How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob does not work then you can fix it with just a few steps. The first step is to be sure that it's not the backup remote.

If your backup remote is unable to lock and unlock the doors of your vehicle, it is most likely that the primary remote is not working. The most common causes of car key repairs remote key failure are circuitry or battery issues.

Battery

It is not unusual for the battery inside a car key fob to get worn out. It is simple to replace a battery. However it is essential to select the right kind. You can refer to your owner's manual or call the manufacturer to inquire about the right type. It is also crucial to examine the battery compartment, as dead batteries can leak toxic chemicals that could 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. If the buttons are broken or stuck for instance it might be necessary to remove the remote and rebuild each component. You can also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new device.

Buttons

Key fobs can get filthy and worn out due to frequent use. It is not unusual for buttons to cease working, or to require a hard press to get them working. This can be very frustrating especially when you're away from your home and need to turn on your car. Fortunately, even worn-out or broken buttons can usually be fixed with just a bit of time and a few materials you have in the home.

First, make sure that the batteries have been correctly inserted and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Then, open the remote with care and look over the circuit board. Look for evidence of rust, or other signs the buttons have been damaged or worn out. For instance there could be conductive paint missing. Use a Q-tip dipped into rubbing alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that has worn-out or has conductive paint missing. Avoid rubbing too hard, because this could damage the conductive paint and block the button from firing when it is the button is pressed.

Check the battery connector's terminals for loose solder connections. If this is the case, reconnecting them could bring back function to the button. The same procedure can be used to restore function to any other loose connections in the fob.

If any of the rubber buttons located at the front of the keyfob are not working or need to be pressing very hard the graphite disks at 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. This should bring the button back to life.

If none of this is useful or if the button does not respond to a firm press, then it may be the case that the circuit board itself has become damaged. This can sometimes be repaired by a quick clean and repair Keys near me replacing the solder, but it is recommended to have an additional fob on hand in the event that this method does not work for you.

Circuitry

The circuit board in the remote control could be dirty regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob function or not. A very thorough inspection is often enough to resolve this problem. Water and broken cases are the most frequent causes of boards that are dirty. A broken case allows water and other debris to pass through and short out the electronics. Water can also eat away at pins and connectors on the board called via's.

If you're handy enough to open your key fob and don't mind a little 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. If they're loose, Car Key Repair the buttons may not function or get stuck in their down position. Soldering the terminals, and putting the button back into place is typically all that's required to return a non-working key fob to working condition.

Non-Remote transponder chips

The sealed non-remote chips are more durable than their remote fobs. However, they are susceptible to cracking in the event of a hole being drilled into them or in the event that a door handle of a repair car keys or lawnmower runs over them. Most of the time, non-remote transponder chips fail, and this can be attributed to blowing fuses.

If you're not confident opening the key fob, you can remove the circuitboard and use a multimeter to determine if the diode is functioning correctly. If you don't feel comfortable with this, go to your local Oreilly or hardware store and use their RF frequency tester. This will tell you whether the key fob is sending a signal.

Programming

Key fobs are subject to a lot of abuse and aren't completely indestructible. They can lose their pairing to the car's receiver because of shock or a low battery, which requires the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or main dealer, can reprogram your keyfob to get it working again. In the rarer case that resetting and repairing your key fob fails it could be the time to replace it completely.