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How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob does not work, you can fix it by following some simple steps. car key fob repairs near me is to be sure that it's not your backup remote.

If the backup can lock and unlock your car doors, then there's a likely issue with the main remote. The majority of car remote key malfunctions result from battery or circuitry problems.

Battery

The battery inside a key fob can wear out over time. It is relatively easy to change out a battery, although it is crucial to ensure that you choose the correct type that you can refer to the owner's manual or talk to the manufacturer's dealer to find out the kind of battery you need. It is also important to inspect the battery compartment as dead batteries can leak toxic chemicals that could damage the remote. If changing the batteries doesn't solve the problem, it may be that there are other issues that require attention from a professional. If the buttons are broken or stuck, for example it might be necessary to remove the remote and rebuild each component. You could also try reprogramming your car to recognize the new key fob.

Buttons

From frequent use, key fobs may become worn and dirty. This is not uncommon however it can cause buttons to cease functioning or require a hard press for them to work. This can be very frustrating especially when you're away from your home and you need to turn on your car. Fortunately, even worn-out or malfunctioning buttons can often be fixed with a little time and a few materials you might already have in the house.

First, make sure that the batteries have been correctly inserted and that the indentation on the back of the button has been filled. Take the remote apart and look over the circuit board. Check for signs of corrosion or other indications that the buttons are worn out or damaged, such as missing the conductive paint. Use a Q-tip that has been dipped in rubbing alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that has become worn-out or has conductive paint missing. Be careful not to rub too hard, because this could damage the conductive paint and block the button from firing when it is the button is pressed.

Also, carefully check the battery connector terminals for a loose solder connection. Soldering them back to their original position can restore the button's functionality If this is the situation. You can use the same procedure to restore functionality to any other loose connection within the fob.

In the end, if any of the rubber buttons on the front of the key fob aren't working or require a hard press to work it is likely the graphite disks on the back of the button are deteriorating and require replacement. You can do this by rubbing a pen over the disks. This should bring the button to life.

If none of these solutions work or you not be able to get the button respond when you press it hard, it is possible that the circuitry is failing. This can be fixed with a quick clean and replacing the solder, but it is recommended to have an additional fob in case this method does not work for you.

Circuitry

The circuit board inside your remote control may be dirty regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob work or not. A thorough examination will usually resolve this issue. The most frequent causes of dirty circuit boards are water and broken cases. A damaged case can allow water and other debris to get in and short circuit the electronics. Water can also eat through pins and vias, which are small connectors on the board.

If you're able to open your key fob and aren't afraid of a little mess, we can remove the solder from the buttons and put new ones in their place. Also, it's worth checking the connections between battery terminals. If they're loose, the buttons might not work or even become stuck in their down position. Soldering the terminals and button's back in place is usually all that's needed to return keys that are not in working condition.

Non-Remote transponder chips

Sealed non-remote transponder chip are more durable than the remote fobs that contain them however they are still susceptible to being broken by a hole being that is drilled into them or over by a lawnmowers or door handle for a car. The failure of the fuse is usually to blame for non-remote chips failures.

If you're able to open up a key fob that is sealed and are able to bear the mess, you can remove the circuit board and test the fuse using a multimeter for proper diode function. If you don't feel comfortable with this, you can go to your local Oreilly or hardware store and use their RF frequency tester. This will let you know whether the key fob sends a signal.

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 a low-battery, which requires changing the program. A professional auto locksmith or dealer will be able to reprogram your key fob to get it back up and running. If resetting or replacing your key fob fails, you may need to replace it.