The No. One Question That Everyone Working In Remote Key Repair Should Be Able To Answer How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob isn't functioning A few easy steps can fix it. The first step is to make sure it's not the 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 for key malfunctions for car remotes are issues with the circuitry or battery.

Battery


It is not uncommon for the battery in a key fob for cars to degrade. It is fairly easy to change out the battery, however it is crucial to ensure that you choose the correct type that you can refer to the owner's manual or talk to the dealer of the manufacturer to find out what kind of battery you need. It is also important to check the battery compartment, since batteries that are not working properly can release caustic chemicals which can damage the remote. If changing the battery doesn't fix the problem, there may be other issues requiring professional attention. If the buttons are stuck or broken, for example, it may be necessary remove the remote and rebuild each component. It is also possible to reprogramme the vehicle to recognize the new remote.

Buttons

Key fobs may become dirty and worn out from repeated use. It is not common for buttons to stop working, or to require a hefty push to make them work. This can be frustrating particularly when you're away from home and you need to start your car. Even worn-out or malfunctioning buttons can be fixed with a little time and materials you already have at home.

First, check that the batteries are up correctly and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Take the remote apart and examine the circuit board. Look for signs of rust or other indications that the buttons are damaged or worn out. For example, conductive paint may be missing. Use a Q-tip dipped in alcohol, gently clean any membrane contacts that have damaged or have 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 to ensure an unattached solder connection. Soldering them back into place can restore the button's functionality if this is the case. The same process can be used to restore functionality to any other loose connections in the fob.

If, for instance, any of the rubber buttons on the front of the key fob stop working or require a long press to function it is likely that the graphite disks that are on the back of the button are wearing down and need to be replaced. You can usually do this by rubbing a pen across the disks. This should bring the button to life.

If all of this doesn't help, or if the button doesn't respond to a hard press It could be that the circuit board itself has gone bad. It is possible to fix the issue by cleaning and re-soldering the fob, but you should have another spare in case it does not work.

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 will usually resolve this problem. The most common causes for dirty circuit boards are water and broken cases. A damaged case can let water and other debris to get into the circuit board, causing it to short out. Water can also destroy pins and small connectors on the board, referred to as via's.

If you're able to open your key fob and don't mind making a mess, we can take the buttons out of their sockets and put in new ones. It's also worth checking the connections between the battery terminals. If they are loose, the buttons may not work or even become stuck in their down position. Soldering the terminals, and putting the button back in place is usually all it takes to restore a non-working key fob to working order.

Non-Remote transponder chips

Sealed non-remote transponder chip are more durable than remote fobs that contain them but they can still be broken by a hole being drilled into them or run over by a lawnmower or door handle for a car. The majority of non-remote transponder chip failures could be attributed to blowing fuses.

If you're able to open a sealed non-remote key fob and are able to bear the mess, you can take off the circuit board and check the fuse using a multimeter for proper diode function. If you're not comfortable with this, you can go to your local Oreilly or hardware store and use their RF frequency tester. This will inform you whether the key fob is sending an RF signal.

Programming

Key fobs take lots of abuse and aren't indestructible. They may lose their connection to the receiver in your car due to shock or low battery, requiring them to be reprogrammed. key fob repairs , or a dealer in the main can reprogram the keyfob and get it working again. If resetting or fixing your key fob fails it may be necessary to replace it.