How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob won't work then 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 can lock and unlock the doors of your car key repair near me, it is likely that the main remote isn't functioning. The majority of car remote key malfunctions result from battery or circuitry problems.

Battery

It is not unusual for the battery in the car key fob to wear out. It is simple to replace batteries. However, it is important that you choose the right type. You can consult your owner's manual or call the manufacturer to find out the right type. It is also a good idea to examine the battery compartment with care, as dead batteries sometimes release caustic chemicals that could cause damage to the remote. If changing the battery doesn't fix the problem there could be other issues that require attention from a professional. If buttons are broken or stuck for instance, it may be necessary remove the remote and rebuild each component. You can also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new remote.

Buttons

Key fobs may become dirty and worn out from frequent use. This is not uncommon however it can cause buttons to stop working or require a long press to work. This can be a hassle particularly when you're away from your home and need to start your car. Fortunately, even worn out or damaged buttons can be fixed with a little time and online some of the materials you have in the house.

First, Mobile Key Repair make sure the batteries are up correctly and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Then, carefully open the remote and look at the circuit board. Look for signs of rust or other indications that the buttons are damaged or worn out. For instance there could be conductive paint missing. Use a Q-tip, dipped in rubbing alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that has worn-out or where to repair car key remote conductive painting is missing. Avoid rubbing too hard as this can erode the conductive paint and stop the button from firing when it is pressed.

Also, be sure to check the battery connector terminals for an unattached solder connection. If this is the case, reconnecting them could restore functionality to the button. You can apply the same method to restore functionality to any other loose connection inside the fob.

In the end, if any of the buttons made of rubber on the front of the key fob repair near me fob aren't functioning or require a difficult press to function it is likely the graphite disks at the back of the button are wearing out and require replacement. This can be done by rubbing a pencil across the disks, which should bring the button back to its original state.

If none of these solutions work or you not be able to get the button respond when pressed hard, it could be that the circuitry is failing. It is possible to fix this issue by cleaning and re-soldering the button but you should also have an extra in case it doesn't work.

Circuitry

The circuit board of your remote control could be dirty, regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob function or not. This issue can be fixed through a thorough examination. The most common causes for dirty circuit boards is water and damaged cases. A broken case allows water and other debris to enter and short out the electronic components. Water can also get through pins and vias, which are the tiny connectors on the board.

If you're able to open up your key fob and aren't afraid of some mess, we can take off the buttons and put new ones in their place. It's also worth examining the battery terminal connections. They can become extremely dirty and if they're loose, the buttons may not work or may even remain in their down position. Soldering the terminals back into place is usually enough to bring a non-working fob to a working condition.

Non-Remote transponder chips

Sealed non-remote transponder chips are much more durable than remote fobs that have them but they can still be cracked by a hole made in them or pushed over by a lawnmower or door handle for a car. Most of the time, non-remote transponder chip failures can be attributed to an exploded fuse.

If you're not comfortable opening the key fob, you can take the circuit board off and use a multimeter to check that the diode is functioning properly. If you're not confident doing this, go to your local hardware store or Oreilly's and they usually have a RF frequency tester that will determine whether the key fob sending a signal.

Programming

mobile key fob repair fobs are subject to a lot of abuse and aren't indestructible. They can lose their pairing to the car's receiver due to shock or a low battery, requiring them to be reprogrammed. A professional auto locksmith or dealer can reprogram your key fob to get it back up and running. If resetting or replacing the keyfob is not working it may be necessary to replace it.