How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob does not work then you can fix it with a few simple steps. First, make sure that it's not your backup remote.

If your backup remote cannot lock and unlock the doors of your car, then it is most likely that the primary remote is not working. Most problems with car remote key repair shop near me remote keys result from circuitry or battery problems.

Battery

It is not unusual for the battery inside the automotive key repair fob for cars to get worn out. It is simple to replace a battery. However it is essential to select the right kind. You can refer to the owner's manual or contact the manufacturer to find out the correct type. It is also important to check the battery compartment, as dead batteries can leak caustic chemicals which can damage the remote. If changing the batteries does not solve the problem it could be that there are other issues that require attention from a professional. If buttons are stuck or broken for instance it might be necessary to remove the remote and rebuild each component. You can also try reprogramming your vehicle to recognize the new key fob.

Buttons

Key fobs may become dirty and worn-out from repeated use. This is not unusual however it can cause buttons to stop working or require a very hard press for them to function. This can be a hassle especially when you're away from your home and need to turn on your car key repair. Fortunately, even worn out or malfunctioning buttons can often be fixed with just a bit of time and a few items you have in the house.

First, make sure that the batteries are correctly inserted and that the indentation on the back of the button has been filled. Then, carefully open up the remote and examine the circuit board. Look for signs of corrosion or other indications that buttons are worn out or damaged, like missing conductive paint. Use a Q-tip that has been dipped in alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that has damaged or where conductive paint is missing. Don't rub too hard, as this could erode the conductive paint, and block the button from firing when pressed.

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

If any of the rubber buttons located at the front of the keyfob are not working or need to be press very hard the graphite disks at the back of the button might have worn out and require replacement. You can do this by rubbing a pen across the disks. This should bring the button to life.

If all of this doesn't help or if the button does not respond to a hard press, then it may be because the circuit board itself has become damaged. This can be fixed by a quick clean, and re-soldering, but it is ideal to have a spare fob on hand in the event that this method fails for you.

Circuitry

The circuit board in the Remote Key Repair control could be dirty, regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob work or not. A very thorough inspection is often enough to resolve this issue. The most frequent causes of dirty circuit boards are water and damaged cases. A damaged case can allow water and other debris to pass through and short circuit the electronic components. Water can also damage pins and connectors on the board called via's.

If you're able to open your key fob and aren't afraid of making an mess, you can remove the buttons from their sockets and put in new ones. It's also worth checking the battery terminal connections. If they are loose, the buttons might not work or even become stuck in their down position. Soldering the terminals and button's back in their place is generally all it takes to restore keys that are not in working order.

Non-Remote Transponder Chips

The sealed non-remote chips are more durable than remote fobs. However, they are susceptible to breaking when a hole is made in them, or if a car door handle or lawnmowers is pushed over them. Fuse failures are usually the cause of non-remote chip failures.

If you are not comfortable opening the key repair shop fob, remove the circuitboard and use a multimeter to verify that the diode is operating correctly. If you're unsure about doing this, go to your local hardware store or the Oreilly's and they'll usually have a RFID frequency tester that can determine whether the key fob sending signals.

Programming

Key fobs endure lots of abuse and aren't impervious to damage. They can lose their pairing to the receiver in your car key fob repair due to shock or a low battery, which calls for the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or a main dealer can reprogram your key fob to get it functioning again. If, in the unlikely event that resetting and fixing your key fob isn't working it could be the time to replace it entirely.