How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob doesn't work, a few easy steps can be taken to fix it. The first step is to be sure that it's not your backup remote.

If your backup remote can unlock and lock the doors of your vehicle, it is most likely that the primary remote is not working. The most frequent causes of car remote key fob repair remote key failure are battery or circuitry issues.

Battery

It is not uncommon for the battery inside the key fob for cars to wear out. It is quite simple to change out batteries, but it is crucial to make sure that you use the right type that you can refer to your owner's manual, or contact the dealer for the manufacturer to find out the kind of battery you require. It's recommended to inspect the battery compartment thoroughly since dead batteries may release caustic chemicals that could cause damage to the remote. If replacing the batteries doesn't solve the issue it could be that there are other issues that require attention by a professional. For instance, if the buttons seem stuck or broken it could be necessary to disassemble the remote key repair car keys near me (ebooksworld.com.pl said in a blog post) and rework its parts. You can also try reprogramming your vehicle to recognize the new key fob.

Buttons

From frequent use, key fobs may wear out and become dirty. This is not unusual however, it can cause buttons to cease working or require a long press to work. This can be frustrating especially when you're away from home and have to switch on your car. Even malfunctioning or worn-out buttons are often fixable with a bit of time and the tools you already have at home.

First, make sure that the batteries have been correctly installed and that the indentation at the back of the button has been filled. Then, open the remote with care and examine the circuit board. Examine for signs of rust or other signs the buttons have been damaged or worn out. For instance the paint that conducts electricity could be missing. Use a Q-tip, dipped in alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that is worn-out or where conductive painting is missing. Don't rub too hard in order to damage the conductive paint and stop the button from firing when it is pressed.

Also, make sure to inspect the battery connector terminals for a loose solder connection. If this is the case, connecting them back could bring back function to the button. You can follow the same process to restore functionality to any other loose connection inside the fob.

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

If none of this is useful or if the button still does not respond to a firm press, then it may be because the circuit board itself has gone bad. It is possible to fix this by cleaning and re-soldering your fob, but you should have an extra in case it doesn't work.

Circuitry

Whether or not the keys repair fob buttons are functioning the circuit board in the remote could be dirty. This issue can be fixed through a thorough examination. Broken and damaged cases are the most common causes of boards that are dirty. A broken case can allow water and other debris to get into the circuit board, causing it to short out. Water can also eat through pins and vias, which are tiny connectors on the board.

If you're able to open your key fob and aren't afraid of some mess, we can de-solder the buttons and put new ones in their place. It's also worth looking at the battery terminal connections. They can become extremely dirty and if they're loose the buttons may not work or even stay in their down position. Soldering the terminals and buttons back in place is usually all that's needed to return the key fob that is not working to working condition.

Non-Remote transponder chips

The non-remote chips sealed in a sealed case are more durable than remote fobs, but they are susceptible to cracking when a hole is made in them or in the event that a door handle of a car key repair company or lawnmowers plows over them. The failure of the fuse is usually the cause of non-remote chip failures.

If you're not confident opening the key fob, remove the circuitboard and utilize a multimeter to verify that the diode is working properly. If you're not sure with this, visit your local Oreilly or hardware store and test their RF frequency tester. This will inform you whether the key fob sends signals.

Programming

Key fobs endure many abuses and aren't indestructible. They can lose their pairing to the receiver in your car due to shock or a low battery, which requires the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or main dealer can reprogram your key fob to get it functioning again. If resetting or fixing your key fob fails it is possible to replace it.