How to Fix a Key Fob That isn’t Working

If your key fob doesn’t work and you’re not sure why, you can fix it by following some simple steps. First, make sure that it’s not the backup remote.

If your backup remote is unable to unlock and lock the doors of your car, it is most likely that the primary remote isn’t functioning. Most problems with car remote keys result from battery or circuitry problems.

Battery

The battery inside the key fob could be worn out over time. It is quite simple to replace batteries, but it is essential to ensure that you select the correct one and you can consult your owner’s manual or contact the dealer for the manufacturer to find out the kind of battery you require. It’s also a good idea to examine the battery compartment with care, as dead batteries sometimes leak caustic chemicals that can cause damage to the remote. If replacing the battery does not fix the problem there could be other issues requiring professional attention. For instance, if buttons seem stuck or broken It may be necessary to disassemble the remote and rework its parts. You can also try reprogramming your car to recognize the new key fob.

Buttons

From frequent use, key fobs may become worn and dirty. It is not uncommon to have buttons stop working, or to require a hard press to get them working. This can be extremely frustrating particularly if you’re away from home and need to start your car. Even malfunctioning or worn-out buttons are often fixable with a little time and the tools you already have at home.

First, verify that the batteries are correctly installed and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Then, carefully open the remote and inspect the circuit board. Look for signs of corrosion or other indications that the buttons are worn out or damaged, such as missing conductive paint. Then, using a Q-tip that has been dipped in alcohol to gently clean any membrane contacts that have damaged or where conductive paint is missing. Don’t rub too hard, as this could erode the conductive paint and stop the button from firing when pressed.

Also, carefully check the battery connector terminals for any loose solder connections. If this is the case, simply soldering them back in place may bring back function to the button. You can follow the same method 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 stop functioning or require a hard press to work it is likely the graphite disks that are on the back of the button are wearing down and need to be replaced. This is usually done by rubbing a pencil across the disks, which should bring the button back to working.

If none of these solutions work or you are unable to get the button to respond when you press it hard, it is possible that the circuitry is failing. It is possible to fix this by cleaning and re-soldering your fob, but you should have a spare in case it does not work.

car key remote repair near me inside your remote control could be dirty, regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob are working or not. The issue can be solved through a thorough examination. The most common causes of dirty circuit boards are water and broken cases. A damaged case could let water and other debris to get into the circuit board, which can cause it to short out. Water can also eat away at pins and connectors that are small on the board, which are known as via’s.

If you’re skilled enough to open your key fob and aren’t afraid of making an mess, you can remove the buttons from their sockets and then solder new ones. It’s also worth examining the battery terminal connections. If they are loose, the buttons could not function properly or become stuck in their down position. Soldering the terminals and buttons to their proper positions is usually enough to restore a non-working fob to a working condition.

Non-Remote Transponder Chips

The sealed non-remote chips are more durable than remote fobs, however they are susceptible to breaking if a hole is drilled in them or in the event that a door handle of a car or lawnmowers plows over them. Most of the time, non-remote transponder chip failures can be blamed on blowing fuses.

If you’re not comfortable opening the key fob, you can remove the circuitboard and use a multimeter to verify that the diode is functioning correctly. If you’re unsure about doing this, visit your local hardware store or Oreilly’s, and they will usually have an RFID frequency tester that can let you know whether the key fob sending signals.

Programming

Key fobs aren’t indestructible and can be damaged by a variety of factors. They may lose their connection to the receiver in your car because of shock or a low battery, which requires them to be reprogrammed. A professional auto locksmith or dealer will be able to reprogram your key fob and get it working again. In the rarer case that resetting or repairing your key fob isn’t working it may be time to replace it completely.