10 Facts About Remote Key Repair That Make You Feel Instantly Good Mood

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 with some simple steps. First, make sure that it's not your backup remote.

If your backup remote can lock and unlock the doors of your vehicle, it is likely that the main remote isn't functioning. The most common causes of car remote key failure are issues with the circuitry or battery.

Battery

It is not uncommon for the battery inside the car key fob to degrade. It is fairly easy to change out a battery, although it is crucial to make sure that you use the right type and you can consult your owner's manual, or contact the dealer for the manufacturer to find out what kind of battery you need. It is also essential to inspect the battery compartment, since batteries that are not working properly can release toxic chemicals that could damage the remote. If changing the battery doesn't fix the problem there may be additional issues requiring professional attention. For instance, if buttons appear stuck or damaged, it may be necessary to disassemble the remote and rework its parts. You could also try reprogramming your vehicle to recognize the new key fob.

Buttons

Key fobs can get dirty and worn out from repeated use. It is not common for buttons to stop working, or to require a long press to make them work.  repair car key  can be a huge hassle particularly if you're away from home and need to start your vehicle. Even broken or damaged buttons can be fixed with a little time and tools you already have at home.

First, verify that the batteries are properly installed and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Then, open the remote with care and examine the circuit board. Examine for signs of rust or other signs that the buttons are worn out or damaged, like missing the conductive paint. Use a Q-tip dipped into alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that has worn out or has conductive paint missing. Avoid rubbing too hard because this could damage the conductive paint and block the button firing when pressed.

Examine the battery connector's terminals for loose solder connections. If this is the case, connecting them back may restore function to the button. You can use the same procedure to restore functionality to any other loose connection in the fob.

If any of the rubber buttons located at the front of the keyfob are not working or require being pressing 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 will bring the button back to life.

If none of these solutions work or you cannot get the button to respond when pressed hard, it is possible that the circuitry is failing. This can sometimes be repaired with a quick clean and refitting, but it's recommended to have an additional fob in case this method doesn't work for you.

Circuitry

If the key fob buttons function the circuit board that is inside your remote may be dirty. A very thorough inspection is usually enough to fix this issue. Broken cases and water are the most frequent causes of dirty boards. A damaged case could let water and other debris to get into the circuit board, which can cause it to short out. Water can also eat away at pins and small connectors on the board, which are known as via's.

If you're able to open your key fob and don't mind making some mess, we can take the buttons out of their sockets and solder in new ones. It's also worth checking the battery terminal connections. If they're loose, the buttons may not function properly or become stuck in their down position. Soldering terminals and buttons back to their original positions is often enough to restore a non-working fob to working.

Non-Remote transponder chips

Sealed non-remote transponder chips are much more durable than the remote fobs that have them but they can be damaged by a hole that is made in them or pushed over by a lawnmowers blade or car door handle. Failures of the fuse are typically to blame for non-remote chips failures.

If you're able to remove a key fob that is sealed and can tolerate the mess, you can take off the circuit board and check the fuse using an instrument to verify diode function. If you're not confident doing this, head to your local hardware store or Oreilly's and they will usually have an RF frequency tester that will let you know whether the key fob is transmitting a signal.

Programming

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