How to Fix a Key Fob That isn’t Working

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

If your backup remote can unlock and Lock Key Repair Near Me the doors of your car, then it is likely that the primary remote is not working. Most repair car remote control key remote key failures result from battery or circuitry problems.

Battery

It is not uncommon to find a battery on the key fob for cars to degrade. It is fairly easy to change out batteries, but it is important to make sure that you use the right type and you can consult your owner’s manual, or contact the dealer for the manufacturer to determine the type of battery you require. It’s also a good idea to inspect 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 by a professional. If buttons are stuck or broken, for example, it may be necessary disassemble the remote key repair and rework each component. You can also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new key fob.

Buttons

Due to repeated use, key fobs may wear out and become dirty. This is not atypical however, it can cause buttons to stop working or require a very long press to function. This can be a hassle, especially when you are away from your home and you need to turn on your car. Even malfunctioning or worn-out buttons are often fixable with a bit of time and tools you already have at home.

First, verify that the batteries are correctly installed and that the indentation at the back of the button has been filled. Then, carefully remove the remote and examine the circuit board. Check for evidence of rust, or other indications that the buttons are worn or damaged. For example, conductive paint may be missing. Use a Q-tip, dipped in alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that has become damaged or has conductive paint missing. Avoid rubbing too hard since this could cause damage to the conductive painting and prevent the button firing when the button is pressed.

Check the battery connector’s terminals for loose solder connections. If this is the case, connecting them back could restore function to the button. You can use the same method to restore functionality to any other loose connection inside the fob.

If any of the rubber buttons at the front of the keyfob isn’t working or need to be pressed extremely hard the graphite disks at the back of the button may have worn out and need to replaced. You can do this by rubbing a pen across the disks. This should bring the button to life.

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 has failed. It is possible to fix this by cleaning and re-soldering the button however, you should have another spare in case it does not work.

Circuitry

If the key fob buttons are working, the circuit board inside your remote might be dirty. A very thorough inspection is often enough to resolve this problem. Broken cases and water are the most common causes of boards that are dirty. A broken case allows water and other debris to get in and short circuit the electronic components. Water can also destroy pins and connectors on the board called via’s.

If you’re handy enough to open up your key fob and don’t mind some mess, we can remove the solder from the buttons and solder new ones in their place. It’s also worth checking the battery terminal connections. If they are loose, the buttons may not function or get stuck in their down position. Soldering the terminals and button’s back into place is typically all it takes to restore keys that are not in functioning condition.

Non-Remote Transponder Chips

The non-remote chips that are sealed are more durable than their remote fobs, however they can be cracked when a hole is made into them or in the event that a door handle of a car or lawnmowers is pushed over them. The majority of non-remote transponder chip malfunctions can be blamed on blowing fuses.

If you’re handy enough to open up a sealed non-remote key lock repair near me fob and are willing to put up with the mess, you can take off the circuit board and examine the fuse with a multimeter to ensure that it is functioning as intended. function. If you’re not comfortable doing this, go to your local hardware store or the Oreilly’s and they will usually have a RF frequency tester that will determine whether the key fob sending a signal.

Programming

Key fobs endure many abuses and aren’t completely indestructible. They may lose their connection with the receiver inside your vehicle because of shocks or a low battery, which calls for reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or dealer can reprogram your key fob and get it back up and running. In the rarer case that resetting or repairing your key fob fails it could be the time to replace it entirely.