How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working If your key fob isn't working, a few easy steps can fix it. The first step is to be sure that it's not your backup remote. If the backup is able to lock and unlock your car doors, it is most likely an issue with the primary remote. The most common causes for key problems with your car remote are issues with the circuitry or battery. Battery The battery in a key fob can wear out over time. It is relatively easy to replace batteries, but it is important to make sure that you use the right type that you can refer to your owner's manual or contact the manufacturer's dealer to find out what kind of battery you require. It is 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 batteries doesn't solve the problem it could be that there are other issues that require attention from a professional. If buttons are broken or stuck for instance it might be necessary to remove the remote and rebuild each component. You can also try reprogramming your car to recognize the new key fob. Buttons Through repeated use, key fobs may wear out and become dirty. This is not uncommon, but it can cause buttons to cease working or require a hard press for them to work. This can be very frustrating particularly when you're away from your home and have to turn on your car. Even malfunctioning or worn-out buttons can be fixed with a little time and materials you already have at home. First, check that the batteries are properly charged and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Then, open the remote with care and examine the circuit board. Check for signs of corrosion or other indications that the buttons are worn or damaged, like missing conductive paint. Use a Q-tip that has been dipped in rubbing alcohol, gently clean any membrane contacts that have damaged or have conductive paint missing. Be careful not to rub too hard, because this could damage the conductive paint and stop the button from firing when it is pressed. Check the battery connector's terminals carefully for any loose solder connections. Soldering them back into place will allow the button to function again in the event that this is the case. You can follow the same procedure to restore functionality to any other loose connection inside the fob. If any of the rubber buttons on the front of the keyfob aren't working or need to be press very 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 across the disks, which should bring the button back to its original state. If none of these solutions work or you cannot get the button to respond when pressed hard, it is possible that the circuitry has failed. This can be fixed with a quick clean and replacing the solder, but it is best to have an extra fob on hand in the event that this method fails for you. Circuitry Whether or not the key fob buttons are working, the circuit board inside your remote might be dirty. The issue can be solved by a thorough inspection. The most common causes of dirty circuit boards is water and broken cases. A broken case can allow water and other debris to get into the circuit board, causing it to short. Water can also get through pins and vias, which are the tiny connectors on the board. If you're handy enough to open your key fob and aren't afraid of some mess, we can take off the buttons and solder new ones in their place. Also, key fob repair should check the connections between the battery terminals. If they're loose, the buttons could not work or even become stuck in their down position. Soldering the terminals and buttons into place is usually enough to restore a non-working fob to working. Non-Remote transponder chips The non-remote chips that are sealed are more durable than their remote fobs, however they are susceptible to breaking in the event of a hole being drilled into them or in the event that a door handle of a car or lawnmowers plows over them. Fuse failures are usually to blame for non-remote chip failures. If you're not confident opening the key fob, remove the circuitboard and use a multimeter to check that the diode is operating properly. If you're not confident doing this, head to your local hardware store or Oreilly's and they usually have an RFID frequency tester that can tell you whether the key fob is transmitting a signal. Programming Key fobs endure lots of abuse and aren't impervious to damage. They can break their connection with the receiver in your vehicle due to shocks or low battery, which calls for the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or main dealer will be able to reprogram your key fob and get it working again. If resetting or replacing your key fob fails it may be necessary to replace it.
key fob repair
