How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob doesn't work then you can fix it by following a few simple steps. First, ensure that it's not your backup remote.

If your backup remote is unable to lock and key repair near me and unlock the doors of your car, it is most likely that the primary remote isn't working. Most car remote key failures are caused by circuitry or battery problems.

Battery

It is not unusual for the battery inside the car key fob to get worn out. It is fairly easy to replace batteries, but it is important to make sure that you use the right type; you can look in the owner's manual or talk to the manufacturer's dealer to determine the type of battery you need. It is also essential to inspect the battery compartment as batteries that are not working properly can release caustic chemicals which can damage the remote. If replacing the battery does not solve the issue there could be other issues that require attention from a professional. If buttons are stuck or broken for instance it might be necessary to take the remote apart and rework each component. You can also try reprogramming your mobile car key Repair to recognize the new key fob.

Buttons

Due to frequent use, key fobs could become worn and dirty. It is not common for buttons to cease working, or to require a long push to make them work. This can be a huge hassle, especially if you are away from home and need to start your car. Fortunately, even worn out or malfunctioning buttons can often be fixed with a bit of time and a few materials you may already have around the house.

First, ensure that the batteries are up correctly and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Take the remote apart and inspect the circuit board. Look for signs of corrosion or other signs that buttons are worn out or damaged, such as missing the conductive paint. Use a Q-tip that has been dipped in alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that is damaged or has conductive paint missing. Do not rub too vigorously, as this could erode the conductive paint and prevent the button from firing when it is pressed.

Check the battery connector terminals carefully for any loose solder connections. Soldering them back in place will restore the button's functionality if this is the case. You can follow the same method to restore functionality to any other loose connection inside the fob.

Finally, if any of the buttons made of rubber on the front of the key fob aren't functioning or require a difficult press to function it is likely that the graphite disks on the back of the button are deteriorating and need to be replaced. You can do this by rubbing a pen over the disks. This should bring the button back to life.

If none of these solutions work or you cannot get the button to respond when pressed hard, it is possible that the circuitry has failed. It is possible to fix this issue by cleaning and re-soldering the fob but you should also have another spare in case it doesn't work.

Circuitry

The circuit board of your remote control could be dirty regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob work or not. The issue can be solved by a thorough inspection. The most frequent causes of dirty circuit boards is water and broken cases. A broken case can allow water and other debris to get into the circuit board, causing it to short. Water can also get through pins and vias, which are tiny connectors on the board.

If you are handy enough to open your key fob, and aren't afraid of making some mess, we can take the buttons out of their sockets and then solder new ones. It's also worth looking at the battery terminal connections. If they are loose, the buttons might not function or get stuck in their down position. Soldering the terminals and button's back into place is typically all that's needed to return the key fob that is not working to functioning condition.

Non-Remote Transponder Chips

Sealed non-remote transponder chip are more durable than remote fobs they are contained in, however they are still susceptible to being broken by a hole being made in them or Car Key Repair Shop Near Me pushed over by a lawnmowers blade or door handle for a car. Most of the time non-remote transponder chips fail, and this can be blamed on a blown fuse.

If you're not comfortable opening the key fob, you may take the circuit board off and use a multimeter to determine if the diode is operating properly. If you're not confident doing this, head to your local hardware store or the Oreilly's and they'll usually have an RFID frequency tester that can determine whether the key fob is transmitting a signal.

Programming

Key fobs take a lot of abuse and aren't completely indestructible. They may lose their connection with the receiver inside your vehicle due to shocks or a low battery, which calls for changing the program. A professional auto locksmith or dealer will be able to reprogram your key fob and get it back up and running. If resetting or fixing your keyfob does not work, you may need to replace it.