The Most Sour Advice We've Ever Been Given About Remote Key Repair How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob isn't working, a few easy steps can fix it. First, ensure that it's not the backup remote.

If your backup remote is unable to lock and unlock the doors of your vehicle, it is likely that the primary remote is not working. Most car remote key failures are caused by circuitry or battery problems.

Battery

It is not unusual for the battery in a key fob for cars to wear out. It is easy to replace the battery. However it is essential that you use the correct type. You can check the owner's manual or contact the manufacturer to find out the correct type. It is also crucial to inspect the battery compartment as dead batteries can leak toxic chemicals that could damage the remote. If replacing the battery does not solve the issue there may be additional issues requiring professional attention. For instance, if buttons appear stuck or damaged, it may be necessary to take the remote apart and rework its parts. You can also try reprogramming your car to recognize the new key fob.

Buttons

Key fobs can become filthy and worn out due to frequent use. This is not atypical however, it can cause buttons to cease functioning or require a hard press for them to function. This can be extremely frustrating, especially if you are away from home and you need to start your car. Even worn-out or malfunctioning buttons are often fixable with a bit of time and tools you already have at home.

First, ensure that the batteries are properly charged and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Then, carefully remove the remote and inspect the circuit board. Examine for signs of rust or other indications that the buttons are worn or damaged, like missing conductive paint. Utilizing a Q-tip dipped in rubbing alcohol, gently clean any membrane contacts that have damaged or where conductive paint is missing. Don't rub too hard, as this could erode the conductive paint and stop the button from firing when pressed.

Also, make car key fob repairs to inspect the battery connector's terminals to ensure any loose solder connections. If this is the case, simply connecting them back may restore functionality to the button. The same method can be used to restore function to any loose connections in the fob.

If key fob repair service of the rubber buttons at the front of the keyfob aren't working or require being press extremely hard the graphite disks at the back of the button may have worn out and will require replacement. This is usually done by rubbing a pencil on the disks. This should bring the button back to its original state.

If all of this doesn't help, or if the button still doesn't respond to a hard push, then it may be that the circuit board itself is damaged. This can sometimes be repaired with a quick clean and refitting, but it's ideal to have a spare fob available in the event this method does not work for you.

Circuitry

The circuit board of your remote control could be dirty, regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob work or not. A thorough examination is usually enough to fix this issue. Broken cases and water are the most frequent causes of boards that are dirty. A broken case allows water and other debris to pass through and short circuit the electronic components. Water can also eat away at pins and small connectors on the board, referred to as via's.


If you're able to open your key fob and you don't mind making a mess, we can take the buttons out of their sockets and then solder new ones. Also, it's worth checking the connections between the battery terminals. If they're loose, the buttons might not work or even become stuck in their down position. Soldering the terminals back into place is usually enough to restore a non-working fob to working.

Non-Remote transponder chips

The sealed non-remote chips are more durable than their remote fobs. However, they are susceptible to breaking in the event of a hole being drilled in them, or when a door handle for a car or lawnmower runs over them. The majority of non-remote transponder chip failures can be attributed to a blown fuse.

If you're not confident opening the key fob, you can take the circuit board off and use a multimeter to check that the diode is working properly. If you're not confident doing this, head to your local hardware store or the Oreilly's and they will usually have an radio frequency tester that can let you know whether the key fob sending signals.

Programming

Key fobs are subject to lots of abuse and aren't indestructible. They can lose their pairing to the receiver in your car because of shock or a low battery, requiring the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or a main dealer can reprogram your key fob and get it functioning again. If resetting or fixing the keyfob is not working it is possible to replace it.