How to Fix a Key Fob That isn’t Working

If your key fob isn’t working, a few easy steps can fix it. First, make sure that it’s not the backup remote.

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

Battery

It is not uncommon for the battery in a key fob for cars to get worn out. It is easy to replace the battery. However it is essential that you choose the right kind. You can check your owner’s manual or call the manufacturer to determine the right type. It’s recommended to examine the battery compartment thoroughly because dead batteries can release caustic chemicals that could damage the remote. If replacing the batteries doesn’t solve the problem it could be that there are other issues that require attention from a professional. For instance, if buttons seem stuck or broken, Mobile car key repair near me it may be necessary to take the remote apart and rebuild its components. You can also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new key fob.

Buttons

Key fobs can become dirty and worn out from repeated use. This is not atypical, but it can cause buttons to cease working or require a difficult press to get them to work. This can be a huge hassle, especially if you are away from home and need to start your vehicle. Even malfunctioning or worn-out buttons are often fixable with a little time and tools you already have at home.

First, verify that the batteries have been correctly placed and that the indentation on the back of the button has been filled. Open the remote carefully and inspect the circuit board. Look for signs of corrosion or other signs that buttons are worn out or damaged, such as missing the conductive paint. Use a Q-tip, dipped in rubbing alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that has become worn-out or where conductive painting is missing. Avoid rubbing too hard since this could cause damage to the conductive painting and prevent the button from firing when pressed.

Check the battery connector terminals carefully for any loose solder connections. Soldering them back to their original position will restore the button’s functionality in the event that this is the situation. You can follow the same procedure to restore functionality to any other loose connection within 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 hard press to work it is likely that the graphite disks on the back of the button are wearing down and need to be replaced. This can usually be done by rubbing a pencil across the disks, which will bring the button back to working.

If none of this is helpful or if the button still doesn’t respond to a firm press It could be the case that the circuit board has gone bad. This can be fixed by a quick clean, and re-soldering, but it is recommended to have an additional fob on hand in the event that this method doesn’t work for you.

Circuitry

The circuit board of your remote control may be dirty regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob function or not. A thorough examination is often enough to resolve this issue. The most common causes for dirty circuit boards is water and damaged cases. A damaged case can allow water and other debris to pass through and short circuit the electronics. Water can also damage pins and connectors on the board, which are known as via’s.

If you’re skilled enough to open your key fob, and you don’t mind making a mess, we can take the buttons out of their sockets and put in new ones. It’s also worth checking the battery terminal connections. If they’re loose, the buttons may not work or even become stuck in their down position. Soldering the terminals and button’s back in place is usually all it takes to restore a non-working key fob to working condition.

Non-Remote Transponder Chips

Sealed non-remote transponder chips are much more durable than remote fobs that have them but they can be damaged by a hole that is that is drilled into them or over by a lawnmowers or mobile car key repair near Me door handle. Failures of the fuse are typically the cause of non-remote chip failures.

If you’re not comfortable opening the key fob repair near me fob, take the circuit board off and use a multimeter to check that the diode is operating correctly. If you’re not comfortable 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 sends signals.

Programming

Key fobs aren’t impervious to destruction and can be damaged by a lot of things. They may lose their connection to the receiver in your car due to shock or a low battery, which requires the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith, or main dealer can reprogram your key fob and get it back functioning again. If resetting or repairing your key fob fails it is possible to replace it.