How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working
If your key fob isn't working There are a few simple steps that can be taken to fix it. First, check to make sure it's not your backup remote.
If the backup is able to lock and unlock your car doors then there's a likely issue with the primary remote. The most common causes for car remote key failure are circuitry or battery issues.
Battery
It is not uncommon for the battery inside a car key fob to get worn out. It is fairly easy to replace batteries, but it is important to ensure that you use the right type; you can look in the owner's manual or talk to the dealer for the manufacturer to find out what kind of battery you require. It's recommended to examine the battery compartment with care since dead batteries may release caustic chemicals that could harm the remote. If replacing the batteries doesn't solve the issue it could be that there are other issues that require attention from a professional. For example, if buttons appear stuck or damaged it could be necessary to disassemble the remote and rework its components. You could also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new fob.
Buttons
From repeated use, key fobs may wear out and become dirty. This is not atypical, but it can cause buttons to cease working or require a long press to function. This can be frustrating especially when you're away from your home and need to turn on your car. Even malfunctioning or worn-out buttons can be fixed with a bit of time and tools you already have at home.
First, make sure that the batteries are correctly inserted and that the indentation at the back of the button is filled. Then, carefully open up the remote and look at the circuit board. Examine for signs of rust or other signs that the buttons are worn or damaged, such as missing paint that is conductive. Utilizing a Q-tip dipped in alcohol to gently clean any membrane contacts that have damaged or have conductive paint missing. Be careful not to rub too hard, since this could cause damage to the conductive painting and prevent the button firing when the button is pressed.
Check the battery connector's terminals for loose solder connections. If this is the case, connecting them back could restore function to the button. The same procedure can be used to restore functionality to any other loose connections inside the fob.
In the end, if any of the rubber buttons on the front of the key fob stop working or require a difficult press to function it is likely the graphite disks that are on the back of the button are wearing down and require replacement. You can 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 still does not respond to a hard press, then it may be the case that the circuit board itself has become damaged. It is possible to fix this issue by cleaning and re-soldering the fob but you should also have an extra in case it does not work.
Circuitry
The circuit board in the remote control could be dirty regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob function or not. A very thorough inspection will usually resolve this issue. The most common causes for dirty circuit boards are water and damaged cases. A damaged case could let water and other debris to enter the circuit board, causing it to short. Water can also eat away at pins and connectors that are small on the board, which are known as via's.
If you're able to open your key fob, and aren't afraid of making a mess, we can remove the buttons from their sockets and then solder new ones. Also, it's worth checking the connections between the battery terminals. They can become extremely dirty and if they're loose the buttons may not work or even stick in their down position. Soldering the terminals and buttons back in place is usually all that's required to return a non-working key fob to functioning condition.
Non-Remote transponder chips
Sealed non-remote transponder chips are more durable than the remote fobs that contain them but they can be cracked by a hole drilled into them or run over by a lawnmower or car door handle. The failure of the fuse is 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 verify that the diode is operating correctly. If you're not comfortable with this, you can go to your local Oreilly or hardware store and test their RF frequency tester. This will inform you whether the key fob sends a signal.
Programming
Key fobs are not indestructible and are susceptible to damage through a variety of causes. They may lose their connection with the receiver inside your vehicle due to shocks or a low-battery, which requires the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or the main dealer, can reprogram your keyfob and get it up and running again. If resetting or replacing your key fob key repair near me fails, you may need to replace it.
If your key fob isn't working There are a few simple steps that can be taken to fix it. First, check to make sure it's not your backup remote.
If the backup is able to lock and unlock your car doors then there's a likely issue with the primary remote. The most common causes for car remote key failure are circuitry or battery issues.Battery
It is not uncommon for the battery inside a car key fob to get worn out. It is fairly easy to replace batteries, but it is important to ensure that you use the right type; you can look in the owner's manual or talk to the dealer for the manufacturer to find out what kind of battery you require. It's recommended to examine the battery compartment with care since dead batteries may release caustic chemicals that could harm the remote. If replacing the batteries doesn't solve the issue it could be that there are other issues that require attention from a professional. For example, if buttons appear stuck or damaged it could be necessary to disassemble the remote and rework its components. You could also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new fob.
Buttons
From repeated use, key fobs may wear out and become dirty. This is not atypical, but it can cause buttons to cease working or require a long press to function. This can be frustrating especially when you're away from your home and need to turn on your car. Even malfunctioning or worn-out buttons can be fixed with a bit of time and tools you already have at home.
First, make sure that the batteries are correctly inserted and that the indentation at the back of the button is filled. Then, carefully open up the remote and look at the circuit board. Examine for signs of rust or other signs that the buttons are worn or damaged, such as missing paint that is conductive. Utilizing a Q-tip dipped in alcohol to gently clean any membrane contacts that have damaged or have conductive paint missing. Be careful not to rub too hard, since this could cause damage to the conductive painting and prevent the button firing when the button is pressed.
Check the battery connector's terminals for loose solder connections. If this is the case, connecting them back could restore function to the button. The same procedure can be used to restore functionality to any other loose connections inside the fob.
In the end, if any of the rubber buttons on the front of the key fob stop working or require a difficult press to function it is likely the graphite disks that are on the back of the button are wearing down and require replacement. You can 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 still does not respond to a hard press, then it may be the case that the circuit board itself has become damaged. It is possible to fix this issue by cleaning and re-soldering the fob but you should also have an extra in case it does not work.
Circuitry
The circuit board in the remote control could be dirty regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob function or not. A very thorough inspection will usually resolve this issue. The most common causes for dirty circuit boards are water and damaged cases. A damaged case could let water and other debris to enter the circuit board, causing it to short. Water can also eat away at pins and connectors that are small on the board, which are known as via's.
If you're able to open your key fob, and aren't afraid of making a mess, we can remove the buttons from their sockets and then solder new ones. Also, it's worth checking the connections between the battery terminals. They can become extremely dirty and if they're loose the buttons may not work or even stick in their down position. Soldering the terminals and buttons back in place is usually all that's required to return a non-working key fob to functioning condition.
Non-Remote transponder chips
Sealed non-remote transponder chips are more durable than the remote fobs that contain them but they can be cracked by a hole drilled into them or run over by a lawnmower or car door handle. The failure of the fuse is 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 verify that the diode is operating correctly. If you're not comfortable with this, you can go to your local Oreilly or hardware store and test their RF frequency tester. This will inform you whether the key fob sends a signal.
Programming
Key fobs are not indestructible and are susceptible to damage through a variety of causes. They may lose their connection with the receiver inside your vehicle due to shocks or a low-battery, which requires the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or the main dealer, can reprogram your keyfob and get it up and running again. If resetting or replacing your key fob key repair near me fails, you may need to replace it.