working.

Non-Remote Transponder Chips

Sealed non-remote transponder chip are more durable than remote fobs they are contained in, but they can be cracked by a hole drilled into them or run over by a lawnmower or car keys repair near me door handle. Failures of the fuse are typically to blame for non-remote chips failures.

If you're handy enough to remove a key fob that is sealed and can tolerate the mess, you can easily remove the circuit board and examine the fuse using a multimeter for proper diode function. If you're not confident doing this, visit your local hardware store or Oreilly's, and they'll usually have a RF frequency tester that will tell you whether the key fob sending signals.

Programming

Key fobs aren't impervious to destruction and are susceptible to damage by a lot of things. They can lose their pairing with the receiver in your vehicle because of shocks or a low-battery, which requires reprogramming. A professional auto key repair locksmith or main dealer can reprogram your key fob and get it back working again. If, in the unlikely event that resetting or repairing your key fob isn't working, it could be time to replace it entirely.