5 Laws That Will Help The Remote Key Repair Industry How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob does not work then you can fix it by following a few simple steps. First, ensure that it's not the backup remote.

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

Battery

It is not unusual to find a battery on a key fob for cars to degrade. It is relatively easy to replace batteries, but it is important to ensure you use the right type that you can refer to the owner's manual or talk to the manufacturer's dealer to determine the type of battery you require. It is also important to check the battery compartment as dead batteries can leak caustic chemicals which can damage the remote. If replacing the batteries doesn't solve the problem it could be because there are other issues that require attention from a professional. If the buttons are stuck or broken, for example it could be necessary to remove the remote and rebuild each component. You could also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new fob.

Buttons

Key fobs can get filthy and worn out due to frequent use. It is not common to have buttons stop working, or to require a long press to make them work. This can be a hassle especially when you're away from your home and you need to turn on your car. Even broken or damaged buttons can be fixed with a bit of time and the tools you already have at home.

First, make sure 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. Examine for signs of rust or other signs that buttons are worn out or damaged, such as missing conductive paint. Use a Q-tip dipped in alcohol, gently clean any membrane contacts that have become worn or have conductive paint missing. Do not rub too vigorously, as this could erode the conductive paint and prevent the button from firing when it is pressed.

Also, be sure to check the battery connector terminals for an unattached solder connection. If this is the case, reconnecting them can restore functionality to the button. The same procedure can be used to restore functionality to any other loose connections within the fob.

In the end, if any of the buttons made of rubber that are on the front of the key fob have stopped working or require a very difficult press to function, it is likely that the graphite disks on the back of the button are deteriorating and need to be replaced. This can usually be done by rubbing a pencil across the disks. This should bring the button back to its original state.

If all of this doesn't help, or if the button does not respond to a hard push, then it may be the case that the circuit board has gone bad. This can sometimes be repaired with a quick clean and replacing the solder, but it is best to have an extra fob in case this method doesn't work for you.

Circuitry

The circuit board of the remote control could be dirty regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob function or not. A thorough inspection is usually enough to fix this problem. The most frequent causes of dirty circuit boards are water and broken cases. A damaged case can allow water and other debris to get in and short circuit the electronics. Water can also destroy pins and connectors on the board called via's.

If you're handy enough to open your key fob and don't mind some mess, we can de-solder the buttons and solder new ones in their place. It's also worth checking the battery terminal connections. They can become extremely filthy and if they're not tight enough, the buttons may not work or even stay in their down position. Soldering terminals and buttons back into place is usually enough to restore a non-working fob back to working.

Non-Remote transponder chips

The non-remote chips sealed in a sealed case are more durable than their remote fobs, but they can be cracked if a hole is drilled in them, or in the event that a door handle of a car or lawnmowers is pushed over them. Failures of the fuse are typically to blame for non-remote chip failures.

If car remote key repair near me enough to remove a sealed non-remote key fob and are able to bear the mess, you can take off the circuit board and check the fuse with a multimeter to ensure that it is functioning as intended. function. If you're not comfortable doing this, go to your local hardware store or Oreilly's and they usually have a RF frequency tester that will let you know if the key fob is transmitting a signal.

Programming


Key fobs endure many abuses and aren't impervious to damage. They can break their connection with the receiver inside your vehicle due to shocks or low battery, which calls for the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith, or a dealer in the main can reprogram your keyfob and get it working again. In the rarer case that resetting and fixing your key fob isn't working it may be time to replace it all over again.