How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob isn't functioning There are a few simple steps that can fix it. First, ensure that it's not your backup remote.

If your backup remote can lock key repair near me (peatix.com) and unlock the doors of your vehicle, it is likely that the primary remote is not working. The most common causes for key malfunctions for car remotes are circuitry or battery issues.

Battery

It is not uncommon for the battery inside a car key repair shop near me fob to get worn out. It is relatively easy to change out a battery, although it is essential to ensure that you use the right type; you can look in your owner's manual, or contact the dealer of the manufacturer to find out what kind of battery you require. It's also a good idea to examine the battery compartment thoroughly, as dead batteries sometimes leak caustic chemicals that can harm the remote. If changing the batteries doesn't solve the issue it could be that there are other issues that require attention from a professional. For instance, if buttons appear stuck or damaged It may be necessary to take the remote apart and rework its parts. You could also try reprogramming your car to recognize the new key fob.

Buttons

Key fobs may become dirty and worn out from repeated use. This is not uncommon however it can cause buttons to cease functioning or require a hard press for them to work. This can be frustrating, especially when you are away from home and you need to turn on your car. Even malfunctioning or worn-out buttons are often fixable with a little effort and tools you already have at home.

First, ensure that the batteries are properly charged and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Then, open the remote with care and examine the circuit board. Look for evidence of rust, or other indications that the buttons have been damaged or worn out. For example the paint that conducts electricity could be missing. Use a Q-tip, dipped in rubbing alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that is worn out or where conductive paint is missing. Do not rub too vigorously, as this could erode the conductive paint and stop the button from firing when it is pressed.

Examine the battery connector's terminals for loose solder connections. If this is the case, simply connecting them back can restore function to the button. You can apply the same method to restore functionality to any other loose connection in the fob.

If, for instance, any of the rubber buttons on the front of the key fob aren't working or require a long press to function, it is likely that the graphite disks at the back of the button are deteriorating and need to be replaced. This can usually be done by rubbing a pencil on the disks, which should bring the button back to its original state.

If none of this is useful or if the button still does not respond to a firm press It could be because the circuit board itself has become damaged. It is possible to fix this by cleaning and re-soldering the button, but you should have another spare in case it does not work.

Circuitry

If the keys fob buttons are functioning, the circuit board inside your remote might be dirty. This problem can be resolved by a thorough inspection. Broken and damaged cases are the most frequent 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 eat through pins and vias, which are small connectors that are found on the board.

If you're able to remove your key fob, and you're not afraid of a little mess, we can de-solder the buttons and solder new ones in their place. It's also worth checking the battery terminal connections. They can become very dirty and if they're loose, the buttons might not function or may even remain in their down position. Soldering terminals and buttons back to their proper positions is usually enough to bring a non-working fob to working.

Non-Remote Transponder Chips

The non-remote chips sealed in a sealed case are more durable than remote fobs. However, they can be cracked in the event of a hole being drilled in them, or in the event that a door handle of a car key remote repair or lawnmowers is pushed over them. The majority of non-remote transponder chip malfunctions can be attributed to an exploded fuse.

If you're able to open the sealed key fob and are able to bear the mess, you can take off the circuit board and examine the fuse with an instrument to verify diode function. If you're not comfortable doing this, go to your local hardware store or Oreilly's, and they usually have a radio frequency tester that can determine whether the key fob is sending signals.

Programming

Key fobs are subject to many abuses and aren't impervious to damage. They can break their connection with the receiver inside your vehicle because of shocks or a low-battery, which requires changing the program. A professional auto key repair locksmith, or main dealer can reprogram the key fob and get it back up and running again. In the rarer case that resetting and repairing your key fob isn't working it may be time to replace it all over again.