The Most Hilarious Complaints We've Seen About Remote Key Repair How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob doesn't work, a few easy steps can fix it. The first step is to be sure that it's not your backup remote.

If your backup remote is unable to unlock and lock the doors of your vehicle, it is likely that the primary remote isn't working. Most problems with car remote keys are caused by battery or circuitry problems.

Battery

It is not uncommon for the battery in the car key fob to wear out. It is relatively easy to replace a battery, although it is essential to make sure that you choose the correct type; you can look in your owner's manual or contact the dealer of the manufacturer to determine the type of battery you need. It is recommended to examine the battery compartment with care because dead batteries can leak harmful chemicals that can cause damage to the remote. If changing the batteries doesn't solve the problem it could be that there are other issues that require attention from a professional. If the buttons are damaged or stuck, for example it might be necessary to disassemble the remote and rework each component. You can also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new key fob.

Buttons

Key fobs can become filthy and worn out due to frequent use. This is not uncommon however, it can cause buttons to stop working or require a very hard press for them to work. This can be a hassle especially when you're away from your home and you need to switch on your car. Fortunately, even worn-out or broken buttons can usually be fixed with a bit of time and some of the materials you may already have around the home.

First, ensure that the batteries are charged correctly and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Then, open the remote with care and examine the circuit board. Check for signs of corrosion or other indications that buttons are worn out or damaged, like missing paint that is conductive. Use the Q-tip, dipped in rubbing alcohol, gently clean any membrane contacts that have worn or where conductive paint is missing. Do not rub too vigorously, as this could erode the conductive paint, and block the button from firing when it is pressed.


Also, carefully check the battery connector's terminals for an unattached solder connection. If this is the case, simply connecting them back can restore function to the button. The same method can be used to restore function to any other loose connections inside the fob.

If any of the rubber buttons on the front of the keyfob are not functioning or require to be pressing very hard the graphite disks on the back of the button could have worn out and need to replaced. This is usually done by rubbing a pencil across the disks, which will bring the button back to life.

If none of these solutions work, or if you still cannot get the button to respond when pressed hard, it could be that the circuitry has failed. This can be fixed by a quick clean, and refitting, but it's best to have an extra fob on hand in the event that this method doesn't work for you.

Circuitry

The circuit board of your remote control may be dirty regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob work or not. This problem can be resolved through a thorough examination. The most common causes of dirty circuit boards are water and broken cases. A damaged case can let water and other debris to get into the circuit board, which can cause it to short out. Water can also eat through pins and vias, which are the tiny connectors found on the board.

If car key repair near me to remove your key fob, and you're not afraid of a little mess, we can remove the solder from the buttons and put new ones in their place. Also, it's worth checking the connections between the battery terminals. If they are loose, the buttons might not work or even become stuck in their down position. Soldering the terminals and buttons to their proper positions is usually enough to return a malfunctioning fob back to working.

Non-Remote Transponder Chips

The non-remote chips that are sealed are more durable than remote fobs. However, they are susceptible to cracking when a hole is made in them or if a car door handle or lawnmowers is pushed over them. The majority of non-remote transponder chip failures could be attributed to blowing fuses.

If you are not comfortable opening the key fob, remove the circuitboard and utilize a multimeter to determine if the diode is working properly. If you're not confident doing this, head to your local hardware store or the Oreilly's and they'll usually have a RF frequency tester that will determine if the key fob is sending a signal.

Programming

Key fobs are subject to lots of abuse and aren't completely indestructible. They may lose their connection to the receiver in your car because of shock or a low battery, which calls for the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or main dealer, can reprogram your keyfob and get it functioning again. If resetting or replacing your key fob fails, you may need to replace it.