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How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob won't work then you can fix it by following just a few steps. The first step is to be sure it's not the backup remote.

If the backup can lock and unlock your car keys repair door, then there is likely an issue with the primary remote. The most common causes of key problems with your car remote are circuitry or battery issues.

Battery

The battery in the key fob may wear out over time. It is fairly easy to change out a battery, although it is important to ensure that you select the correct one that you can refer to your owner's manual or contact the dealer for the manufacturer to determine the type of battery you need. It is also important to examine the battery compartment, since dead batteries can leak caustic chemicals which can damage the remote. If changing the batteries doesn't solve the problem it could be because there are other issues that require attention from a professional. If the buttons are broken or stuck for instance it could be necessary to disassemble the remote and rework each component. You could also try reprogramming the vehicle key repairs to recognize the new remote.

Buttons

From frequent use, key fobs could wear out and become dirty. It is not common for buttons to cease functioning, or require a long press where to repair car key remote get them working. This can be frustrating especially when you're away from home and have to start your Emergency car key repair. Even worn-out or malfunctioning buttons can be fixed with a little effort and materials you already have at home.

First, ensure that the batteries are charged correctly and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Take the remote apart and look over the circuit board. Check for signs of corrosion or other indications that the buttons are worn out or damaged, such as missing paint that is conductive. Use a Q-tip, dipped in alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that has become worn out or has conductive paint missing. Do not rub too vigorously as this can damage the conductive paint and stop the button from firing when pressed.

Also, be sure to check the battery connector terminals for a loose solder connection. Soldering them back to their original position will allow the button to function again If this is the case. You can use the same procedure to restore functionality to any other loose connection within the fob.

If any of the rubber buttons at the front of the keyfob isn't working or need to be pressing extremely hard the graphite disks at the back of the button might have worn out and will require replacement. You can do this by rubbing a pen over the disks. This should bring the button back to life.

If none of these solutions work or you are unable to get the button to respond when pressed hard, it could be that the circuitry is failing. It is possible to fix this issue by cleaning and re-soldering the fob however, you should have a spare in case it does not work.

Circuitry

The circuit board inside your remote control may be dirty, regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob work or not. This issue can be fixed through a thorough examination. The most frequent causes of dirty circuit boards is water and broken cases. A damaged case could let water and other debris to enter the circuit board, causing it to short. Water can also destroy pins and connectors that are small on the board, which are known as via's.

If you're handy enough to open up your key fob and don't mind some mess, we can take off the buttons and put new ones in their place. Also, you should check the connections between the battery terminals. They can get very dirty and if they're loose, the buttons might not function or even stay in their down position. Soldering the terminals back to their proper positions is usually enough to return a malfunctioning fob to working.

Non-Remote transponder chips

Sealed non-remote transponder chips are much more durable than remote fobs that have them however they are still susceptible to being cracked by a hole drilled into them or run over by a lawnmower or door handle for a car. Most of the time non-remote transponder chip failures could be attributed to blowing fuses.

If you're not confident opening the key fob, remove the circuitboard and utilize a multimeter to check that the diode is functioning properly. If you don't feel comfortable with this, you can go to your local Oreilly or hardware store and utilize their RF frequency tester. This will tell you whether the key fob is sending signals.

Programming

Key fobs endure many abuses and aren't completely indestructible. They can break their connection with the receiver in your vehicle due to shocks or a low battery, requiring changing the program. A professional auto locksmith, or a dealer in the main can reprogram the keyfob and get it working again. If resetting or replacing your key fob fails it is possible to replace it.