How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob won't work, you can fix it with some simple steps. The first step is to make sure it's not the backup remote.

If your backup remote is unable to unlock and lock the doors of your car, then it is most likely that the primary remote isn't functioning. The most common causes for key malfunctions for car remotes are battery or circuitry issues.

Battery

It is not unusual for the battery in a car key remote repair near me key fob to degrade. It is simple to replace batteries. However it is crucial that you use the correct kind. You can consult your owner's guide or contact the manufacturer to inquire about the right kind. It is also crucial to examine the battery compartment as dead batteries can leak toxic chemicals that could damage the remote. If changing the battery doesn't solve the issue, there may be other issues that require professional attention. For instance, if buttons seem to be stuck or damaged It may be necessary to take the remote key Repair apart and rework its components. You could also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new key fob repairs near me fob.

Buttons

Key fobs can become dirty and worn out from frequent use. It is not uncommon for buttons to cease working, or to require a hefty push to make them work. This can be extremely frustrating particularly if you're out of town and need to start your vehicle. Fortunately, even worn-out or broken buttons can usually be fixed with just a bit of time and a few materials you may already have around the house.

First, make sure the batteries are charged correctly and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Take the remote apart and look over the circuit board. Check for signs of corrosion or other indications that the buttons are worn or damaged, such as missing the conductive paint. Use a Q-tip dipped into rubbing alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that has damaged or where conductive paint is missing. Avoid rubbing too hard, since this could cause damage to the conductive paint and block the button from firing when it is the button is pressed.

Check the battery connector's terminals for loose solder connections. If this is the case, soldering them back in place could bring back function to the button. You can apply the same procedure to restore functionality to any other loose connection inside the fob.

If any of the rubber buttons on the front of the keyfob are not working or require being press very hard, the graphite disks at the back of the button could have worn out and require replacement. This can be done by rubbing a pencil over the disks, which will bring the button back to life.

If none of this is helpful or if the button does not respond to a firm press, then it may be the case that the circuit board itself has become damaged. It is possible to fix this by cleaning and re-soldering your fob however, you should have a spare in case it doesn't work.

Circuitry

The circuit board of the remote control could be dirty regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob are working or not. This problem can be resolved through a thorough examination. The most frequent causes of dirty circuit boards is water and broken cases. A broken case allows water and other debris to pass through and short circuit the electronic car key repair near me components. Water can also get through pins and vias, which are small connectors that are found on the board.

If you are handy enough to open your key fob, and you don't mind making an mess, you can remove the buttons from their sockets and then solder new ones. It's also worth examining the battery terminal connections. They can get very dirty and if they're loose, the buttons might not function or even stay in their down position. Soldering terminals and buttons back to their proper positions is usually enough to bring a non-working fob to working.

Non-Remote transponder chips

The non-remote chips sealed in a sealed case are more durable than remote fobs, but they can be cracked when a hole is made into them or in the event that a door handle of a car or lawnmower runs over them. Most of the time, non-remote transponder chip malfunctions can be blamed on a blown fuse.

If you're handy enough to remove a sealed non-remote key fob and can tolerate the mess, you can remove the circuit board and check the fuse using a multimeter to ensure that it is functioning as intended. function. If you're unsure about doing this, visit your local hardware store or Oreilly's and they usually have a RFID frequency tester that can tell you whether the key fob sending a signal.

Programming

Key fobs are subject to lots of abuse and aren't impervious to damage. They may lose their connection to the car's receiver due to shock or low battery, which requires them to be reprogrammed. A professional auto locksmith or main dealer can reprogram your keyfob to get it working again. If resetting or replacing your key fob key repair fails it may be necessary to replace it.