Notes

The Most Advanced Guide To Remote Key Repair
How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

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

If the backup is able to lock and unlock your car doors it is most likely an issue with the main remote. Most car remote key failures are caused by circuitry or battery problems.

Battery

It is not unusual for the battery in a car key fob to degrade. It is quite simple to replace the battery, however it is important to ensure that you use the right type and you can consult your owner's manual, or contact the manufacturer's dealer to find out what kind of battery you require. It is also essential to inspect the battery compartment, as dead batteries can leak caustic chemicals that can harm the remote. If changing the batteries doesn't solve the problem, it may be that there are other issues that require professional attention. If key fob repairs are stuck or broken, for example, it may be necessary take the remote apart and rework each component. You can also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new remote.

Buttons

Key fobs can become filthy and worn out due to frequent use. This is not uncommon however it can cause buttons to stop working or require a very difficult press to get them to work. This can be very frustrating, especially if you are out of town and need to start your vehicle. Fortunately, even worn-out or broken buttons can usually be fixed with just a bit of time and some of the materials you may already have around the 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 look at the circuit board. Look for signs of rust or other indications that the buttons have been damaged or worn. For example there could be conductive paint missing. Use a Q-tip, dipped in rubbing alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that is worn-out 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.

Check the battery connector terminals for loose solder connections. If this is the case, simply soldering them back in place may bring back function to the button. The same process can be used to restore functionality to any other loose connections inside the fob.

If any of the rubber buttons on the front of the keyfob aren't working or need to be press extremely hard, the graphite disks at the back of the button may have worn out and need to replaced. You can usually do this by rubbing a pencil over the disks. This should bring the button back to life.

If all of this doesn't help or if the button still doesn't respond to a hard push It could be the case that the circuit board itself has gone bad. It is possible to fix this by a quick clean, and refitting, but it's recommended to have an additional fob on hand in the event that this method doesn't work for you.

Circuitry

The circuit board inside your remote control could be dirty regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob work or not. This problem can be resolved by a thorough inspection. Broken and damaged cases are the most common causes of boards that are dirty. A broken case allows water and other debris to pass through and short out the electronic components. Water can also damage pins and vias, which are the tiny connectors on the board.

If you're able to open up your key fob, and you're not afraid of making a mess, we can de-solder the buttons and then solder 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 might not work or even stay in their down position. Soldering the terminals and buttons back in place is usually all that's required to return the key fob that is not working to functioning condition.

Non-Remote transponder chips

The sealed non-remote chips are more durable than their remote fobs. However, they are susceptible to cracking in the event of a hole being drilled into them or when a door handle for a car or lawnmower runs over them. The failure of the fuse is usually the cause of non-remote chip failures.

If you're able to open up a sealed non-remote key fob and can tolerate the mess, you can easily remove the circuit board and check the fuse using an instrument to verify diode function. If you're not sure with this, you can visit your local Oreilly or hardware store and test their RF frequency tester. This will inform you whether the key fob transmits an RF signal.

Programming


Key fobs aren't impervious to destruction and can be damaged by a variety of factors. They can lose their pairing with the receiver in your vehicle due to shocks or a low battery, which calls for the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or the main dealer can reprogram the keyfob to get it functioning again. If resetting or repairing the keyfob is not working it may be necessary to replace it.

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