How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob isn't working A few easy steps can be taken to fix it. First, ensure that it's not the backup remote.

If the backup can lock and unlock your car door, it is most likely an issue with the primary remote. Most car remote key fob repair service failures are caused by battery or circuitry problems.

Battery

It is not unusual for the battery in the key fob for cars to degrade. It is fairly easy to replace batteries, but it is crucial to ensure that you use the right type; you can look in your owner's manual, or contact the dealer of the manufacturer to determine the type of battery you need. It's also a good idea to inspect the battery compartment carefully since dead batteries may leak caustic chemicals that can cause damage to the remote. If changing the batteries doesn't solve the problem it could be because there are other issues that require professional attention. For example, if buttons seem to be stuck or broken car key repair near me It may be necessary to disassemble the remote and rework its parts. You could also try reprogramming your mobile car key repair near me [blog] to recognize the new key fob.

Buttons

Key fobs may become filthy and worn out due to repeated use. It is not unusual to have buttons stop functioning, or require a long press to make them work. This can be a hassle particularly when you're away from your home and have to start your car key repairs near me. Fortunately, even worn out or broken buttons can usually be fixed with a little time and a few materials you might already have in the house.

First, check that the batteries are charged correctly and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Then, carefully open up the remote and inspect the circuit board. Check for signs of rust or other indications that the buttons have been worn or damaged. For example, conductive paint may be missing. Use a Q-tip, dipped in alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that is damaged or where conductive paint is missing. Avoid rubbing too hard because this could damage the conductive paint and block the button from firing when it is pressed.

Check the battery connector terminals carefully for any loose solder connections. Soldering them back into place will restore the button's functionality If this is the case. You can apply 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 long press to function, it is likely that the graphite disks on the back of the button are wearing down and require replacement. This can be done by rubbing a pencil on the disks. This should bring the button back to working.

If none of these solutions work or you are unable to get the button to respond when pressed hard, it is possible that the circuitry has failed. This can be fixed by a quick clean and refitting, but it's ideal to have a spare fob on hand in the event that this method does not work for you.

Circuitry

If the key fob buttons are working, the circuit board inside your remote might be dirty. A thorough examination is often enough to resolve this problem. The most common causes of dirty circuit boards is water and broken cases. A damaged case can allow water and other debris to get in and short out the electronics. Water can also eat through pins and vias, which are the tiny connectors on the board.

If you're able to open your key fob, and don't mind making an mess, you can take the buttons out of their sockets and put in new ones. It's also worth examining the battery terminal connections. They can get very dirty and if they're loose, the buttons might not function or may even remain in their down position. Soldering the terminals and buttons back in their place is generally all that's needed to return a non-working key fob repairs fob to working order.

Non-Remote transponder chips

The non-remote chips that are sealed are more durable than their remote fobs, however they can be cracked in the event of a hole being drilled into them or when a door handle for a car or lawnmowers plows over them. The failure of the fuse is usually to blame for non-remote chips failures.

If you're handy enough to open a sealed non-remote key fob and are willing to put up with the mess, you can easily remove the circuit board and check the fuse using an instrument to verify diode function. If you're not sure with this, visit your local Oreilly or hardware store and test their RF frequency tester. This will let you know whether the key fob transmits an RF signal.

Programming

Key fobs are subject to lots of abuse and aren't completely indestructible. They can break their connection with the receiver inside your vehicle due to shocks or low battery, which calls for the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or the main dealer can reprogram the keyfob and get it working again. If, in the unlikely event that resetting and repairing your key fob isn't working it could be the time to replace it completely.