How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob key repair near me doesn't work and you're not sure why, you can fix it by following just a few steps. First, make sure that it's not the backup remote.

If your backup remote can lock and unlock the doors of your vehicle, it is likely that the primary remote is not working. The majority of car remote key malfunctions are caused by circuitry or battery problems.

Battery

It is not uncommon for the battery inside a car key fob to get worn out. It is simple to replace batteries. However it is essential that you use the correct type. You can refer to your owner's manual or call the manufacturer to determine the right kind. It is also important to examine the battery compartment, since dead batteries can leak caustic chemicals that can harm the remote. If replacing the battery does not fix the issue, there may be other issues that require professional attention. For instance, if buttons seem to be stuck or broken it could be necessary to take the remote apart and rework its components. It is also possible to reprogramme the vehicle to recognize the new device.

Buttons

Due to repeated use, key fobs may become worn and dirty. It is not common to have buttons stop working, or to require a hefty press to get them working. This can be very frustrating especially if you're away from home and you need to start your car. Even malfunctioning or worn-out buttons are often fixable with a bit of time and materials you already have at home.

First, make sure the batteries are charged correctly and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Take the remote apart and inspect the circuit board. Look for signs of corrosion or other indications that buttons are worn out or damaged, like missing conductive paint. Use a Q-tip, dipped in alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that is worn-out or has conductive paint missing. Be careful not to rub too hard, as this can erode the conductive painting and prevent the button firing when pressed.

Examine the battery connector's terminals for loose solder connections. Soldering them back into place will allow the button to function again if this is the case. The same procedure can be used to restore function to any loose connections inside the fob.

If, for instance, any of the buttons made of rubber that are on the front of the key fob stop working or require a long press to function it is likely the graphite disks on the back of the button are deteriorating and require replacement. You can do this by rubbing a pen over the disks. This should bring the button to life.

If none of this is useful, or if the button does not respond to a hard press, then it may be the case that the circuit board has gone bad. It is possible to fix this with a quick clean and refitting, but it's ideal to have a spare fob available in the event this method doesn't work for you.

Circuitry

Whether or not the key repair near me fob buttons are working the circuit board in your remote might be dirty. This issue can be fixed through a thorough examination. Broken cases and water are the most common causes of dirty boards. A damaged case can allow water and other debris to enter the circuit board, which can cause it to short. Water can also damage pins and vias, which are tiny connectors that are found on the board.

If you're skilled enough to open your key fob, and don't mind making an mess, you can remove the buttons from their sockets and then solder new ones. Also, you should check the connections between the battery terminals. If they're loose, the buttons might not function properly or become stuck in their down position. Soldering the terminals and button's back in place is usually all that's required to return a non-working key fob to functioning condition.

Non-Remote Transponder Chips

Sealed non-remote transponder chip are more durable than the remote fobs that have them but they can be broken by a hole being made in them or pushed over by a lawnmower or door handle for a car. Fuse failures are usually to blame for non-remote chips failures.

If you are not comfortable opening the key fob, remove the circuitboard and use a multimeter to verify that the diode is functioning properly. If you're not sure with this, you can go to your local Oreilly or hardware store and use their RF frequency tester. This will tell you whether the key fob is sending signals.

Programming

Key fobs aren't impervious to destruction and are susceptible to being damaged through a variety of causes. They can lose their pairing to the receiver in your car due to shock or low battery, repair keys near me (web) requiring the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or a main dealer can reprogram your key repair shops near me fob and get it functioning again. If resetting or fixing your key fob fails, you may need to replace it.