3 Common Reasons Why Your Remote Key Repair Isn't Performing (And How To Fix It) How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob doesn't work, a few easy steps can fix it. 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 most likely that the primary remote isn't working. The most frequent causes of car remote key failure are circuitry or battery issues.

Battery

It is not unusual to find a battery on a car key fob to wear out. It is easy to replace the battery. However it is essential that you choose the right kind. You can consult the owner's manual or contact the manufacturer to inquire about the correct type. It is also essential to check the battery compartment, since dead batteries can leak caustic chemicals which can damage the remote. If replacing the battery does not fix the issue, there may be other issues that require professional attention. For instance, if the buttons seem to be stuck or broken, it may be necessary to take the remote apart and rework its components. broken key repair can also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new key fob.

Buttons

Through repeated use, key fobs can get dirty and worn. This is not uncommon however, it can cause buttons to stop working or require a very long press to function. This can be frustrating particularly when you're away from your home and have to turn on your car. Even malfunctioning or worn-out buttons are often fixable with a little effort and tools you already have at home.

First, check that the batteries are charged correctly and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Then, carefully open up the remote and examine the circuit board. Look for evidence of rust, or other indications that the buttons are damaged or worn out. For example there could be conductive paint missing. Use a Q-tip that has been dipped in rubbing alcohol, gently clean any membrane contacts that are worn or have conductive paint missing. Do not rub too vigorously in order to damage the conductive paint, and block the button from firing when you press it.

Examine the battery connector's terminals for loose solder connections. Soldering them back to their original position will allow the button to function again If this is the case. The same method can be used to restore function to any loose connections inside the fob.

If any of the rubber buttons on the front of the keyfob isn't functioning or require to be pressing extremely hard the graphite disks on the back of the button may have worn out and will need to replaced. This can usually be done by rubbing a pencil across the disks, which will bring the button back to working.

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

Circuitry


The circuit board of your remote control could be dirty regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob are working or not. A thorough examination will usually resolve this problem. Broken cases and water are the most frequent causes of boards that are dirty. A damaged case can allow water and other debris to get in and short out the electronics. Water can also eat through pins and vias, which are small connectors that are found on the board.

If you're able to open your key fob and aren't afraid of making a mess, we can take off the buttons and then solder new ones in their place. It's also 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 and button's back in their place is generally all that's needed to return a non-working key fob to functioning condition.

Non-Remote transponder chips

Sealed non-remote transponder chips are more durable than remote fobs they are contained in, however they are still susceptible to being broken by a hole being made in them or pushed over by a lawnmowers or car door handle. The majority of non-remote transponder chip failures can be attributed to a blown fuse.

If you're handy enough to open up a sealed non-remote key fob and are able to bear the mess, you can easily remove the circuit board and test the fuse using an instrument to verify diode function. If you don't feel comfortable with this, you can visit your local Oreilly or hardware store and test their RF frequency tester. This will inform you whether the key fob transmits signals.

Programming

Key fobs are subject to lots of abuse and aren't completely indestructible. They can lose their pairing to the receiver in your car because of shock or a low battery, which requires them to be reprogrammed. A professional auto locksmith or dealer can reprogram your key fob to get it functioning again. In the event that resetting and fixing your key fob fails it could be the time to replace it completely.