How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working If your key fob does not work then you can fix it with a few simple steps. The first step is to be sure that it's not the backup remote. If the backup remote is able to lock and unlock your car doors, then there's a likely issue with the primary remote. The most common causes of key malfunctions for car remotes are battery or circuitry issues. car remote key repair is not unusual for the battery in a car key fob to degrade. It is relatively easy to replace a battery, although it is essential to make sure that you use the right type that you can refer to your owner's manual, or contact the dealer for the manufacturer to find out the kind of battery you require. It is also essential to check the battery compartment, since batteries that are not working properly can release toxic chemicals that could damage the remote. If changing the batteries doesn't solve the problem it could be that there are other issues that require attention from a professional. If buttons are damaged or stuck, for example it might be necessary to disassemble the remote and rework each component. You can also try reprogramming your vehicle to recognize the new key fob. Buttons Key fobs may become filthy and worn out due to frequent use. This is not atypical however, it can cause buttons to cease working or require a long press to work. This can be a huge hassle particularly if you're out of town and need to start your car. Fortunately, even worn out or damaged buttons can be fixed with a little time and a few items you have in the home. First, make sure that the batteries are properly installed and that the indentation at the back of the button is filled. Open the remote carefully and examine the circuit board. Examine for signs of rust or other signs the buttons are damaged or worn out. For instance the paint that conducts electricity could be missing. Use a Q-tip dipped into alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that is damaged or has conductive paint missing. Don't rub too hard in order to damage the conductive paint, and block the button from firing when it is pressed. Also, be sure to check the battery connector terminals for a loose solder connection. Soldering them back in place can restore the button's functionality if this is the case. The same procedure can be used to restore functionality to any other loose connections inside the fob. In the end, if 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 that are on the back of the button are wearing down and need to be replaced. It is usually done by rubbing a pencil over the disks. This should bring the button back to life. If all of this doesn't help or if the button does not respond to a firm press It could be that the circuit board itself has gone bad. It is possible to fix this by cleaning and re-soldering your fob however, you should have another spare in case it doesn't work. Circuitry If the key fob buttons are working the circuit board in the remote could be dirty. The issue can be solved 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 get into the circuit board, which can cause it to short out. Water can also damage pins and vias, which are small connectors found on the board. If you're able to open your key fob, and don't mind making some mess, we can take the buttons out of their sockets and then solder new ones. It's also worth looking at the battery terminal connections. If they are loose, the buttons may not work or even become stuck in their down position. Soldering the terminals and buttons to their proper positions is usually enough to return a malfunctioning fob back to working. Non-Remote transponder chips The non-remote chips that are sealed 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 or lawnmowers is pushed over them. Fuse failures are usually the cause of non-remote chip failures. If you're able to open up a sealed non-remote key fob and can tolerate the mess, you can easily remove the circuit board and check the fuse with a multimeter for proper diode function. If you're unsure about doing this, visit your local hardware store or the Oreilly's and they will usually have an radio frequency tester that can tell you whether the key fob is transmitting a signal. Programming Key fobs take a lot of abuse and aren't indestructible. They can lose their pairing with the receiver inside your vehicle due to shocks or a low-battery, which requires the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or main dealer can reprogram your key fob and get it functioning again. If resetting or replacing your key fob fails it may be necessary to replace it.
car remote key repair
