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How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob doesn't work, a few easy steps can be taken to fix it. The first step is to be sure that it's not the backup remote.

If the backup is able to lock and unlock your car doors, then there is likely an issue with the primary remote. Most car remote key failures result from battery or circuitry problems.

car keys repair is not unusual for the battery inside a key fob for cars to degrade. It is relatively easy to change out the battery, however it is crucial to make sure that you select the correct one; you can look in your owner's manual or contact the dealer for the manufacturer to find out what kind of battery you need. It is also essential to inspect the battery compartment as dead batteries can leak toxic chemicals that could damage the remote. If changing the battery doesn't fix the issue, there may be other issues requiring professional attention. For instance, if buttons appear stuck or broken It may be necessary to take the remote apart and rework its parts. You could also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new fob.

Buttons

Due to frequent use, key fobs may become worn and dirty. This is not uncommon however it can cause buttons to stop working or require a hard press for them to function. This can be a huge hassle particularly if you're out of town and need to start your car. Even malfunctioning or worn-out buttons are often fixable with a bit of time and tools you already have at home.

First, make sure the batteries are up correctly and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Take the remote apart and examine the circuit board. Examine for signs of rust or other indications that the buttons are damaged or worn. For instance the paint that conducts electricity could be missing. Use a Q-tip dipped into rubbing alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that has worn out or where conductive painting is missing. Avoid rubbing too hard, as this can erode the conductive painting and prevent the button from firing when it is pressed.

Check the battery connector terminals carefully for any loose solder connections. Soldering them back to their original position will allow the button to function again in the event that this is the situation. You can follow the same procedure to restore functionality to any other loose connection inside the fob.

In the end, if any of the buttons made of rubber that are on the front of the key fob have stopped functioning or require a long press to function it is likely the graphite disks at the back of the button are deteriorating and need to be replaced. This is usually done by rubbing a pencil across the disks. This should bring the button back to working.

If none of these solutions work, or if you still not be able to get the button respond when you press it hard, it is possible that the circuitry has failed. It is possible to fix this by cleaning and re-soldering the fob however, you should have another spare in case it does not work.

Circuitry

If the keys fob buttons are functioning the circuit board in the remote could be dirty. A thorough examination will usually resolve this issue. The most frequent causes of dirty circuit boards is water and damaged cases. remote car key repair broken case allows water and other debris to pass through and short circuit the electronic components. Water can also damage pins and connectors that are small on the board, which are known as via's.

If you're able to open up your key fob, and you're not afraid of a little mess, we can take off the buttons and put new ones in their place. It's also worth looking at the battery terminal connections. If they're loose, the buttons could not function or get stuck in their down position. Soldering the terminals and button's back into place is typically all it takes to restore keys that are not in working order.

Non-Remote Transponder Chips

The non-remote chips sealed in a sealed case are more durable than their remote fobs. However, they can be cracked when a hole is made in them or when a door handle for a car or lawnmower runs over them. Most of the time non-remote transponder chips fail, and this could be attributed to an exploded fuse.

If you're able to remove a sealed non-remote key fob and can tolerate the mess, you can easily remove the circuit board and check the fuse with an instrument to verify diode function. If car key repair shop near me 're not comfortable with this, you can visit your local Oreilly or hardware store and use their RF frequency tester. This will inform you whether the key fob transmits signals.

Programming

Key fobs take a lot of abuse and aren't completely indestructible. They may lose their connection to the receiver in your car due to shock or low battery, requiring them to be reprogrammed. A professional auto locksmith, or main dealer can reprogram the keyfob and get it working again. If resetting or fixing your key fob fails it may be necessary to replace it.