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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 just a few steps. The first step is to be sure that it's not the backup remote.

If the backup is able to lock and unlock your car doors then there's a likely issue with the primary remote. The most common causes for car remote key failure are battery or circuitry issues.

Battery

It is not uncommon to find a battery on the car key fob to degrade. It is fairly easy to change out the battery, however it is essential to ensure that you use the right type 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 a good idea to examine the battery compartment carefully because 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. For instance, if the buttons seem to be stuck or damaged It may be necessary to take the remote apart and rework its components. You can also try reprogramming your car key repair service to recognize the new key fob repair near me fob.

Buttons

Through frequent use, key fobs could become worn and dirty. This is not unusual, but it can cause buttons to cease working or require a very difficult press to get them to function. This can be very frustrating particularly if you're away from home and you need to start your car. Even malfunctioning or worn-out buttons can be fixed with a little time and tools you already have at home.

First, make sure the batteries are properly charged and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Then, carefully open the remote and look at the circuit board. Check for signs of rust or other indications that the buttons are damaged or worn out. For instance there could be conductive paint missing. Then, using the Q-tip, dipped in alcohol to gently clean any membrane contacts that have damaged or have conductive paint missing. Be careful not to rub too hard, since this could cause damage to the conductive paint and stop the button from firing when pressed.

Also, carefully check the battery connector's terminals to ensure a loose solder connection. Soldering them back into place can restore the button's functionality in the event that this is the case. You can follow the same method to restore functionality to any other loose connection inside the fob.

If any of the rubber buttons on the front of the keyfob isn't working or require being pressed extremely hard the graphite disks at the back of the button may have worn out and require replacement. It is usually done by rubbing a pen over the disks. This will bring the button back to life.

If none of these solutions work, or if you still not be able to get the button respond when pressed hard, it could be that the circuitry has failed. It is possible to fix this issue by cleaning and re-soldering the fob however, you should have an extra in case it doesn't work.

Circuitry

The circuit board in the remote control could be dirty regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob function or not. This problem can be resolved through a thorough examination. The most common causes for dirty circuit boards are water and damaged cases. A damaged case could allow water and other debris to get into the circuit board, causing it to short out. Water can also get through pins and vias, which are tiny connectors 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 take off the buttons and put new ones in their place. It's also worth examining the battery terminal connections. They can become very dirty and if they're loose, the buttons may not work or even stick in their down position. Soldering the terminals and button's back in place is usually all that's required to return a non-working key fob to functioning condition.

Non-Remote transponder chips

Sealed non-remote transponder chips are more durable than remote fobs they are contained in, however they are still susceptible to being cracked by a hole that is drilled into them or over by a lawnmowers blade or car door handle. Most of the time non-remote transponder chips fail, and this can be blamed on an exploded fuse.

If you're able to open up a key fob that is sealed and are able to bear the mess, you can easily remove the circuit board and check the fuse using a multimeter to ensure that it is functioning as intended. function. If you're not comfortable doing this, visit your local hardware store or Oreilly's and they will usually have a RFID frequency tester that can tell you whether the key fob is sending a signal.

Programming

Key fobs aren't indestructible and are susceptible to being damaged through a variety of causes. They may lose their connection to the receiver in your car key and repair due to shock or a low battery, which requires them to be reprogrammed. A professional auto locksmith or dealer can reprogram your key fob and get it back up and running. In the rarer case that resetting or repairing your key fob fails it may be time to replace it all over again.