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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 by following just a few steps. First, make sure that it's not your backup remote.

If your backup remote is unable to lock and unlock the doors of your vehicle, it is likely that the main remote is not working. The most common causes for key problems with your car remote are issues with the circuitry or battery.

Battery

It is not unusual for the battery in the key fob for cars to get worn out. It is quite simple to change out the battery, however it is crucial to make sure that 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 recommended to inspect the battery compartment with care because dead batteries can release caustic chemicals that could cause damage to the remote. If changing the batteries does not solve the problem, it may be that there are other issues that require attention from a professional. For example, if buttons appear stuck or damaged it could be necessary to take the remote apart and rework its components.  car remote key repair near me  is also possible to reprogramme the vehicle to recognize the new device.

Buttons

Key fobs may become filthy and worn out due to frequent use. This is not unusual, but it can cause buttons to stop functioning or require a difficult press to get them to work. This can be very frustrating, especially if you are away from home and need to start your car. Even broken or damaged buttons can be fixed with a little effort and materials you already have at home.

First, check that the batteries are up correctly and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Then, carefully open the remote and examine the circuit board. Examine for signs of rust or other signs the buttons have been damaged or worn. For instance there could be conductive paint missing. Use a Q-tip that has been dipped in rubbing alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that has become worn out or has conductive paint missing. Do not rub too vigorously, as this could erode the conductive paint and stop the button from firing when pressed.

Also, make sure to inspect the battery connector's terminals to ensure any loose solder connections. Soldering them back to their original position 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 in the fob.

In the end, if any of the buttons made of rubber on the front of the key fob aren't functioning or require a long press to function it is likely the graphite disks on the back of the button are wearing down and need to be replaced. You can do this by rubbing a pen over the disks. This should bring the button to life.

If none of this is helpful, or if the button still doesn't respond to a hard press It could be that the circuit board has become damaged. It is possible to fix this issue by cleaning and re-soldering your fob however, you should have an extra in case it doesn't work.

Circuitry

If the key fob buttons are working, the circuit board inside your remote might be dirty. This issue can be fixed through a thorough examination. Broken and damaged cases are the most frequent causes of dirty boards. A damaged case allows water and other debris to get in and short circuit the electronics. Water can also damage pins and vias, which are small connectors that are found on the board.

If you're handy enough to open your key fob and aren't afraid of making a mess, we can take off the buttons and solder new ones in their place. It's also worth checking the battery terminal connections. They can become very filthy and if they're not tight enough, the buttons might not function or even stay in their down position. Soldering the terminals, and putting the button back in their place is generally all it takes to restore a non-working key fob to working order.

Non-Remote Transponder Chips

Sealed non-remote transponder chips are more durable than the remote fobs they are contained in, however they are still susceptible to being cracked by a hole drilled into them or run over by a lawnmower or car door handle. Fuse failures are usually the cause of non-remote chip failures.

If you're not comfortable opening the key fob, you may remove the circuitboard and utilize a multimeter to determine if the diode is working properly. If you're not comfortable with this, you can go to your local Oreilly or hardware store and utilize their RF frequency tester. This will let you know whether the key fob transmits an RF signal.

Programming

Key fobs endure many abuses and aren't impervious to damage. They can break their connection with the receiver in your vehicle due to shocks or low battery, which calls for changing the program. A professional auto locksmith or a main dealer can reprogram your key fob to get it working again. In the rarer case that resetting and fixing your key fob isn't working, it could be time to replace it entirely.