How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob won't work and you're not sure why, you can fix it by following some simple steps. First, ensure that it's not your backup remote.

If the backup remote is able to lock and unlock your car doors, it is most likely an issue with the primary remote. The most frequent causes of key malfunctions for car remotes are circuitry or battery issues.

Battery

The battery in the key fob may be worn out over time. It is fairly easy to change out the battery, however it is crucial to ensure you select the correct one and you can consult the owner's manual or talk to the manufacturer's dealer to find out what kind of battery you need. It is also essential to inspect the battery compartment, as batteries that are not working properly can release caustic chemicals which can damage the remote. If replacing the batteries doesn't solve the issue it could be because there are other issues that require attention by a professional. For example, if buttons seem to be stuck or damaged it could be necessary to disassemble the remote and rework its components. You can also try reprogramming your vehicle to recognize the new key fob.

Buttons

From repeated use, key fobs can get dirty and worn. This is not uncommon however, it can cause buttons to stop functioning or require a long press to work. This can be frustrating especially when you're away from your home and need to switch on your car. Fortunately, even worn out or damaged buttons can be fixed with a little time and some of the materials you have in the house.

First, ensure 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 look over the circuit board. Examine for evidence of rust, or other signs the buttons have been damaged or worn. For instance, conductive paint may be missing. Then, using the Q-tip, dipped in alcohol to gently clean any membrane contacts that have become worn or have conductive paint missing. Do not rub https://www.g28carkeys.co.uk/car-key-repairs-near-me/ as this can damage the conductive paint and stop the button from firing when it is pressed.

Examine the battery connector's terminals for loose solder connections. If this is the case, soldering them back in place could bring back function to the button. You can use the same process 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 functioning or require to be pressed extremely 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. This should bring the button back 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 sometimes be repaired with a quick clean and replacing the solder, but it is recommended to have an additional fob in case this method fails for you.

Circuitry

If the keys fob buttons are functioning the circuit board that is inside your remote may be dirty. This problem can be resolved by a thorough inspection. The most common causes for dirty circuit boards is water and broken cases. A damaged case can allow water and other debris to get in and short out the electronic components. Water can also eat away at pins and connectors that are small on the board called via's.

If you are handy enough to open your key fob, and you don't mind making an mess, you can remove the buttons from their sockets and solder in new ones. Also, it's worth checking the connections between the battery terminals. If they are loose, the buttons may not function properly or become stuck in their down position. Soldering the terminals back to their original positions is often enough to return a malfunctioning fob to working.

Non-Remote transponder chips

Sealed non-remote transponder chips are more durable than remote fobs that contain them but they can still be cracked by a hole that is drilled into them or over by a lawnmowers or door handle for a car. Most of the time, non-remote transponder chip failures could be attributed to an exploded fuse.

If you are not comfortable opening the key fob, take the circuit board off and use a multimeter to determine if the diode is functioning correctly. If you're not comfortable with this, visit your local Oreilly or hardware store and utilize their RF frequency tester. This will let you know whether the key fob sends signals.

Programming

Key fobs endure many abuses and aren't completely indestructible. They may lose their connection with the receiver inside your vehicle because of shocks or a low battery, which calls for the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or main dealer can reprogram your key fob to get it working again. If resetting or repairing your key fob fails, you may need to replace it.