The 10 Worst Remote Key Repair Failures Of All Time Could Have Been Prevented How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

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

If the backup remote is able to lock and unlock your car doors it is most likely an issue with the main remote. The most common causes of key malfunctions for car remotes are issues with the circuitry or battery.

Battery

It is not unusual for the battery inside the key fob for cars to get worn out. It is fairly easy to replace a battery, although it is essential to ensure that you select the correct one; you can look in your owner's manual or contact the manufacturer's dealer to find out the kind of battery you need. It is also important to inspect the battery compartment, since dead batteries can leak caustic chemicals that can harm the remote. If changing the battery doesn't fix the issue, there may be other issues requiring professional attention. If the buttons are broken or stuck, for example it might be necessary to remove the remote and rebuild each component. key fob repairs is also possible to reprogramme the vehicle to recognize the new device.


Buttons

Key fobs may become dirty and worn-out from repeated use. It is not unusual to have buttons stop functioning, or require a hefty press to make them work. This can be extremely frustrating especially if you're away from home and need to start your car. Fortunately, even worn-out or broken buttons can usually be fixed with just a bit of time and some of the materials you might already have in the home.

First, check that the batteries are properly inserted and that the indentation at the back of the button has been filled. Then, carefully remove the remote and inspect the circuit board. Check for signs of corrosion or other signs that buttons are worn out or damaged, like missing the conductive paint. Use a Q-tip, dipped in alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that has worn out or has conductive paint missing. Do not rub too vigorously in order to damage the conductive paint and prevent the button from firing when pressed.

Also, make sure to inspect the battery connector's terminals for an unattached solder connection. If this is the case, simply connecting them back could restore function to the button. You can use the same method to restore functionality to any other loose connection inside the fob.

If any of the rubber buttons located at the front of the keyfob are not working or need to be pressing extremely hard the graphite disks on the back of the button may have worn out and need to replaced. This is usually done by rubbing a pencil on the disks, which should bring the button back to working.

If none of these solutions work, or if you still not be able to get the button respond when you press it hard, it is possible that the circuitry has failed. It is possible to fix this issue by cleaning and re-soldering your fob but you should also have a spare in case it doesn't work.

Circuitry

If the key fob buttons are working, the circuit board inside the remote could be dirty. The issue can be solved by a thorough inspection. Broken and damaged cases are the most frequent causes of boards that are dirty. A broken case can allow 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 small connectors that are found on the board.

If you're able to open your key fob, and you're not afraid of a little mess, we can remove the solder from the buttons and then solder new ones in their place. Also, you should check the connections between the battery terminals. They can become extremely filthy and if they're not tight enough, the buttons might not function or may even remain in their down position. Soldering the terminals and buttons back into place is typically all that's required to return 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 remote fobs. However, they are susceptible to breaking in the event of a hole being drilled in them or in the event that a door handle of a car or lawnmowers is pushed over them. Fuse failures are usually to blame for non-remote chip failures.

If you're handy enough to open up a key fob that is sealed and are able to bear the mess, you can remove the circuit board and examine the fuse using an instrument to verify diode function. If you don't feel comfortable with this, visit your local Oreilly or hardware store and use their RF frequency tester. This will tell you whether the key fob sends signals.

Programming

Key fobs aren't indestructible and can be damaged through a variety of causes. They can lose their pairing to the car's receiver due to shock or a low battery, requiring them to be reprogrammed. A professional auto locksmith or a dealer in the main can reprogram the keyfob to get it up and running again. If resetting or repairing the keyfob is not working it may be necessary to replace it.