How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob isn't working There are a few simple steps that can fix it. The first step is to be sure that it's not your backup remote.

If the backup can lock and unlock your car door, it is most likely an issue with the main remote. The most frequent causes of car remote key failure are battery or circuitry issues.

Battery

The battery in the key repairs fob could be worn out over time. It is quite simple to change out the battery, however it is crucial to ensure you use the right type that you can refer to the owner's manual or talk to the dealer of the manufacturer to determine the type of battery you require. It is also essential to inspect the battery compartment, as dead batteries can leak caustic chemicals that can harm the remote. If changing the batteries does not solve the problem it could be because there are other issues that require attention from a professional. For instance, if buttons seem stuck or broken, it may be necessary to disassemble the remote and rebuild its components. You could also try reprogramming your car to recognize the new key fob.

Buttons

Through repeated use, key fobs can become worn and dirty. This is not uncommon however it can cause buttons to cease working or require a long press to function. This can be very frustrating, especially when you are away from your home and need to start 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 house.

First, ensure that the batteries are up correctly and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Open the remote carefully and look over the circuit board. Check for signs of corrosion or other signs that the buttons are worn out or damaged, such as missing the conductive paint. Use a Q-tip dipped in rubbing alcohol, gently clean any membrane contacts that have become damaged or have conductive paint missing. Do not rub too vigorously as this can damage the conductive paint, and block the button from firing when you press it.

Also, carefully check the battery connector terminals for any loose solder connections. If this is the case, simply connecting them back can bring back function to the button. The same method can be used to restore functionality to any other loose connections within the fob.

If any of the rubber buttons on 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 require replacement. This can be done by rubbing a pencil on the disks. This should bring the button back to working.

If none of these solutions work, or if you still are unable to get the button to respond when you press it hard, it is possible that the circuitry has failed. It is possible to fix this issue by cleaning and re-soldering the button however, you should have a spare in case it does not work.

Circuitry

Whether or not the key fob buttons function, the circuit board inside the remote could be dirty. This issue can be fixed Near by a thorough inspection. Broken cases and water are the most common causes of dirty boards. A damaged case can let water and other debris into the circuit board, which can cause it to short. Water can also damage pins and connectors that are small on the board, referred to as via's.

If you're able to open up your key fob, and you're not afraid of making a mess, we can take off the buttons and then solder new ones in their place. Also, it's worth checking the connections between battery terminals. They can become extremely dirty and if they're loose, the buttons may not work or may even remain in their down position. Soldering the terminals back into place is usually enough to restore a non-working fob to a working condition.

Non-Remote Transponder Chips

The non-remote chips sealed in a sealed case 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 car or lawnmowers is pushed over them. Most of the time non-remote key fob repairs transponder chip failures can be blamed on an exploded fuse.

If you're handy enough to open a sealed non-remote key fob and are willing to put up with the mess, you can remove the circuit board and examine the fuse with an instrument to verify diode function. If you're not comfortable with this, you can visit your local Oreilly or hardware store and utilize their RF frequency tester. This will tell you whether the key fob is sending signals.

Programming

key fob repairs near me fobs are subject to many abuses and aren't indestructible. They can break their connection with the receiver in your vehicle due to shocks or a low battery, requiring changing the program. A professional auto locksmith, or a dealer in the main, can reprogram your keyfob and get it working again. In the rarer case that resetting and repairing your key fob doesn't work it may be time to replace it completely.