14 Cartoons On Remote Key Repair That Will Brighten Your Day How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob does not work and you're not sure why, you can fix it by following some simple steps. The first step is to make sure that it's not the backup remote.

If your backup remote can lock and unlock the doors of your vehicle, it is likely that the primary remote isn't working. The most frequent causes of car remote key failure are battery or circuitry issues.

Battery

The battery in the key fob could get worn out over the course of time. It is easy to replace the battery. However it is essential that you use the correct type. You can check your owner's guide or contact the manufacturer to inquire about the right kind. It's recommended to examine the battery compartment carefully, as dead batteries sometimes leak caustic chemicals that can damage the remote. If changing 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 broken or stuck, for example it could be necessary to remove the remote and rebuild each component. You could also try reprogramming your car to recognize the new key fob.

Buttons

Key fobs may become dirty and worn out from frequent use. This is not atypical however it can cause buttons to cease working or require a very difficult press to get them to function. This can be very frustrating, especially if you are out of town and need to start your vehicle. Even broken or damaged buttons are often fixable with a little time and materials you already have at home.

First, check that the batteries are correctly placed and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Then, carefully open the remote and look at the circuit board. Look for signs of corrosion or other signs that the buttons are worn or damaged, like missing conductive paint. Use a Q-tip dipped in alcohol, gently clean any membrane contacts that are damaged 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.

Examine the battery connector's terminals for loose solder connections. If this is the case, simply connecting them back may bring back function to the button. The same procedure can be used to restore functionality to any other loose connections inside the fob.

If any of the rubber buttons located at the front of the keyfob isn't working or require being press extremely hard, the graphite disks at the back of the button might have worn out and will need to replaced. This is usually done by rubbing a pencil over the disks, which should bring the button back to life.

If none of these solutions work, or if you still not be able to get the button respond when pressed hard, it could be that the circuitry is failing. It is possible to fix this by a quick clean and refitting, but it's best to have an extra fob in case this method doesn't work for you.

Circuitry

If the key fob buttons function the circuit board in your remote might be dirty. A thorough inspection will usually resolve this problem. The most common causes of dirty circuit boards is water and broken cases. A damaged case can allow water and other debris to enter and short circuit the electronics. Water can also damage pins and connectors that are small on the board called via's.

If you're handy enough to remove your key fob and don't mind some mess, we can de-solder the buttons and then solder new ones in their place. car key fob repair near me 's also worth examining the battery terminal connections. If they're loose, the buttons could not work or even become stuck in their down position. Soldering the terminals, and putting the button back in their place is generally all it takes to restore a non-working key fob to working condition.

Non-Remote transponder chips

The non-remote chips that are sealed are more durable than remote fobs, however they are susceptible to breaking if a hole is drilled in them or if a car door handle or lawnmower runs over them. The majority of non-remote transponder chips fail, and this can be blamed on an exploded fuse.

If you're able to remove a key fob that is sealed and can tolerate the mess, you can easily remove the circuit board and examine the fuse with a multimeter for proper diode function. If you're unsure about doing this, visit your local hardware store or Oreilly's and they usually have a RF frequency tester that will tell you whether the key fob is sending signals.

Programming

Key fobs aren't impervious to destruction and are susceptible to being damaged by a variety of factors. They may lose their connection with the receiver in your vehicle due to shocks or a low battery, requiring reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith, or a dealer in the main, can reprogram your key fob and get it back working again. If resetting or repairing the keyfob is not working, you may need to replace it.