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, make sure that it's not your backup remote. If the backup remote is able to lock and unlock your car door, it is most likely an issue with the main remote. The most common causes for key malfunctions for car remotes are circuitry or battery issues. Battery It is not uncommon for the battery in the car key fob to degrade. It is relatively easy to replace a battery, although it is crucial to ensure you use the right type and you can consult your owner's manual or contact the dealer of the manufacturer to determine the type of battery you need. It is also important to check the battery compartment, as dead batteries can leak caustic chemicals that can harm the remote. If changing the batteries doesn't solve the issue, it may be that there are other issues that require attention from a professional. If the buttons are broken or stuck for instance, it may be necessary remove the remote and rebuild each component. You could also try reprogramming your car to recognize the new key fob. Buttons Due to repeated use, key fobs may wear out and become dirty. This is not uncommon however it can cause buttons to cease working or require a difficult press to get them to function. This can be very frustrating especially when you're away from home and you need to start your car. Even malfunctioning or worn-out buttons are often fixable with a bit of time and materials you already have at home. First, check that the batteries are charged correctly and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Open the remote carefully and inspect the circuit board. Check for signs of corrosion or other signs that buttons are worn out or damaged, such as missing the conductive paint. Use a Q-tip dipped into alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that has worn-out or where conductive painting is missing. Avoid rubbing too hard because this could damage the conductive painting and prevent the button from firing when pressed. Check remote key fob repair for loose solder connections. If this is the case, reconnecting them may restore functionality to the button. You can follow the same procedure to restore functionality to any other loose connection within the fob. If any of the rubber buttons located at the front of the keyfob are not functioning or require to be pressed extremely hard, the graphite disks at the back of the button might have worn out and will need to replaced. You can do this by rubbing a pencil over the disks. This will bring the button back to life. If none of these solutions work or you cannot get the button to respond when you press it hard, it is possible that the circuitry has failed. This can be fixed with a quick clean and re-soldering, but it is best to have an extra fob available in the event this method doesn't work for you. Circuitry If the key fob buttons function the circuit board in the remote could be dirty. This problem can be resolved by a thorough inspection. The most common causes of dirty circuit boards is water and broken cases. A damaged case can let water and other debris to enter the circuit board, causing it to short. Water can also damage pins and vias, which are small connectors that are found on the board. If you're handy enough to open up your key fob, and you're not afraid of making a mess, we can de-solder the buttons and put new ones in their place. It's also worth looking at the battery terminal connections. They can get very dirty and if they're loose, the buttons might not work or even stay in their down position. Soldering the terminals and buttons back in place is usually all it takes to restore keys that are not in working condition. Non-Remote transponder chips The sealed non-remote chips are more durable than their remote fobs, but they can be cracked if a hole is drilled in them or when a door handle for a car or lawnmower runs over them. The majority of non-remote transponder chip failures can be attributed to an exploded fuse. If you're not confident opening the key fob, you may remove the circuitboard and use a multimeter to verify that the diode is functioning properly. If you're not confident doing this, head to your local hardware store or Oreilly's and they'll usually have an RF frequency tester that will let you know whether the key fob is sending a signal. Programming Key fobs aren't impervious to destruction 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 calls for the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith, or the main dealer, can reprogram your key fob and get it back working again. In the event that resetting and fixing your key fob isn't working it may be time to replace it all over again.
remote key fob repair
