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How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob doesn't work and you're not sure why, you can fix it with 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 primary remote. The most common causes for key malfunctions for car remotes are circuitry or battery issues.

Battery

It is not unusual for the battery in the key fob for cars to wear out. It is easy to replace the battery. However, it is important that you use the correct kind. You can refer to your owner's guide or contact the manufacturer to inquire about the correct type. It is also essential to check the battery compartment as batteries that are not working properly can release caustic chemicals that can harm the remote. If changing the battery doesn't solve the issue there could be other issues that require professional attention. For instance, if the buttons seem stuck or broken it could be necessary to take the remote apart and rebuild its components. You could also try reprogramming your car to recognize the new key fob.

Buttons

Key fobs may become dirty and worn out from repeated use. It is not uncommon to have buttons stop functioning, or require a hefty press to make them work. This can be extremely frustrating, especially if you are away from home and you need to start your car. Even worn-out or malfunctioning buttons are often fixable with a little time and materials you already have at home.

First, ensure that 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 indications of rust or other signs the buttons have been worn or damaged. For instance, conductive paint may be missing. Utilizing a Q-tip dipped in alcohol, gently clean any membrane contacts that are damaged or have conductive paint missing. Avoid rubbing too hard since this could cause damage to the conductive painting and prevent the button firing when pressed.





Also, be sure to check the battery connector terminals for a loose solder connection. Soldering them back in place will allow the button to function again in the event that this is the case. The same process can be used to restore functionality to any other loose connections inside the fob.

Finally, if any of the rubber buttons on the front of the key fob aren't functioning or require a hard press to work it is likely that the graphite disks that are on the back of the button are deteriorating and need to be replaced. You can usually do this by rubbing a pen across 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 you press it hard, it could be that the circuitry has failed. car key repair shop near me is possible to fix this by cleaning and re-soldering the fob however, you should have a spare in case it does not work.

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If the keys fob buttons are functioning the circuit board in your remote might be dirty. This issue can be fixed through a thorough examination. The most frequent causes of dirty circuit boards is water and damaged cases. A broken case can allow water and other debris into the circuit board, causing it to short. Water can also eat away at pins and connectors that are small on the board called via's.

If you are handy enough to open your key fob and don't mind making a mess, we can remove the buttons from their sockets and solder in new ones. It's also worth checking the connections between battery terminals. If they are loose, the buttons may not function properly or become stuck in their down position. Soldering terminals and buttons back into place is usually enough to bring a non-working fob to a working condition.

Non-Remote Transponder Chips

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

If you are not comfortable opening the key fob, you may remove the circuitboard and utilize a multimeter to determine if the diode is functioning properly. 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 is sending a signal.

Programming

Key fobs are not indestructible and can be damaged by a variety of factors. They can lose their pairing with the receiver in your vehicle because of shocks or a low battery, requiring changing the program. A professional auto locksmith or a main dealer will be able to reprogram your key fob to get it back up and running. If resetting or replacing the keyfob is not working it is possible to replace it.