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How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob isn't working A few easy steps can fix it. The first step is to be sure that it's not your backup remote.

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

Battery

The battery inside a key fob can be worn out over time. It is fairly easy to change out batteries, but it is important to make sure that you select the correct one and you can consult the owner's manual or talk to the manufacturer's dealer to find out what kind of battery you need. It is also crucial to examine the battery compartment, since dead batteries can leak caustic chemicals that can harm the remote. If changing the battery doesn't fix the problem there may be additional issues requiring professional attention. For example, if buttons appear stuck or damaged it could be necessary to take the remote apart and rework its parts. You could also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new fob.

Buttons

Key fobs can become dirty and worn-out from repeated use. It is not unusual to have buttons stop functioning, or require a long press to get them working. This can be a hassle particularly when you're away from your home and need to switch on your repair car remote control key. Fortunately, even worn out or malfunctioning buttons can often be fixed with just a bit of time and a few items you may already have around the house.

First, make sure the batteries are charged correctly and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Then, carefully open up the remote and examine the circuit board. Look for signs of corrosion or other signs that the buttons are worn or damaged, such as missing conductive paint. Use a Q-tip that has been 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 prevent the button from firing when pressed.

Check the battery connector's terminals for loose solder connections. If this is the case, reconnecting them may restore function to the button. You can apply the same procedure to restore functionality to any other loose connection inside the fob.

If any of the rubber buttons on the front of the keyfob are not functioning or require to be pressing very hard the graphite disks on the back of the button might have worn out and need to replaced. You can do this by rubbing a pen across the disks. This should bring the button back to life.

If none of this is useful or if the button doesn't respond to a firm press, then it may be because the circuit board itself has gone bad. This can be fixed by a quick clean, and refitting, but it's ideal to have a spare fob on hand in the event that this method doesn't work for you.

Circuitry

If the key fob buttons function the circuit board that is inside the remote could be dirty. This issue can be fixed through a thorough examination. The most common causes for repair car remote control key dirty circuit boards is water and damaged cases. A damaged case allows water and other debris to enter and short out the electronic components. Water can also get through pins and vias, which are small connectors found on the board.

If you are handy enough to open your key fob, and aren't afraid of making an mess, you can take the buttons out of their sockets and solder in new ones. It's also worth checking the battery terminal connections. They can become extremely dirty and if they're loose, the buttons might not work or even stick in their down position. Soldering the terminals, and putting the button back into place is typically all it takes to restore the key fob that is not working to working order.

Non-Remote Transponder Chips

The sealed non-remote chips are more durable than their remote fobs, but they are susceptible to breaking in the event of a hole being drilled in them or when a door handle for a car or lawnmower runs over them. Most of the time non-remote transponder chip malfunctions could be attributed to a blown fuse.

If you're not comfortable opening the key fob, remove the circuitboard and utilize a multimeter to determine if the diode is functioning correctly. If you're not confident doing this, head to your local hardware store or Oreilly's, and they usually have an radio frequency tester that can let you know whether the key fob transmitting a signal.

Programming

Key fobs are subject to a lot of abuse and aren't impervious to damage. They may lose their connection with the receiver in your vehicle due to shocks or a low battery, requiring reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or the main dealer can reprogram the key fob and get it back up and running again. In the rarer case that resetting or repairing your key car repair fob isn't working it could be the time to replace it all over again.