How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob doesn't work There are a few simple steps that can fix it. First, make sure that it's not your backup remote.

If the backup can lock and unlock your car keys repair near me doors then there is likely an issue with the main remote. The most common causes of key malfunctions for car remotes are battery or circuitry issues.

Battery

The battery inside a key fob can wear out over time. It is simple to replace the battery. However it is essential that you use the correct kind. You can refer to the owner's manual or contact the manufacturer to find out the correct type. It is also a good idea to examine the battery compartment carefully since dead batteries may leak harmful chemicals that can harm the remote key repair. If changing the batteries does not solve the issue, it may be that there are other issues that require attention from a professional. For instance, if buttons appear stuck or broken it could be necessary to take the remote apart and rework its parts. You could also try reprogramming your car to recognize the new key fob.

Buttons

Due to repeated use, key fobs could get dirty and worn. This is not uncommon, but it can cause buttons to stop functioning or require a hard press for them to work. This can be frustrating especially when you're away from your home and have to turn on your car. Fortunately, even worn-out or broken buttons can usually be fixed with a little time and a few materials you have in the house.

First, make sure that the batteries have been correctly installed and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Then, open the remote with care and examine the circuit board. Check 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 dipped into alcohol where to repair car key remote gently clean any membrane contact that has become worn-out or has conductive paint missing. Do not rub too vigorously as this can damage the conductive paint and stop the button from firing when you press it.

Also, make sure to inspect the battery connector's terminals to ensure a loose solder connection. If this is the case, reconnecting them could restore function to the button. You can apply the same process to restore functionality to any other loose connection within the fob.

If any of the rubber buttons at the front of the keyfob aren't working or need to be press very 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 across the disks, which will bring the button back to working.

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 has failed. This can be fixed by a quick clean and replacing the solder, but it is best to have an extra fob in case this method fails for you.

Circuitry

Whether or not the keys fob buttons are functioning the circuit board that is inside the remote could be dirty. A thorough examination is usually enough to fix this issue. The most frequent causes of 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. Water can also eat away at pins and connectors on the board called via's.

If you're able to open up your key fob and aren't afraid of some mess, we can de-solder 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 function properly or become stuck in their down position. Soldering the terminals back to their proper positions is usually enough to return a malfunctioning fob back to working.

Non-Remote Transponder Chips

The non-remote chips that are sealed are more durable than their remote fobs, but they are susceptible to cracking in the event of a hole being drilled into them or when a door handle for a car key lock repair near me or lawnmowers is pushed over them. Most of the time, non-remote transponder chip failures could be attributed to an exploded fuse.

If you're handy enough to remove a sealed non-remote key fob and are able to bear the mess, you can easily remove the circuit board and examine the fuse with a multimeter for proper diode function. If you're not confident doing this, go to your local hardware store or Oreilly's, and they will usually have a RF frequency tester that will tell you if the key fob is sending a signal.

Programming

Key fobs are not indestructible and can be damaged through a variety of causes. They can lose their pairing with the receiver inside your vehicle because of shocks or a low battery, requiring the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or dealer can reprogram your key fob to get it back up and running. If resetting or replacing the keyfob is not working, you may need to replace it.