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How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob does not work then you can fix it with some simple steps. First, make sure that it's not your backup remote.

If the backup can lock and unlock your car doors it is most likely an issue with the primary remote. The most common causes of car key remote repair remote key failure are battery or circuitry issues.

Battery

It is not uncommon for the battery in a car key fob to get worn out. It is simple to replace a battery. However, it is important that you choose the right type. You can consult your owner's manual or call the manufacturer to inquire about the correct type. It's also a good idea to examine the battery compartment carefully, as dead batteries sometimes leak harmful chemicals that can harm the remote. If changing the battery doesn't fix the problem there may be additional issues that require attention from a professional. For instance, if buttons seem stuck or broken it could be necessary to take the remote apart and rework its components. You can also try reprogramming your car key button repair to recognize the new key fob.

Buttons

From repeated use, key fobs may become worn and dirty. It is not uncommon for buttons to stop functioning, or require a hard push to make them work. This can be very frustrating particularly if you're away from home and need to start your car. Fortunately, even worn out or damaged buttons can be fixed with just a bit of time and some of the materials you may already have around the home.

First, make sure that the batteries have been correctly inserted and that the indentation at the back of the button is filled. Then, carefully open the remote and examine the circuit board. Check for signs of corrosion or other indications that buttons are worn out or damaged, like missing paint that is conductive. Use a Q-tip dipped in rubbing alcohol, gently clean any membrane contacts that have become damaged or have conductive paint missing. Be careful not to rub too hard, because this could damage the conductive painting and prevent the button from firing when pressed.

Also, carefully check the battery connector's terminals for any loose solder connections. Soldering them back in place can restore the button's functionality in the event that this is the situation. You can apply the same method to restore functionality to any other loose connection within the fob.

If, for instance, any of the buttons made of rubber on the front of the key fob have stopped functioning or require a hard press to work it is likely that the graphite disks on the back of the button are wearing out and need to be replaced. You can usually do this by rubbing a pen over the disks. This should bring the button back to life.

If none of this is useful, or if the button doesn't respond to a hard press, then it may be that the circuit board is damaged. It is possible to fix this issue by cleaning and re-soldering your fob but you should also have an extra in case it does not work.

Circuitry

If the key fob buttons are working the circuit board that is inside your remote might be dirty. This issue can be fixed by a thorough inspection. The most common causes for dirty circuit boards are water and damaged cases. A broken case can let water and other debris to enter the circuit board, which can cause it to short. Water can also damage pins and vias, which are the tiny connectors that are found on the board.

If you're able to open your key fob repair fob, and you're not afraid of some mess, we can remove the solder from the buttons and then solder new ones in their place. Also, you should check the connections between the battery terminals. They can become very dirty and if they're loose, the buttons might not work or even stick in their down position. Soldering the terminals and buttons to their original positions is often enough to bring a non-working fob to a working condition.

Non-Remote transponder chips

Sealed non-remote transponder chips are more durable than the remote fobs that have them but they can still be damaged by a hole that is made in them or pushed over by a lawnmowers or car door handle. Most of the time non-remote transponder chip failures can be attributed to a blown fuse.

If you're not comfortable opening the automotive key repair fob, remove the circuitboard and utilize a multimeter to determine if the diode is working correctly. If you're unsure about doing this, go to your local hardware store or Oreilly's, and they'll usually have an RF frequency tester that will determine if the key fob is sending a signal.

Programming

Key fobs are not indestructible and are susceptible to damage by a lot of things. They may lose their connection to the receiver in your car due to shock or low battery, which requires them to be reprogrammed. A professional auto key repair near me locksmith or a main dealer can reprogram your key fob and get it back up and running. If resetting or replacing your key fob fails it may be necessary to replace it.