How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob isn't functioning, a few easy steps can fix it. The first step is to make sure that it's not your backup remote.

If your backup remote can unlock and Car remote key Repair shop near me lock the doors of your car key repair, it is most likely that the primary remote isn't functioning. The most common causes for key problems with your car remote are issues with the circuitry or battery.

Battery

It is not unusual for the battery inside the key fob for cars to wear out. It is quite simple to change out the battery, however it is crucial to ensure you use the right type; you can look in the owner's manual or talk to the dealer for the manufacturer to find out what kind of battery you require. It is also essential to inspect the battery compartment as batteries that are not working properly can release caustic chemicals that can harm the remote. If changing the battery doesn't fix the issue there could be other issues that require attention from a professional. For instance, if buttons appear stuck or broken it could be necessary to take the remote apart and rework its parts. You could also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new device.

Buttons

Through repeated use, key fobs can wear out and become dirty. This is not atypical, but it can cause buttons to stop working or require a difficult press to get them to function. This can be a hassle especially when you're away from your home and need to switch on your repair car key fob. Fortunately, even worn out or broken buttons can usually be fixed with just a bit of time and some of the materials you may already have around the house.

First, ensure that the batteries are properly charged 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 signs that the buttons are worn out or damaged, like missing paint that is conductive. Use the Q-tip, dipped in alcohol, gently clean any membrane contacts that are damaged or where conductive paint is missing. Be careful not to rub too hard, since this could cause damage to the conductive painting and prevent the button firing when the button is pressed.

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

Finally, if any of the rubber buttons on the front of the key fob stop working or require a long press to function it is likely that the graphite disks that are on the back of the button are deteriorating and require replacement. It is usually done by rubbing a pencil over the disks. This will bring the button back to life.

If none of this is useful, or if the button still doesn't respond to a hard push It could be the case that the circuit board is damaged. It is possible to fix this by a quick clean, and replacing the solder, but it is best to have an extra fob on hand in the event that this method doesn't work for you.

Circuitry

The circuit board of the remote control could be dirty, regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob work or not. A thorough examination is often enough to resolve this problem. Broken and damaged cases are the most frequent causes of boards that are dirty. A damaged case can let water and other debris into the circuit board, causing it to short. Water can also destroy pins and connectors on the board, referred to as via's.

If you're handy enough to remove your key fob, and you're not afraid of a little mess, we can remove the solder from the buttons and then solder new ones in their place. It's also worth looking at the battery terminal connections. They can get very dirty and if they're loose the buttons might not function or may even remain in their down position. Soldering the terminals back to their proper positions is usually enough to restore a non-working fob to a working condition.

Non-Remote Transponder Chips

The non-remote chips that are sealed are more durable than remote key repair fobs. However, they are susceptible to cracking in the event of a hole being drilled in them or when a door handle for a car or lawnmowers plows over them. Most of the time, non-remote transponder chip malfunctions could be attributed to a blown fuse.

If you're handy enough to open a sealed non-remote key fob and can tolerate the mess, you can take off the circuit board and test the fuse using a multimeter for proper diode function. If you're not confident doing this, go to your local hardware store or Oreilly's, and they will usually have an radio frequency tester that can tell you whether the key fob is sending signals.

Programming

Key fobs aren't impervious to destruction and are susceptible to damage by a lot of things. They may lose their connection with the receiver inside your vehicle due to shocks or a low-battery, which requires changing the program. A professional auto key fob repair locksmith or a dealer in the main can reprogram the key fob and get it back up and running again. If resetting or fixing the keyfob is not working it may be necessary to replace it.