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, check to make sure it's not your backup remote.

If the backup remote is able to lock key repair near me and unlock your car doors, then there is likely an issue with the primary remote. The most common causes of car key remote repair near me remote key failure are battery or circuitry issues.

Battery

It is not uncommon for the battery in a key fob for cars to wear out. It is relatively easy to change out the battery, however 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 of the manufacturer to find out what kind of battery you need. It's also a good idea to examine the battery compartment carefully since dead batteries may release caustic chemicals that could damage the remote. If changing the battery doesn't fix the issue there could be other issues that require professional attention. If the buttons are Broken Car Key Repair Near Me or stuck for instance it could be necessary to remove the remote and rebuild each component. It is also possible to reprogramme the vehicle to recognize the new device.

Buttons

Through repeated use, key fobs can get dirty and worn. It is not common for buttons to stop working, or to require a long press to get them working. This can be a hassle particularly when you're away from your home and have to turn on your car key repair near me. Fortunately, even worn-out or malfunctioning buttons can often be fixed with a little time and a few items you may already have around the home.

First, make sure that the batteries are properly installed and that the indentation on the back of the button has been filled. Then, carefully remove the remote and look at the circuit board. Look for signs of corrosion or other indications that the buttons are worn or damaged, such as missing paint that is conductive. Use a Q-tip, dipped in alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that has worn out or where conductive painting is missing. Do not rub too vigorously, as this could erode the conductive paint and prevent the button from firing when it is pressed.

Examine the battery connector's terminals carefully for any loose solder connections. If this is the case, simply reconnecting them could bring back function to the button. You can follow the same process to restore functionality to any other loose connection within the fob.

If any of the rubber buttons located at the front of the keyfob are not functioning or require to be pressed extremely hard, the graphite disks at the back of the button could have worn out and will require replacement. You can usually do this by rubbing a pen across 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 could be that the circuitry is failing. This can be fixed by a quick clean, and re-soldering, but it is recommended to have an additional fob in case this method fails for you.

Circuitry

The circuit board in the remote control could be dirty regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob work or not. This problem can be resolved by a thorough inspection. Broken cases and water are the most common causes of dirty boards. A broken case can allow water and other debris to enter the circuit board, which can cause it to short. Water can also damage pins and vias, which are small connectors on the board.

If you're handy enough to open up your key fob and don't mind some mess, we can take off the buttons and solder new ones in their place. Also, it's worth checking the connections between the battery terminals. If they're loose, the buttons may not function properly or become stuck in their down position. Soldering the terminals back to their proper positions is usually enough to return a malfunctioning fob back to working.

Non-Remote transponder chips

The sealed non-remote chips are more durable than their remote fobs, however they can be cracked when a hole is made in them, or when a door handle for a car key fob repair or lawnmower runs over them. Most of the time non-remote transponder chips fail, and this could be attributed to blowing fuses.

If you're not comfortable opening the key fob, take the circuit board off and use a multimeter to determine if the diode is functioning correctly. If you don't feel comfortable with this, you can go to your local Oreilly or hardware store and test their RF frequency tester. This will tell you whether the key fob is sending a signal.

Programming

Key fobs are not indestructible and are susceptible to being damaged by a variety of factors. They may lose their connection with the receiver in your vehicle due to shocks or a low battery, which calls for the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or main dealer can reprogram the keyfob to get it up and running again. In the rarer case that resetting or repairing your key fob doesn't work it could be the time to replace it all over again.