A Sage Piece Of Advice On Remote Key Repair From A Five-Year-Old How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working


If your key fob won't work, you can fix it with some simple steps. agree with this is to be sure that it's not your backup remote.

If the backup remote is able to lock and unlock your car doors then there's a likely issue with the primary remote. Most car remote key failures result from battery or circuitry problems.

Battery

The battery inside the key fob may wear out over time. It is easy to replace batteries. However it is crucial to select the right type. You can refer to the owner's manual or contact the manufacturer to inquire about the correct type. It is also important to check the battery compartment, since batteries that are not working properly can release toxic chemicals that could damage the remote. If changing the battery doesn't solve the issue there could be other issues that require professional attention. If buttons are broken or stuck for instance it might be necessary to take the remote apart and rework each component. You can also try reprogramming your car to recognize the new key fob.

Buttons

Through frequent use, key fobs may become worn and dirty. It is not uncommon to have buttons stop working, or to require a hefty press to make them work. This can be a huge hassle particularly if you're out of town and need to start your vehicle. Even worn-out or malfunctioning buttons are often fixable with a little time and tools you already have at home.

First, ensure that the batteries are up correctly and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Open the remote carefully and look over the circuit board. Examine for signs of rust or other signs that the buttons are worn or damaged, such as missing conductive paint. Use a Q-tip that has been dipped in alcohol, gently clean any membrane contacts that are worn or have conductive paint missing. Avoid rubbing too hard, since this could cause damage to the conductive paint and block the button from firing when it is it is pressed.

Also, carefully check the battery connector's terminals to ensure an unattached solder connection. Soldering them back into place will allow the button to function again if this is the case. You can apply the same process 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 require being pressed very hard the graphite disks on the back of the button may have worn out and will require replacement. It is usually done by rubbing a pencil over the disks. This should bring the button to life.

If none of these solutions work or you not be able to get the button respond when you press it hard, it is possible that the circuitry is failing. This can sometimes be repaired with a quick clean and re-soldering, but it is recommended to have an additional fob available in the event this method doesn't work for you.

Circuitry

The circuit board inside the remote control could be dirty, regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob function or not. This problem can be resolved by a thorough inspection. The most common causes for dirty circuit boards is water and broken cases. A damaged case could let water and other debris to enter the circuit board, causing it to short out. Water can also eat away at pins and connectors on the board, which are known as via's.

If you're able to open your key fob and aren't afraid of a little mess, we can take off the buttons and then solder new ones in their place. It's also worth looking at the battery terminal connections. If they are loose, the buttons might not function properly or become stuck in their down position. Soldering the terminals, and putting the button back in their place is generally all that's needed to return a non-working key fob to working condition.

Non-Remote transponder chips

Sealed non-remote transponder chips are much more durable than the remote fobs they are contained in, but they can still be cracked by a hole made in them or pushed over by a lawnmower or car door handle. The majority of non-remote transponder chip malfunctions can be blamed on an exploded fuse.

If you're not comfortable opening the key fob, you can remove the circuitboard and utilize a multimeter to verify that the diode is operating correctly. If you're not sure with this, go to your local Oreilly or hardware store and use their RF frequency tester. This will tell you whether the key fob transmits signals.

Programming

Key fobs endure many abuses and aren't indestructible. They may lose their connection with the receiver in your vehicle due to shocks or a low battery, requiring the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or main dealer can reprogram your key fob and get it working again. If resetting or repairing the keyfob is not working it may be necessary to replace it.