How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

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

If your backup remote is unable to lock and unlock the doors of your vehicle, it is likely that the main remote isn't working. The majority of car remote key malfunctions result from circuitry or battery issues.

Battery

It is not unusual for the battery in a car key fob to degrade. It is easy to replace the battery. However it is crucial that you choose the right kind. You can consult the owner's manual or contact the manufacturer to determine the correct type. It's recommended to inspect the battery compartment with care, as dead batteries sometimes release caustic chemicals that could damage the remote key repair car key (visit the up coming article). If changing the batteries doesn't solve the problem, it may be that there are other issues that require attention from a professional. If the buttons are broken or stuck, for example, it may be necessary 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 repeated use. It is not unusual for buttons to stop working, or to require a hard push to make them work. This can be a hassle, especially when you are away from your home and need to turn on your car key repair near me. Fortunately, even worn-out or damaged buttons can be fixed with a bit of time and a few items you may already have around the home.

First, ensure that the batteries are up correctly and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Open the remote key fob repairs carefully and look over the circuit board. Check for indications of rust or other signs the buttons are damaged or worn. For instance, conductive paint may be missing. Then, using a Q-tip that has been dipped in rubbing alcohol, gently clean any membrane contacts that have become worn or where conductive paint is missing. Don't rub too hard, as this could erode the conductive paint and stop the button from firing when pressed.

Examine the battery connector's terminals carefully for any loose solder connections. If this is the case, simply reconnecting them could restore function to the button. You can follow the same method to restore functionality to any other loose connection inside 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 very long press to function it is likely that the graphite disks that are on the back of the button are deteriorating and require replacement. You can usually do this by rubbing a pen across the disks. This will bring the button back to life.

If none of this is useful or if the button does not respond to a hard push It could be that the circuit board is damaged. This can sometimes be repaired by a quick clean and refitting, but it's ideal to have a spare fob on hand in the event that this method doesn't work for you.

Circuitry

Whether or not the key fob buttons are working, the circuit board inside your remote might be dirty. A thorough inspection is often enough to resolve this issue. Broken cases and water are the most common causes of boards that are dirty. A damaged case allows water and other debris to pass through and short circuit the electronics. 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 you're not afraid of some mess, we can de-solder the buttons and then solder new ones in their place. It's also worth checking the connections between the battery terminals. If they are loose, the buttons might not work or even become stuck in their down position. Soldering terminals and buttons back into place is usually enough to return a malfunctioning fob back to working.

Non-Remote transponder chips

Sealed non-remote transponder chip are more durable than remote fobs they are contained in, but they can be broken by a hole being that is drilled into them or over by a lawnmowers or door handle for a car. Fuse failures are usually to blame for non-remote chips failures.

If you're able to open a key fob that is sealed and are willing to put up with the mess, you can remove the circuit board and examine the fuse with an instrument to verify diode function. If you're not sure with this, you can go to your local Oreilly or hardware store and test their RF frequency tester. This will inform you whether the key fob sends a signal.

Programming

Key fobs are not indestructible and are susceptible to damage by a lot of things. They may lose their connection with the receiver inside your vehicle because of shocks or a low battery, which calls for the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or main dealer will be able to reprogram your key fob and get it functioning again. If, in the unlikely event that resetting and fixing your key fob doesn't work it could be the time to replace it entirely.