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 be taken to fix it. First, make sure that it’s not your backup remote.

If the backup is able to lock and unlock your car doors, then there’s a likely issue with the main remote. The most frequent causes of car key repair remote key failure are battery or circuitry issues.

Battery

It is not unusual for the battery inside a key fob for cars to get worn out. It is quite simple to replace batteries, but it is important to make sure that you use the right type that you can refer to your owner’s manual, or contact the manufacturer’s dealer to find out the kind of battery you require. It is also crucial to examine the battery compartment, since dead batteries can leak caustic chemicals which can damage the remote. If changing the batteries does not solve the issue it could be that there are other issues that require professional attention. If buttons are broken or stuck for instance it could be necessary to disassemble the remote and rework each component. You could also try reprogramming your car to recognize the new key fob.

Buttons

Through repeated use, key fobs may wear out and become dirty. This is not unusual however, it can cause buttons to stop functioning or require a hard press for them to function. This can be extremely frustrating especially if you’re out of town and need to start your car key repair cost. Even worn-out or malfunctioning buttons can be fixed with a bit of time and tools you already have at home.

First, ensure that the batteries are charged correctly and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Open the remote carefully and examine the circuit board. Look for signs of corrosion or other signs that buttons are worn out or damaged, like missing the conductive paint. Use a Q-tip that has been dipped in rubbing alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that has become damaged or has conductive paint missing. Be careful not to rub too hard, since this could cause damage to the conductive painting and prevent the button firing when pressed.

Examine the battery connector’s terminals for loose solder connections. If this is the case, simply reconnecting them may restore function to the button. You can follow the same procedure 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 require being pressed very hard, the graphite disks at the back of the button might have worn out and will need to replaced. You can usually do this by rubbing a pen across 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 could be that the circuitry has failed. It is possible to fix this issue by cleaning and re-soldering the button but you should also have another spare in case it doesn’t work.

Circuitry

The circuit board in your remote control could be dirty regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob work or not. A thorough inspection is often enough to resolve this issue. Broken cases and water are the most frequent causes of dirty boards. A damaged case could let water and other debris to get into the circuit board, which can cause it where to repair car Key remote short out. Water can also eat through pins and vias, which are small connectors that are found on the board.

If you’re handy enough to remove your key fob and don’t mind making a mess, we can de-solder the buttons and put new ones in their place. It’s also worth examining the battery terminal connections. If they are loose, the buttons may not function or get stuck in their down position. Soldering the terminals and buttons to their original positions is often 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 in them or in the event that a door handle of a mobile car key repair near me or key fob repair service lawnmower runs over them. Most of the time non-remote transponder chip failures can be blamed on an exploded fuse.

If you’re not comfortable opening the key fob, take the circuit board off and use a multimeter to check that the diode is working correctly. If you’re not comfortable doing this, head to your local hardware store or Oreilly’s and they usually have an RF frequency tester that will let you know whether the ignition key repair near me fob is sending a signal.

Programming

Key fobs aren’t indestructible and are susceptible to being damaged by a variety of factors. They may lose their connection to the car’s receiver because of shock or a low battery, which calls for the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or main dealer can reprogram your key fob and get it working again. If resetting or replacing your key fob fails, you may need to replace it.