How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working If your key fob does not work and you're not sure why, you can fix it with some simple steps. The first step is to make sure that it's not your backup remote. If the backup remote is able to lock and unlock your car doors then there is likely an issue with the primary remote. Most problems with car remote keys are caused by circuitry or battery problems. Battery The battery in the key fob could wear out over time. It is easy to replace the battery. However it is crucial that you use the correct kind. You can refer to the owner's manual or contact the manufacturer to determine the right kind. It's also a good idea to examine the battery compartment carefully because dead batteries can leak harmful chemicals that can cause damage to the remote. If replacing the battery does not solve the issue, there may be other issues that require professional attention. If the buttons are broken or stuck for instance it might be necessary to take the remote apart and rework each component. You could also try reprogramming your car to recognize the new key fob. Buttons Due to frequent use, key fobs can become worn and dirty. It is not uncommon for buttons to stop working, or to require a hefty push to make them work. This can be a huge hassle, especially if you are away from home and need to start your car. Fortunately, even worn-out or malfunctioning buttons can often be fixed with a little time and a few materials you have in the home. First, ensure that the batteries are charged correctly and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Then, carefully remove the remote and examine the circuit board. Check for car remote key repair of corrosion or other indications that buttons are worn out or damaged, such as missing conductive paint. Utilizing the Q-tip, dipped in alcohol to gently clean any membrane contacts that are worn or have conductive paint missing. Don't rub too hard as this can damage the conductive paint, and block the button from firing when it is pressed. Also, be sure to check the battery connector's terminals for any loose solder connections. Soldering them back in place will allow the button to function again in the event that this is the case. You can follow the same procedure 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 working or require being press extremely hard the graphite disks at the back of the button might have worn out and will require replacement. You can usually do this by rubbing a pen across the disks. This should bring the button to life. If none of this is helpful, or if the button still does not respond to a hard push, then it may be because the circuit board itself has gone bad. It is possible to fix this issue by cleaning and re-soldering your fob however, you should have another spare in case it doesn't work. Circuitry Whether or not the key fob buttons are working the circuit board that is inside your remote might be dirty. This issue can be fixed by a thorough inspection. Broken and damaged cases are the most common causes of dirty boards. A broken case allows water and other debris to get in and short circuit the electronics. Water can also damage pins and vias, which are tiny connectors on the board. If you're able to remove your key fob and aren't afraid of making a mess, we can take off the buttons and then solder new ones in their place. It's also worth checking the connections between battery terminals. If they're loose, the buttons might not function or get stuck in their down position. Soldering the terminals back into place is usually enough to restore a non-working fob back to working. Non-Remote transponder chips The non-remote chips sealed in a sealed case are more durable than remote fobs, however they are susceptible to cracking if a hole is drilled in them or in the event that a door handle of a car or lawnmower runs over them. Most of the time, non-remote transponder chip failures could be attributed to a blown fuse. If you're not confident opening the key fob, take the circuit board off and use a multimeter to verify that the diode is working properly. If you're not comfortable with this, you can visit your local Oreilly or hardware store and utilize their RF frequency tester. This will let you know whether the key fob sends a signal. Programming Key fobs aren't impervious to destruction and are susceptible to damage through a variety of causes. They may lose their connection to the car's receiver due to shock or low battery, which calls for them to be reprogrammed. A professional auto locksmith or a dealer in the main can reprogram your key fob and get it back up and running again. If resetting or fixing your key fob fails, you may need to replace it.
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