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How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob does not work, you can fix it by following just a few steps. The first step is to make sure that it's not your backup remote.

If your backup remote can lock and unlock the doors of your vehicle, it is likely that the primary remote isn't working. Most problems with car remote keys are caused by circuitry or battery issues.

Battery

It is not unusual to find a battery on the key fob for cars to get worn out. It is relatively easy to change out batteries, but it is important to ensure that you use the right type and you can consult the owner's manual or talk to the dealer for the manufacturer to find out the kind of battery you need. It's recommended to inspect the battery compartment with care, as dead batteries sometimes leak harmful chemicals that can cause damage to the remote. If changing the battery doesn't fix the problem, there may be other issues that require attention from a professional. If buttons are broken or stuck, for example, it may be necessary remove the remote and rebuild each component. You could also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new key fob.

Buttons

Key fobs can become dirty and worn-out from repeated use. This is not unusual however, it can cause buttons to stop working or require a very long press to work. This can be extremely frustrating, especially if you are away from home and you need to start your Car Key And Repair. Fortunately, even worn out or damaged buttons can be fixed with just a bit of time and some of the materials you might already have in the home.

First, check that the batteries are correctly placed and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Take the remote apart and inspect the circuit board. Examine for indications of rust or other indications that the buttons have been damaged or worn out. For instance there could be conductive paint missing. Then, using a Q-tip dipped in alcohol to gently clean any membrane contacts that are damaged or where conductive paint is missing. Avoid rubbing too hard as this can erode the conductive painting and prevent the button from firing when it is it is pressed.

Check the battery connector's terminals carefully for any loose solder connections. If this is the case, reconnecting them can restore functionality to the button. You can apply the same method to restore functionality to any other loose connection within the fob.

If, for instance, any of the buttons made of rubber that are on the front of the key fob have stopped functioning or require a difficult press to function it is likely the graphite disks at the back of the button are wearing out and need to be replaced. This is usually done by rubbing a pencil on the disks, which will bring the button back to working.

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 sometimes be repaired with a quick clean and refitting, but it's best to have an extra fob in case this method doesn't work for you.

Circuitry

If the key fob buttons function, the circuit board inside your remote may be dirty. A thorough inspection will usually resolve this problem. The most common causes for dirty circuit boards is water and broken cases. A damaged case can allow water and other debris to pass through and short circuit the electronics. Water can also eat away at pins and connectors that are small on the board, which are known as via's.

If you're handy enough to open up your key fob, and you're not afraid of some mess, we can take off the buttons and car Key and repair put new ones in their place. It's also worth checking the battery terminal connections. If they are loose, the buttons might not function or get stuck in their down position. Soldering the terminals and buttons to their original positions is often enough to restore a non-working fob to a working condition.

Non-Remote transponder chips

The non-remote chips sealed in a sealed case are more durable than their remote fobs. However, they are susceptible to breaking when a hole is made into them or when a door handle for a mobile car key repair or lawnmowers plows over them. Most of the time, non-remote transponder chips fail, and this can be attributed to an exploded fuse.

If you're handy enough to open up the sealed key fob and are willing to put up with the mess, you can take off the circuit board and check the fuse with a multimeter for proper diode function. If you don't feel comfortable with this, go to your local Oreilly or hardware store and use their RF frequency tester. This will inform you whether the key fob is sending an RF signal.

Programming

Key fobs aren't indestructible and are susceptible to being damaged by a variety of factors. They can lose their pairing to the car's receiver because of shock or a low battery, requiring the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or dealer will be able to reprogram your key fob and get it back up and running. In the rarer case that resetting or repairing your key fob fails it could be the time to replace it all over again.