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 make sure it's not the backup remote.

If your backup remote is unable to unlock and lock the doors of your car key fob repairs near me, then it is likely that the primary remote isn't functioning. The majority of car keys repairs near me Remote Key Repair key malfunctions result from battery or circuitry problems.

Battery

It is not unusual for the battery in the key fob for cars to wear out. It is easy to replace a battery. However it is crucial to select the right kind. You can check your owner's guide or contact the manufacturer to inquire about the correct type. It is recommended to inspect the battery compartment thoroughly because dead batteries can release caustic chemicals that could damage the remote key fob repair. If changing the battery doesn't fix the issue there may be additional issues that require professional attention. For instance, if buttons seem to be stuck or damaged, it may be necessary to disassemble the remote and rework its parts. You could also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new key fob.

Buttons

Key fobs may become filthy and worn out due to frequent use. It is not common for buttons to stop working, or to require a hefty press to get them working. This can be a hassle, especially when you are away from home and you need to turn on your car. Fortunately, even worn out or malfunctioning buttons can often be fixed with just a bit of time and a few materials you have in the home.

First, ensure that the batteries are charged correctly and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Then, carefully remove the remote and inspect the circuit board. Look for signs of corrosion or other indications that the buttons are worn or damaged, such as missing conductive paint. Use a Q-tip dipped into rubbing alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that is damaged or has conductive paint missing. Do not rub too vigorously in order to damage the conductive paint and prevent the button from firing when it is pressed.

Check the battery connector's terminals for loose solder connections. If this is the case, soldering them back in place can restore functionality to the button. The same process can be used to restore function to any other loose connections inside the fob.

In the end, if any of the buttons made of rubber that are on the front of the key fob stop working or require a very hard press to work it is likely that the graphite disks on the back of the button are deteriorating and need to be replaced. You can do this by rubbing a pencil over the disks. This will bring the button back to life.

If none of this is helpful or if the button does not respond to a hard press It could be the case that the circuit board has gone bad. It is possible to fix this by cleaning and re-soldering the button but you should also have a spare in case it does not work.

Circuitry

If the key fob buttons are working, the circuit board inside the remote could be dirty. A very thorough inspection is usually enough to fix this problem. The most common causes of dirty circuit boards are water and broken cases. A damaged case allows water and other debris to pass through and short circuit the electronics. Water can also damage pins and vias, which are tiny connectors found on the board.

If you're skilled enough to open your key fob and you don't mind making an mess, you can remove the buttons from their sockets and solder in new ones. It's also worth checking the connections between battery terminals. If they're loose, the buttons may not function or get stuck in their down position. Soldering terminals and buttons back to their original positions is often enough to restore a non-working fob back to working.

Non-Remote transponder chips

The sealed non-remote chips are more durable than their remote fobs, but they are susceptible to breaking if a hole is drilled in them, or if a car door handle or lawnmowers is pushed over them. Fuse failures are usually to blame for non-remote chips failures.

If you are not comfortable opening the key repair shop fob, remove the circuitboard and utilize a multimeter to check that the diode is operating 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 let you know whether the key fob sends signals.

Programming

key fob repair service fobs are subject to many abuses and aren't impervious to damage. They can break their connection with the receiver inside your vehicle due to shocks or a low-battery, which requires changing the program. A professional auto locksmith, or main dealer can reprogram the keyfob and get it up and running again. If resetting or repairing your key fob fails, you may need to replace it.