Notes

Expert Advice On Remote Key Repair From The Age Of Five
How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob doesn't work There are a few simple steps that can be taken to fix it. The first step is to be sure it's not the backup remote.

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

Battery


It is not uncommon to find a battery on a car key fob to wear out. It is easy to replace the battery. However, it is important that you use the correct type. You can check your owner's manual or call the manufacturer to find out the right kind. It is also essential to examine the battery compartment, as batteries that are not working properly can release caustic chemicals that can harm the remote. If replacing the batteries doesn't solve the issue it could be because there are other issues that require attention from a professional. If buttons are broken or stuck, for example it could be necessary to take the remote apart and rework each component. You could also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new key fob.

Buttons

Key fobs may become dirty and worn-out from frequent use. This is not uncommon, but it can cause buttons to cease functioning or require a hard press for them to work. This can be very frustrating particularly when you're away from home and need to start your car. Even malfunctioning or worn-out buttons can be fixed with a little effort and the 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 up the remote and examine the circuit board. Examine for signs of rust or other signs the buttons are worn or damaged. For instance, conductive paint may be missing. Use a Q-tip, dipped in rubbing alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that has become worn-out or where conductive painting is missing. Be careful not to rub too hard, as this can erode the conductive paint and stop the button from firing when it is pressed.

Check the battery connector's terminals carefully for any loose solder connections. Soldering them back in place will allow the button to function again If this is the case. You can apply the same method to restore functionality to any other loose connection within the fob.

In the end, if any of the rubber buttons on the front of the key fob aren't working or require a very long press to function it is likely the graphite disks at the back of the button are wearing down and need to be replaced. This is usually done by rubbing a pencil across the disks, which will bring the button back to its original state.

If all of this doesn't help or if the button still doesn't respond to a firm press, then it may be the case that the circuit board has become damaged. It is possible to fix this by a quick clean, and refitting, but it's best to have an extra fob available in the event this method fails for you.

Circuitry

If the key fob buttons are working the circuit board that is inside the remote could be dirty. A thorough inspection is often enough to resolve this problem. Water and broken cases are the most frequent causes of dirty boards. A broken case allows water and other debris to get in and short out the electronics. Water can also eat away at pins and connectors that are small on the board called via's.

If you're able to open your key fob, and you're not afraid of a little mess, we can de-solder the buttons and solder new ones in their place. It's also worth looking at the battery terminal connections. If they're loose, the buttons might not function properly or become stuck in their down position. Soldering the terminals, and putting the button back in their place is generally all that's needed to return keys that are not in working order.

Non-Remote transponder chips

The non-remote chips sealed in a sealed case are more durable than remote fobs, but they can be cracked when a hole is made into them or if a car door handle or lawnmower runs over them. Most of the time, non-remote transponder chip failures can be blamed on an exploded fuse.

If you're able to open a sealed non-remote key fob and can tolerate the mess, you can remove the circuit board and test the fuse with an instrument to verify diode function. If you're not sure with this, visit your local Oreilly or hardware store and use their RF frequency tester. car key fob repair will tell 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 them to be reprogrammed. A professional auto locksmith or main dealer can reprogram your key fob and get it functioning again. In the event that resetting or repairing your key fob doesn't work it could be the time to replace it entirely.

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