How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob repair near me fob isn't functioning A few easy steps can be taken to fix it. First, check to make sure it's not your backup remote.

If your backup remote cannot unlock and lock the doors of your car, it is likely that the main remote is not working. The majority of car remote key malfunctions are caused by circuitry or battery problems.

Battery

It is not unusual to find a battery on a car key fob to get worn out. It is quite simple to replace the battery, however it is essential to make sure that you choose the correct type; you can look in your owner's manual, or contact the dealer for the manufacturer to determine the type of battery you require. It is also a good idea to examine the battery compartment carefully because dead batteries can leak harmful chemicals that can harm the remote. If changing the battery doesn't solve the issue there could be other issues that require attention from a professional. If buttons are damaged or stuck, for example it could be necessary to take the remote apart and rework each component. You could also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new remote.

Buttons

Key fobs can become dirty and worn out from frequent use. It is not unusual for buttons to stop functioning, or require a hard push to make them work. This can be a hassle particularly when you're away from home and you need to start your car key repair near me. Fortunately, even worn out or damaged buttons can be fixed with a bit of time and some of the materials you might already have in the house.

First, check that the batteries are properly charged and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Then, carefully open the remote and inspect the circuit board. Check for signs of corrosion or other indications that buttons are worn out or damaged, such as missing the conductive paint. Utilizing a Q-tip that has been dipped in rubbing alcohol, gently clean any membrane contacts that have become damaged or have conductive paint missing. Be careful not to rub too hard, because this could damage the conductive painting and prevent the button from firing when it is it is pressed.

Also, carefully check the battery connector terminals for an unattached solder connection. If this is the case, soldering them back in place could bring back function to the button. You can follow the same process to restore functionality to any other loose connection in the fob.

Finally, if any of the buttons made of rubber on the front of the key fob stop working or require a hard press to work it is likely that the graphite disks that are on the back of the button are wearing out and need to be replaced. This can usually be done by rubbing a pencil across the disks. This should bring the button back to working.

If none of these solutions work or you not be able to get the button respond when pressed hard, it is possible that the circuitry is failing. 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 inside your remote control may be dirty, regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob function or not. The issue can be solved through a thorough examination. The most frequent causes of dirty circuit boards are water and Broken Key repair cases. A damaged case can allow water and other debris to get in and short circuit the electronic components. Water can also damage pins and connectors on the board called via's.

If you're handy enough to open up your key fob and aren't afraid of some mess, we can remove the solder from the buttons and then solder new ones in their place. It's also worth looking at the battery terminal connections. If they're loose, the buttons may not function properly or become stuck in their down position. Soldering the terminals and button's back in their place is generally all that's required to return a non-working automotive key repair fob to working order.

Non-Remote Transponder Chips

The sealed non-remote chips are more durable than their remote fobs, however they are susceptible to cracking in the event of a hole being drilled into them or if a car door handle or lawnmowers is pushed over them. Most of the time, non-remote transponder chip failures could be attributed to an exploded fuse.

If you're not comfortable opening the key fob, remove the circuitboard and use a multimeter to determine if the diode is working properly. If you don't feel comfortable with this, you can visit your local Oreilly or hardware store and test their RF frequency tester. This will let you know whether the key fob is sending an RF signal.

Programming

Key fobs aren't impervious to destruction and can be damaged by a variety of factors. They can lose their pairing to the receiver in your car due to shock or a low battery, requiring them to be reprogrammed. A professional auto locksmith or main dealer will be able to reprogram your key fob to get it back up and running. In the event that resetting or repairing your key fob isn't working it could be the time to replace it completely.