How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob doesn't work, you can fix it with just a few steps. First, check to make sure it's not your backup remote.

If the backup is able to lock and unlock your car doors, it is most likely an issue with the main remote. The most common causes for car remote key failure are circuitry or battery issues.

Battery

It is not unusual for the battery in a key fob for cars to degrade. It is quite simple to replace the battery, however it is important to ensure you use the right type and you can consult the owner's manual or talk to the dealer of the manufacturer to determine the type of battery you need. It is also crucial to check the battery compartment, as batteries that are not working properly can release caustic chemicals that can harm the remote. If replacing the batteries doesn't solve the issue it could be because there are other issues that require attention from a professional. For example, if buttons seem stuck or damaged It may be necessary to take the remote apart and Remote Car Key Repairs rework its components. It is also possible to reprogramme the vehicle to recognize the new fob.

Buttons

Key fobs can become dirty and worn out from repeated use. It is not unusual for buttons to cease working, or to require a long press to make them work. This can be a huge hassle, 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, ensure that the batteries are properly charged and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Then, open the remote with care and look over the circuit board. Check for evidence of rust, or other signs the buttons have been worn or damaged. 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 have worn or where conductive paint is missing. Avoid rubbing too hard, as this can erode the conductive paint and stop the button from firing when it is pressed.

Check the battery connector terminals carefully for any loose solder connections. If this is the case, simply reconnecting them may restore functionality to the button. You can apply the same process to restore functionality to any other loose connection in the fob.

If any of the rubber buttons located at the front of the keyfob aren't working or require being press very hard, the graphite disks at the back of the button could have worn out and require replacement. You can usually do this by rubbing a pen across the disks. This will bring the button back to life.

If none of this is useful, or if the button does not respond to a hard push It could be that the circuit board is damaged. It is possible to fix this by cleaning and re-soldering your fob but you should also have an extra in case it doesn't work.

Circuitry

The circuit board inside the remote control could be dirty regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob work or not. A very thorough inspection is often enough to resolve this issue. The most common causes for dirty circuit boards are water and damaged cases. A damaged case can allow water and other debris to enter and short out the electronics. Water can also get through pins and vias, which are small connectors on the board.

If you are handy enough to open your key fob and don't mind making an mess, you can take the buttons out of their sockets and solder in new ones. It's also worth looking at the battery terminal connections. They can get very dirty and if they're loose, the buttons may not work or even stay in their down position. Soldering the terminals, and putting the button back in place is usually all it takes to restore the key fob that is not working to working order.

Non-remote car key repairs (minecraftcommand.science published an article) transponder chips

Sealed non-remote transponder chip are more durable than the remote fobs they are contained in, but they can still be broken by a hole being made in them or pushed over by a lawnmowers blade or repair car key door handle. Fuse failures are usually to blame for non-remote chips failures.

If you are not comfortable opening the key fob, remove the circuitboard and utilize a multimeter to check that the diode is functioning properly. If you don't feel comfortable with this, go to your local Oreilly or hardware store and test their RF frequency tester. This will inform you whether the key fob sends a signal.

Programming

Key fobs are subject to lots of abuse and aren't indestructible. They can lose their pairing to the receiver in your car key repairs near me due to shock or a low battery, requiring the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or a main dealer can reprogram your key fob and get it working again. If resetting or replacing your keyfob does not work, you may need to replace it.