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How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob doesn't work, you can fix it by following some simple steps. The first step is to make sure that it's not your backup remote.

If your backup remote is unable to lock and unlock the doors of your car, then it is most likely that the primary remote is not working. The most common causes for car remote key failure are battery or circuitry issues.

Battery

It is not unusual for the battery inside a key fob for cars to degrade. It is easy to replace the battery. However, it is important that you use the correct type. You can check your owner's manual or call the manufacturer to inquire about the right type. It is also crucial to inspect the battery compartment, since dead batteries can leak toxic chemicals that could damage the remote. If changing the battery doesn't fix the problem there could be other issues requiring professional attention. For example, if buttons appear stuck or broken it could be necessary to disassemble the remote and rebuild its components. You can also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new key fob.

Buttons

From repeated use, key fobs could become worn and dirty. It is not unusual for buttons to stop working, or to require a hard push to make them work. This can be a huge hassle especially if you're away from home and you need to start your car. Fortunately, even worn out or damaged buttons can be fixed with just a bit of time and a few materials you may already have around the house.

First, make mobile car key repair near me that the batteries are properly placed and that the indentation at the back of the button is filled. Then, carefully open up the remote and look at the circuit board. Examine for indications of rust or other signs the buttons are worn or damaged. For example, conductive paint may be missing. Utilizing a Q-tip that has been dipped in rubbing alcohol, gently clean any membrane contacts that have become worn or have conductive paint missing. Don't rub too hard as this can damage the conductive paint and stop the button from firing when pressed.

Also, carefully check the battery connector's terminals for an unattached solder connection. If this is the case, soldering them back in place could restore function to the button. The same method can be used to restore function to any loose connections within the fob.

If any of the rubber buttons located at the front of the keyfob aren't functioning or require to be pressed very hard the graphite disks at the back of the button may have worn out and need to replaced. This can usually be done by rubbing a pencil over the disks, which should bring the button back to life.

If none of this is helpful, or if the button does not respond to a hard press It could be that the circuit board has gone bad. It is possible to fix this by a quick clean and refitting, but it's ideal to have a spare fob in case this method does not work for you.

Circuitry





Whether or not the key fob buttons function the circuit board in your remote might be dirty. This issue can be fixed through a thorough examination. The most common causes for dirty circuit boards is water and broken cases. A broken case allows water and other debris to get in and short circuit the electronics. Water can also damage pins and vias, which are the tiny connectors that are found on the board.

If you are handy enough to open your key fob, and don't mind making some mess, we can take the buttons out of their sockets and then solder new ones. It's also worth checking the connections between the battery terminals. They can become very dirty and if they're loose the buttons may not work or even stay in their down position. Soldering the terminals, and putting the button back in their place is generally all it takes to restore a non-working key fob to working order.

Non-Remote Transponder Chips

The non-remote chips that are sealed are more durable than remote fobs, however they can be cracked when a hole is made into them or when a door handle for a car or lawnmowers is pushed over them. Fuse failures are usually the cause of non-remote chip failures.

If you're able to remove the sealed key fob and can tolerate the mess, you can easily remove the circuit board and examine the fuse with a multimeter for proper 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 let you know whether the key fob is sending an RF signal.

Programming

Key fobs aren't impervious to destruction and are susceptible to damage by a lot of things. They can lose their pairing to the receiver in your car due to shock or low battery, requiring them to be reprogrammed. A professional auto locksmith, or the main dealer can reprogram your keyfob and get it up and running again. If, in the unlikely event that resetting and fixing your key fob isn't working it could be the time to replace it entirely.