How to Fix a Key Fob That isn’t Working

If your key fob doesn’t work, you can fix it by following a few simple steps. First, ensure that it’s not your backup remote.

If the backup is able to lock and unlock your car remote key fob repair doors, it is most likely an issue with the main remote. The most frequent causes of key malfunctions for car remotes are issues with the circuitry or battery.

Battery

It is not uncommon to find a battery on the key fob for cars to get worn out. It is simple to replace a battery. However it is crucial to select the right kind. You can check the owner’s manual or contact 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 leak harmful chemicals that can cause damage to the remote. If changing the batteries doesn’t solve the issue it could be because there are other issues that require attention from a professional. If buttons are damaged or stuck for instance it might be necessary to disassemble the remote and rework each component. It is also possible to reprogramme the vehicle to recognize the new device.

Buttons

Key fobs can become dirty and worn out from frequent use. It is not common for buttons to stop functioning, or require a hard press to get them working. This can be very frustrating especially if you’re away from home and you need to start your vehicle. Even malfunctioning or worn-out buttons are often fixable with a little time and the tools you already have at home.

First, make sure the batteries are properly charged 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 indications of rust or other signs the buttons have been damaged or worn. For instance, conductive paint may be missing. Use a Q-tip dipped into alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that has become worn-out or where conductive paint is missing. Avoid rubbing too hard because this could damage the conductive paint and stop the button from firing when the button is pressed.

Examine the battery connector’s terminals for loose solder connections. If this is the case, reconnecting them could restore functionality to the button. The same process can be used to restore function to any other loose connections inside the fob.

If any of the rubber buttons on the front of the keyfob are not working or require being press extremely hard, the graphite disks at the back of the button could have worn out and will require replacement. This can usually be done by rubbing a pencil on the disks, which will bring the button back to life.

If none of this is useful, or if the button doesn’t respond to a hard push, then it may be that the circuit board itself has become damaged. It is possible to fix this issue by cleaning and re-soldering the button but you should also have a spare in case it does not work.

Circuitry

The circuit board in your remote control may 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 of dirty circuit boards are water and damaged cases. A damaged case can allow water and other debris to enter and short out the electronic components. Water can also eat through pins and vias, which are small connectors on the board.

If you’re handy enough to open your key fob, and you’re not afraid of a little mess, we can take off the buttons and then solder new ones in their place. Also, you should check the connections between battery terminals. They can become extremely dirty and if they’re loose the buttons may not work or even stick in their down position. Soldering the terminals and buttons back into place is typically all it takes to restore the key fob that is not working to working order.

Non-Remote transponder chips

The sealed non-remote chips are more durable than their remote fobs. However, they are susceptible to breaking in the event of a hole being drilled into them or if a car key repair service door handle or lawnmowers plows over them. Fuse failures are usually to blame for non-remote chip failures.

If you’re able to remove the sealed key fob and are willing to put up with the mess, you can take off the circuit board and check the fuse using an instrument to verify diode function. If you’re unsure about doing this, go to your local hardware store or Oreilly’s and they’ll usually have a RFID frequency tester that can let you know whether the key fob is sending signals.

Programming

key lock repair near me fobs endure lots of abuse and aren’t impervious to damage. They may lose their connection with the receiver in your vehicle due to shocks or low battery, requiring reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith, or a dealer in the main can reprogram your key fob and get it back functioning again. If resetting or fixing your key fob repair fob fails it may be necessary to replace it.