How to Fix a Key Fob That isn’t Working
If your key fob does not work then you can fix it by following some simple steps. The first step is to make sure that it’s not your backup remote.
If the backup can lock and unlock your car doors then there’s a likely issue with the primary remote. The most common causes for car key repairs near me remote key failure are circuitry or battery 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 choose the correct type; you can look in the owner’s manual or talk to the dealer for the manufacturer to find out what kind of battery you require. It is also crucial to examine the battery compartment, since batteries that are not working properly can release toxic chemicals that could damage the remote. If changing the batteries doesn’t solve the issue it could be because there are other issues that require professional attention. For instance, if buttons appear stuck or broken, it may be necessary to disassemble the remote and rework its parts. You can also try reprogramming your vehicle to recognize the new key fob.
Buttons
key Repair fobs can get filthy and worn out due to repeated use. It is not uncommon to have buttons stop working, or to require a long press to make them work. This can be a hassle, especially when you are away from home and need to turn on your car. Even broken or damaged buttons can be fixed with a bit of time and tools you already have at home.
First, make sure that the batteries are properly inserted and that the indentation at the back of the button is filled. Then, open the remote with care and inspect the circuit board. Check for signs of corrosion or other signs that the buttons are worn out or damaged, such as missing conductive paint. Utilizing a Q-tip dipped in rubbing alcohol, gently clean any membrane contacts that have damaged or have conductive paint missing. Don’t rub too hard as this can damage the conductive paint and stop the button from firing when you press it.
Check the battery connector terminals carefully for any loose solder connections. If this is the case, connecting them back can restore function to the button. The same procedure can be used to restore functionality to any other loose connections inside the fob.
If any of the rubber buttons located at the front of the keyfob are not functioning or require to be pressed extremely hard the graphite disks at the back of the button may have worn out and will need to replaced. This can usually be done by rubbing a pencil across the disks, which should bring the button back to working.
If none of these solutions work, or if you still cannot get the button to respond when pressed hard, it is possible that the circuitry has failed. It is possible to fix this by a quick clean, and refitting, but it’s recommended to have an additional fob on hand in the event that this method does not work for you.
Circuitry
If the key fob buttons are working, the circuit board inside your remote might be dirty. A very thorough inspection is often enough to resolve this issue. The most frequent causes of dirty circuit boards are water and broken cases. A broken case can let water and other debris to enter the circuit board, causing it to short out. Water can also get through pins and key repair vias, which are 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 remove the buttons from their sockets and solder in new ones. Also, it’s worth checking the connections between the battery terminals. If they are loose, the buttons might not work or even become stuck in their down position. Soldering the terminals and buttons back into place is typically all that’s needed to return a non-working key fob to functioning 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 breaking when a hole is made into them or if a car door handle or lawnmowers is pushed over them. The failure of the fuse is usually to blame for non-remote chips failures.
If you’re handy enough to open up the sealed key fob and are willing to put up with the mess, you can easily remove the circuit board and examine the fuse with a multimeter for proper diode function. If you’re not comfortable with this, visit your local Oreilly or hardware store and test their RF frequency tester. This will tell you whether the key fob sends signals.
Programming
Key fobs are not indestructible and can be damaged by a variety of factors. They can lose their pairing to the receiver in your car due to shock or a low battery, which calls for the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith, or a dealer in the main, can reprogram your keyfob to get it working again. In the event that resetting and repairing your key fob isn’t working, it could be time to replace it entirely.