10 Signs To Watch For To Buy A Remote Key Repair 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. 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. The majority of car remote key malfunctions are caused by battery or circuitry problems.

Battery

The battery in the key fob may get worn out over the course of time. It is fairly easy to replace batteries, but it is essential to ensure that you use the right type that you can refer to your owner's manual, or contact 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 issue it could be that there are other issues that require attention from a professional. For instance, if the buttons appear stuck or broken, it may be necessary to disassemble the remote and rework its parts. You could also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new fob.

Buttons

From repeated use, key fobs could wear out and become dirty. This is not atypical however, it can cause buttons to stop working or require a hard press for them to work. This can be very frustrating particularly if you're away from home and you need to start your vehicle. Fortunately, even worn out or damaged buttons can be fixed with just a bit of time and some of the materials you might already have in the house.

First, make sure the batteries are charged correctly and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Take the remote apart and look over the circuit board. Examine for signs of rust or other indications that buttons are worn out or damaged, such as missing conductive paint. Use a Q-tip dipped into alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that has damaged or where conductive paint is missing. Do not rub too vigorously as this can damage the conductive paint, and block the button from firing when it is pressed.

Examine the battery connector's terminals carefully for any loose solder connections. If this is the case, soldering them back in place could restore functionality to the button. You can follow the same method to restore functionality to any other loose connection in the fob.

If any of the rubber buttons at the front of the keyfob are not working or need to be pressing very hard the graphite disks on the back of the button could have worn out and will require replacement. You can do this by rubbing a pencil over the disks. This should bring the button to life.

If none of these solutions work, or if you still are unable to get the button to respond when pressed hard, it is possible that the circuitry is failing. car remote key repair near me can be fixed by a quick clean and re-soldering, but it is best to have an extra fob available in the event this method fails for you.

Circuitry


Whether or not the key fob buttons function the circuit board in the remote could be dirty. A thorough examination will usually resolve 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 enter the circuit board, which can cause it to short. Water can also get through pins and vias, which are small connectors found on the board.

If you're skilled enough to open your key fob, and don't mind making some mess, we can take the buttons out of their sockets and then solder new ones. It's also worth checking the connections between the battery terminals. They can get very filthy and if they're not tight enough, the buttons might not function or may even remain in their down position. Soldering the terminals and button's back into place is typically all it takes to restore the key fob that is not working to working order.

Non-Remote transponder chips

The non-remote chips that are sealed are more durable than remote fobs, but they are susceptible to breaking when a hole is made into them or in the event that a door handle of a car or lawnmowers is pushed over them. The majority of non-remote transponder chip failures can be attributed to a blown fuse.

If you're able to open up a key fob that is sealed and are willing to put up with the mess, you can take off the circuit board and examine the fuse with an instrument to verify diode function. If you're not confident doing this, go to your local hardware store or Oreilly's and they'll usually have a radio frequency tester that can determine if the key fob is sending signals.

Programming

Key fobs aren't impervious to destruction and can be damaged by a lot of things. They can lose their pairing to the car's receiver due to shock or low battery, which requires them to be reprogrammed. A professional auto locksmith or main dealer can reprogram your key fob to get it back up and running. In the rarer case that resetting and fixing your key fob isn't working it could be the time to replace it completely.