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How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob doesn't work then you can fix it with just a few steps. The first step is to make sure that it's not your backup remote.

If the backup remote is able to lock and unlock your car door, then there's a likely issue with the primary remote. Most car remote key failures result from circuitry or battery problems.

Battery

It is not uncommon to find a battery on a key fob for cars to degrade. It is easy to replace batteries. However it is crucial that you choose the right kind. You can refer to your owner's guide or contact the manufacturer to find out the correct type. It is also a good idea to examine the battery compartment with care because dead batteries can release caustic chemicals that could damage the remote. If changing the battery doesn't fix the issue, there may be other issues requiring professional attention. If the buttons are stuck or broken for instance it might be necessary to remove the remote and rebuild each component. It is also possible to reprogramme the vehicle to recognize the new fob.

Buttons

Key fobs can get filthy and worn out due to repeated use. This is not unusual however, it can cause buttons to cease working or require a long press to function. This can be very frustrating especially if you're away from home and you need to start your car. Fortunately, even worn-out or broken buttons can usually be fixed with just a bit of time and a few items you may already have around the house.

First, check that the batteries are correctly inserted and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Take the remote apart and look over the circuit board. Examine for signs of rust or other signs that buttons are worn out or damaged, like missing conductive paint. Use the Q-tip, dipped in rubbing alcohol, gently clean any membrane contacts that have worn or where conductive paint is missing. Don't rub too hard in order to damage the conductive paint and stop the button from firing when pressed.

Also, carefully check the battery connector's terminals for a loose solder connection. Soldering them back into place can restore the button's functionality If this is the situation. You can apply the same process 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 aren't functioning or require a difficult press to function it is likely that the graphite disks that are on the back of the button are deteriorating and require replacement. This can be done by rubbing a pencil across the disks. This should bring the button back to working.

If none of this is useful, or if the button still doesn't respond to a hard press, then it may be because the circuit board has become damaged. It is possible to fix this by cleaning and Car Remote Key Fob Repair re-soldering the fob but you should also have another spare in case it does not work.

Circuitry

The circuit board in your remote control could be dirty, regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob function or not. A very thorough inspection will usually resolve this problem. The most common causes of dirty circuit boards is water and broken key repair near me cases. A damaged case could allow water and other debris to get into the circuit board, causing it to short. Water can also eat away at pins and connectors on the board, which are known as via's.

If you are handy enough to open your key fob and don't mind making an mess, you can remove the buttons from their sockets and then solder new ones. Also, you should check the connections between the battery terminals. If they are loose, the buttons may not function or get stuck in their down position. Soldering the terminals, and putting the button back in their place is generally all that's needed to return a non-working key fob to working condition.

Non-Remote transponder chips

The non-remote chips that are sealed are more durable than remote fobs. However, they can be cracked in the event of a hole being drilled in them or if a car remote key Fob repair door handle or lawnmower runs over them. Failures of the fuse are typically the cause of non-remote chip failures.

If you're not confident opening the key fob, remove the circuitboard and use a multimeter to determine if the diode is operating properly. If you're not comfortable doing this, visit your local hardware store or Oreilly's and they usually have a RF frequency tester that will tell you if the key fob is sending signals.

Programming

Key fobs take many abuses and aren't impervious to damage. They can lose their pairing with the receiver inside your vehicle due to shocks or low battery, requiring changing the program. A professional auto locksmith or main dealer can reprogram your key fob and get it back up and running. If resetting or replacing your keyfob does not work, you may need to replace it.