Notes

A Delightful Rant About Remote Key Repair
How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working


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

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

Battery

It is not uncommon for the battery in the car key fob to get worn out. It is simple to replace batteries. However it is essential to select the right kind. You can check the owner's manual or contact the manufacturer to inquire about the right type. It is also a good idea to inspect the battery compartment carefully because dead batteries can leak caustic chemicals that can damage the remote. If changing the battery doesn't fix the issue there could be other issues that require professional attention. 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 could also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new device.

Buttons

Due to repeated use, key fobs may become worn and dirty. It is not common for buttons to cease working, or to require a hard press to get them working. This can be frustrating especially when you're away from home and need to turn on your car. Fortunately, even worn-out or malfunctioning buttons can often be fixed with a little time and a few materials you might already have in the home.

First, verify that the batteries are correctly inserted and that the indentation at the back of the button is filled. Open the remote carefully and examine the circuit board. Examine for indications of rust or other indications that the buttons have been worn or damaged. For instance the paint that conducts electricity could be missing. Use a Q-tip dipped into rubbing alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that is damaged or where conductive paint is missing. Don't rub too hard, as this could erode the conductive paint and prevent the button from firing when it is pressed.

Also, carefully check the battery connector terminals for any loose solder connections. Soldering them back into place will allow the button to function again in the event that this is the case. You can apply the same method to restore functionality to any other loose connection in the fob.

If any of the rubber buttons on the front of the keyfob isn't working or require being pressing extremely hard, the graphite disks at the back of the button might have worn out and need to replaced. This can be done by rubbing a pencil on the disks, which will bring the button back to life.

If none of this is helpful or if the button still doesn't respond to a hard press, then it may be that the circuit board itself has gone bad. It is possible to fix the issue by cleaning and re-soldering the fob however, you should have another spare in case it doesn't work.

Circuitry

The circuit board of your remote control may be dirty, regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob work or not. This issue can be fixed by a thorough inspection. The most common causes for dirty circuit boards are water and damaged cases. A damaged case can allow water and other debris to get into the circuit board, causing it to short. Water can also eat away at pins and small connectors on the board called via's.

If you're able to open your key fob and don't mind making an mess, you can take the buttons out of their sockets and then solder new ones. It's also worth examining the battery terminal connections. If car key repair near me are loose, the buttons might not function properly or become stuck in their down position. Soldering the terminals, and putting the button back in place is usually all that's required to return keys that are not in working order.

Non-Remote Transponder Chips

Sealed non-remote transponder chip are more durable than the remote fobs that have them but they can still be cracked by a hole made in them or pushed over by a lawnmower or car door handle. Most of the time non-remote transponder chip failures can be attributed to a blown fuse.

If you are not comfortable opening the key fob, you can remove the circuitboard and use a multimeter to determine if the diode is operating properly. If you don't feel comfortable with this, you can go to your local Oreilly or hardware store and use their RF frequency tester. This will inform you whether the key fob sends 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, which calls for the reprogramming. 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 key fob fails it may be necessary to replace it.

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