How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

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

If your backup remote key fob repair near me cannot lock and unlock the doors of your vehicle, it is likely that the primary remote isn't functioning. The most common causes of key malfunctions for car remotes are battery or circuitry issues.

Battery

The battery in the key fob may wear out over time. It is easy to replace batteries. However, it is important that you choose the right kind. You can consult your owner's guide or contact the manufacturer to determine the correct type. It is recommended to examine the battery compartment carefully, as dead batteries sometimes release caustic chemicals that could harm the remote. If changing the batteries does not solve the problem it could be that there are other issues that require attention by a professional. For instance, if buttons appear stuck or damaged it could be necessary to disassemble the remote and rebuild its components. You can also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new key fob.

Buttons

From repeated use, key fobs may become worn and dirty. It is not unusual to have buttons stop working, or to require a long press to make them work. This can be a huge hassle especially if you're away from home and need to start your car keys repair near me. Fortunately, even worn-out or damaged buttons can be fixed with a bit of time and a few materials you might already have in the house.

First, make sure that the batteries are properly installed and that the indentation on the back of the button has been filled. Take the remote apart and examine the circuit board. Check for signs of corrosion or other signs that the buttons are worn or damaged, like missing the conductive paint. Use a Q-tip that has been dipped in alcohol to gently clean any membrane contacts that have damaged or where conductive paint is missing. Do not rub too vigorously, as this could erode the conductive paint and stop the button from firing when you press it.

Also, carefully check the battery connector's terminals to ensure an unattached solder connection. If this is the case, simply reconnecting them could restore functionality to the button. You can follow the same procedure to restore functionality to any other loose connection within the fob.

If, for instance, any of the buttons made of rubber on the front of the key fob have stopped working or require a long press to function it is likely that the graphite disks that are on the back of the button are wearing down and 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 you press it hard, it is possible that the circuitry is failing. It is possible to fix this by cleaning and re-soldering the button however, you should have a spare in case it doesn't work.

Circuitry

If the key fob buttons function the circuit board in the remote could be dirty. A very thorough inspection is often enough to resolve this problem. The most frequent causes of dirty circuit boards are water and damaged cases. A damaged case can let water and other debris to enter the circuit board, which can cause it to short out. Water can also damage pins and small connectors on the board called via's.

If you are handy enough to open your key fob, and don't mind making some mess, we can take the buttons out of their sockets and then solder new ones. It's also worth examining the battery terminal connections. They can become very dirty and if they're loose, the buttons might not work or may even remain in their down position. Soldering the terminals and buttons to their original positions is often enough to restore a non-working fob to working.

Non-Remote transponder chips

The sealed non-remote chips are more durable than remote fobs. However, they can be cracked in the event of a hole being drilled in them or when a door handle for a car keys repairs near me or lawnmowers plows over them. Fuse failures are usually to blame for non-remote car key repairs chip failures.

If you're not comfortable opening the key fob, you may remove the circuitboard and utilize a multimeter to check that the diode is working correctly. If you're unsure about doing this, visit your local hardware store or the Oreilly's and they will usually have an RF frequency tester that will determine if the key fob is sending a signal.

Programming

Key fobs are subject to lots of abuse and aren't impervious to damage. They can lose their pairing with the receiver inside your vehicle because of shocks or a low battery, requiring the reprogramming. A professional auto key fob repair keys near me - Read Full Report - locksmith or a main dealer will be able to reprogram your key fob and get it back up and running. In the rarer case that resetting and repairing your key fob fails it could be the time to replace it completely.