How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob does not work and you're not sure why, you can fix it by following a few simple steps. First, make sure that it's not the backup remote.

If the backup is able to lock and unlock your car doors, then there's a likely issue with the primary remote. The most common causes of car key fob repair remote key repair shops near me failure are issues with the circuitry or battery.

Battery

The battery in the key fob could wear out over time. It is simple to replace a battery. However, it is important to select the right kind. You can consult the owner's manual or contact the manufacturer to inquire about the right kind. It's recommended to inspect the battery compartment carefully since dead batteries may 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. For instance, if buttons seem stuck or broken, it may be necessary to take the remote apart and rebuild its components. You could also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new device.

Buttons

Key fobs may become filthy and worn out due to repeated use. This is not unusual, but it can cause buttons to stop working or require a long press to work. This can be extremely frustrating especially if you're away from home and you need to start your car key and repair. Fortunately, even worn-out or damaged buttons can be fixed with a little time and a few materials you have in the home.

First, check that the batteries are correctly placed and that the indentation on the back of the button has been filled. Take the remote apart and inspect the circuit board. Examine for indications of rust or other signs the buttons have been damaged or worn. 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 has worn out or where conductive paint is missing. Be careful not to rub too hard, since this could cause damage to the conductive paint and block the button from firing when pressed.

Check the battery connector terminals carefully for any loose solder connections. If this is the case, connecting them back can restore function to the button. The same procedure can be used to restore function to any other loose connections in the fob.

If any of the rubber buttons at the front of the keyfob are not functioning or require to be pressing extremely hard, the graphite disks at the back of the button may have worn out and require replacement. This can be done by rubbing a pencil over the disks. This should bring the button back to its original state.

If none of these solutions work, or if you still are unable to get the button to respond when you press it hard, it is possible that the circuitry is failing. This can sometimes be repaired by a quick clean, and refitting, but it's best to have an extra fob in case this method fails for you.

Circuitry

The circuit board in your remote control could be dirty, regardless of whether the buttons on the key repairs near me fob work or not. This problem can be resolved by a thorough inspection. Water and broken cases are the most frequent causes of boards that are dirty. A damaged case allows water and other debris to pass through and short out the electronic components. Water can also eat away at pins and connectors that are small on the board, referred to as via's.

If you are handy enough to open your key fob and you don't mind making an mess, you can remove the buttons from their sockets and then solder new ones. It's also worth looking at the battery terminal connections. They can become extremely dirty and if they're loose, the buttons might not function or even stick in their down position. Soldering the terminals and buttons to their proper positions is usually enough to bring a non-working fob back to working.

Non-remote key repair transponder chips

Sealed non-remote transponder chips are more durable than the remote fobs that contain them but they can be cracked by a hole drilled into them or run over by a lawnmowers or door handle for a car. Failures of the fuse are typically to blame for non-remote chip failures.

If you're able to remove a key fob that is sealed and can tolerate the mess, you can take off the circuit board and examine the fuse with an instrument to verify diode function. If you're not sure with this, you can visit your local Oreilly or hardware store and use their RF frequency tester. This will tell you whether the key fob transmits signals.

Programming

Key fobs aren't indestructible and can be damaged by a variety of factors. They can lose their pairing with the receiver in your vehicle due to shocks or low-battery, which requires reprogramming. A professional auto key repair near me locksmith, or the main dealer can reprogram the keyfob to get it functioning again. In the event that resetting and repairing your key fob isn't working it could be the time to replace it completely.