How To Explain Remote Key Repair To Your Grandparents How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob isn't working 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 car, then it is most likely that the primary remote isn't working. The most common causes of car remote key failure are circuitry or battery issues.

Battery

It is not uncommon to find a battery on a car key fob to wear out. It is simple to replace a battery. However, it is important that you choose the right type. You can check the owner's manual or contact the manufacturer to find out the right type. It is also important to examine the battery compartment, since dead batteries can leak toxic chemicals that could damage the remote. If replacing the battery does not fix the issue there may be additional issues that require professional attention. For instance, if the buttons appear stuck or damaged It may be necessary to take the remote apart and rebuild its components. You can also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new fob.

Buttons

Key fobs can become dirty and worn out from repeated use. It is not uncommon to have buttons stop functioning, or require a hefty press to get them working. This can be very frustrating especially when you're away from home and need to turn on your car. Fortunately, even worn out or damaged buttons can be fixed with a bit of time and some of the materials you may already have around the house.

First, make sure the batteries are up correctly and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Then, carefully remove the remote and look at the circuit board. Examine for evidence of rust, or other signs the buttons have been worn or damaged. For example the paint that conducts electricity could be missing. Use a Q-tip that has been dipped in alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that is worn-out or where conductive painting is missing. Do not rub too vigorously, as this could erode the conductive paint, and block the button from firing when you press it.

Also, be sure to check the battery connector terminals for a loose solder connection. Soldering them back into place will allow the button to function again If this is the situation. The same procedure can be used to restore functionality to any other loose connections inside the fob.

If, for instance, any of the buttons made of rubber on the front of the key fob have stopped functioning or require a long press to function, it is likely that the graphite disks at the back of the button are deteriorating and need to be replaced. This can be done by rubbing a pencil on the disks. This should bring the button back to working.

If none of this is useful or if the button does not respond to a firm press, then it may be that the circuit board itself has gone bad. This can sometimes be repaired by a quick clean and replacing the solder, but it is best to have an extra fob available in the event this method doesn't work for you.

Circuitry

If the key fob buttons are working the circuit board that is inside your remote might be dirty. A thorough inspection is often enough to resolve this issue. The most common causes of dirty circuit boards are water and damaged cases. A broken case allows water and other debris to enter and short out the electronics. Water can also eat through pins and vias, which are the tiny connectors that are found on the board.

If you're able to open your key fob, and aren't afraid of making an mess, you can remove the buttons from their sockets and solder in new ones. Also, it's worth checking the connections between battery terminals. They can become extremely filthy and if they're not tight enough, the buttons might not work or even stick in their down position. Soldering the terminals and buttons back in place is usually all that's required to return the key fob that is not working to functioning condition.

Non-Remote transponder chips

Sealed non-remote transponder chips are more durable than remote fobs that have them but they can be broken by a hole being drilled into them or run over by a lawnmowers blade or car door handle. Most of the time non-remote transponder chips fail, and this could be attributed to an exploded fuse.


If you're able to open up a sealed non-remote key fob and can tolerate the mess, you can remove the circuit board and examine the fuse using a multimeter for proper diode function. If you're unsure about doing this, go to your local hardware store or Oreilly's and they will usually have a RFID frequency tester that can determine whether the key fob is sending signals.

Programming

broken car key repair are subject to many abuses and aren't indestructible. They can lose their pairing to the receiver in your car due to shock or low battery, which requires the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or a main dealer can reprogram your key fob to get it functioning again. If, in the unlikely event that resetting and repairing your key fob doesn't work it could be the time to replace it all over again.