How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob isn't working A few easy steps can fix it. The first step is to be sure that it's not the backup remote.

If the backup remote is able to lock and unlock your car doors, then there is likely an issue with the primary remote. The majority of car remote key malfunctions are caused by circuitry or battery problems.

Battery

It is not uncommon for the battery inside a car key fob to degrade. It is relatively easy to change out a battery, although it is important to ensure that you use the right type and you can consult the owner's manual or talk to the dealer for the manufacturer to find out the kind of battery you need. It is also important to examine the battery compartment, as dead batteries can leak toxic chemicals that could damage the remote. If changing the batteries does not solve the problem, it may be that there are other issues that require professional attention. For instance, if the buttons seem to be stuck or damaged, it may be necessary to take the remote car key repairs control car key keyless entry repairs (learn more) apart and rework its components. It is also possible to reprogramme the vehicle to recognize the new fob.

Buttons

From repeated use, key fobs could get dirty and worn. It is not common to have buttons stop working, or to require a hefty press to get them working. 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 effort and the tools you already have at home.

First, make sure that the batteries have been correctly inserted and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Then, carefully remove the remote and examine the circuit board. Check for signs of corrosion or other indications that the buttons are worn or damaged, like missing conductive paint. Utilizing a Q-tip that has been dipped in alcohol, gently clean any membrane contacts that have damaged or have conductive paint missing. Don't rub too hard as this can damage the conductive paint and prevent the button from firing when it is pressed.

Also, make sure to inspect the battery connector terminals for an unattached solder connection. If this is the case, soldering them back in place could restore function to the button. You can use 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 press extremely hard, the graphite disks at the back of the button may have worn out and will require replacement. This is usually done by rubbing a pencil on the disks, which will bring the button back to working.

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

Circuitry

Whether or not the keys fob buttons are functioning, the circuit board inside your remote might be dirty. A thorough inspection will usually resolve this issue. The most common causes of dirty circuit boards is water and damaged cases. A broken case allows water and other debris to pass through and short circuit the electronic car key repair near me components. Water can also eat away at pins and connectors on the board, which are known as via's.

If you're able to remove your key fob and aren't afraid of making a mess, we can de-solder the buttons and then solder new ones in their place. It's also worth looking at the battery terminal connections. They can get very filthy and if they're not tight enough, the buttons may not work or even stay in their down position. Soldering the terminals back into place is usually enough to bring a non-working fob to a working condition.

Non-Remote transponder chips

Sealed non-remote transponder chips are more durable than remote fobs that contain them however they are still susceptible to being damaged by a hole that is drilled into them or run over by a lawnmower or door handle for a car. The majority of non-remote transponder chips fail, and this can be attributed to a blown fuse.

If you're able where to repair car key remote open the sealed key fob and are able to bear the mess, you can remove the circuit board and examine the fuse with an instrument to verify diode function. If you don't feel comfortable with this, you can visit your local Oreilly or hardware store and utilize their RF frequency tester. This will tell you whether the key fob is sending signals.

Programming

Key fobs are not indestructible and are susceptible to being damaged through a variety of causes. They can lose their pairing to the receiver in your car due to shock or a low battery, which calls for them to be reprogrammed. A professional auto locksmith or dealer will be able to reprogram your key fob and get it functioning again. In the event that resetting or repairing your key fob isn't working it could be the time to replace it completely.