How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working If your key fob doesn't work A few easy steps can fix it. 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 likely that the main remote isn't working. The most common causes for key malfunctions for car remotes are battery or circuitry issues. Battery It is not unusual for the battery in the car key fob to get worn out. It is simple to replace a battery. However, it is important that you choose the right kind. You can refer to your owner's guide or contact the manufacturer to inquire about the correct type. It is recommended to examine the battery compartment carefully because dead batteries can leak harmful chemicals that can harm the remote. If changing the battery doesn't fix the issue there could be other issues that require attention from a professional. For car key fob repairs , if buttons seem to be stuck or damaged, it may be necessary to disassemble the remote and rebuild its components. You could also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new key fob. Buttons Due to frequent use, key fobs can wear out and become dirty. It is not common for buttons to cease functioning, or require a hard press to make them work. This can be very frustrating especially if you're away from home and need to start your car. Fortunately, even worn out or broken buttons can usually be fixed with just a bit of time and some of the materials you might already have in the home. First, make sure that the batteries are correctly installed and that the indentation on the back of the button has been filled. Take the remote apart and look over the circuit board. Check for signs of corrosion or other signs that buttons are worn out or damaged, like missing the conductive paint. Use a Q-tip, dipped in rubbing alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that is worn-out or where conductive paint is missing. Don't rub too hard, as this could erode the conductive paint, and block the button from firing when it is pressed. Check the battery connector terminals carefully for any loose solder connections. Soldering them back in place can restore the button's functionality in the event that this is the case. You can apply the same method to restore functionality to any other loose connection within the fob. If any of the rubber buttons at the front of the keyfob are not working or need to be press extremely hard, the graphite disks at the back of the button may have worn out and require replacement. You can do this by rubbing a pencil over the disks. This should bring the button back to life. If none of these solutions work, or if you still not be able to get the button respond when pressed hard, it could be that the circuitry has failed. This can be fixed by a quick clean, and replacing the solder, but it is recommended to have an additional fob on hand in the event that this method does not work for you. Circuitry The circuit board inside your remote control may be dirty regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob are working or not. A very thorough inspection is usually enough to fix this problem. The most common causes of dirty circuit boards are water and damaged cases. A damaged case can let water and other debris to enter the circuit board, causing it to short out. Water can also eat through pins and vias, which are the tiny connectors that are found on the board. If you're able to open your key fob and you don't mind making a mess, we can take the buttons out of their sockets and put in new ones. It's also worth checking the battery terminal connections. They can become very dirty and if they're loose, the buttons might not function or even stick in their down position. Soldering the terminals and buttons to their proper positions is usually enough to restore a non-working fob back to working. Non-Remote transponder chips Sealed non-remote transponder chip are more durable than remote fobs that have them but they can still be broken by a hole being that is drilled into them or over by a lawnmower or door handle for a car. Most of the time, non-remote transponder chips fail, and this could be attributed to blowing fuses. If you're handy enough to remove a sealed non-remote key fob and are able to bear the mess, you can easily remove the circuit board and examine the fuse with a multimeter to ensure that it is functioning as intended. function. If you don't feel comfortable with this, go to your local Oreilly or hardware store and test their RF frequency tester. This will let you know whether the key fob sends a signal. Programming Key fobs aren't indestructible and are susceptible to damage through a variety of causes. They may lose their connection to the car's receiver because of shock or a low battery, requiring the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or dealer will be able to reprogram your key fob to get it back up and running. If resetting or fixing the keyfob is not working, you may need to replace it.
car key fob repairs
