Responsible For The Remote Key Repair Budget? 12 Tips On How To Spend Your Money

Author : Hanson Petterson | Published On : 17 Jun 2024

How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob does not work then you can fix it by following some simple steps. First, check to make sure it's not the backup remote.

If your backup remote cannot lock and unlock the doors of your car, then it is likely that the main remote is not working. The most frequent causes of car remote key failure are circuitry or battery issues.

Battery

The battery in the key fob could wear out over time. It is simple to replace a battery. However it is crucial to select the right type. You can consult your owner's manual or call the manufacturer to inquire about the correct type. It is also important to examine the battery compartment as batteries that are not working properly can release toxic chemicals that could damage the remote. If replacing key fob repair does not fix the issue, there may be other issues requiring professional attention. For instance, if the buttons seem stuck or broken, it may be necessary to disassemble the remote and rebuild its components. You can also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new key fob.


Buttons

Through repeated use, key fobs could become worn and dirty. This is not atypical however, it can cause buttons to stop working or require a hard press for them to work. This can be very frustrating, especially if you are out of town and need to start your vehicle. Even broken or damaged buttons can be fixed with a little time and the tools you already have at home.

First, check that the batteries have been correctly installed and that the indentation at the back of the button has been filled. Then, carefully remove the remote and look at the circuit board. Examine for signs of rust or other signs that the buttons are worn out or damaged, like missing the conductive paint. Utilizing a Q-tip that has been dipped in rubbing alcohol, gently clean any membrane contacts that have become worn or where conductive paint is missing. Be careful not to rub too hard, since this could cause damage to the conductive paint and stop the button from firing when it is the button is pressed.

Check the battery connector terminals carefully for any loose solder connections. If this is the case, soldering them back in place could restore function to the button. You can follow the same process to restore functionality to any other loose connection within the fob.

If any of the rubber buttons on the front of the keyfob aren't functioning or require to be pressing very hard the graphite disks at the back of the button might have worn out and need to replaced. You can usually do this by rubbing a pen over the disks. This should bring the button back to life.

If none of this is useful or if the button still does not respond to a firm press, then it may be because the circuit board has become damaged. It is possible to fix this by cleaning and re-soldering your fob but you should also have a spare in case it doesn't work.

Circuitry

Whether or not the key fob buttons function, the circuit board inside the remote could be dirty. A thorough examination is usually enough to fix this issue. Water and broken cases are the most frequent causes of dirty boards. key fob repair damaged case can allow water and other debris into the circuit board, which can cause it to short. Water can also destroy pins and connectors on the board, referred to as via's.

If you are handy enough to open your key fob, and you don't mind making some mess, we can remove the buttons from their sockets and solder in new ones. It's also worth checking the battery terminal connections. They can become extremely filthy and if they're not tight enough, the buttons may not work or may even remain in their down position. Soldering the terminals and button's back into place is typically all it takes to restore the key fob that is not working to functioning condition.

Non-Remote Transponder Chips

Sealed non-remote transponder chips are more durable than the remote fobs that contain them however they are still susceptible to being cracked by a hole that is drilled into them or over by a lawnmowers blade or door handle for a car. Failures of the fuse are typically the cause of non-remote chip failures.

If you're not confident opening the key fob, you may take the circuit board off and use a multimeter to determine if the diode is operating correctly. If you're not sure with this, visit your local Oreilly or hardware store and utilize their RF frequency tester. This will inform you whether the key fob sends a signal.

Programming

Key fobs are subject to lots of abuse and aren't impervious to damage. They can lose their pairing to the receiver in your car due to shock or low battery, requiring them to be reprogrammed. A professional auto locksmith or dealer will be able to reprogram your key fob and get it back up and running. If resetting or repairing your keyfob does not work, you may need to replace it.