Three Common Reasons Your Remote Key Repair Isn't Working (And The Best Ways To Fix It)

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 by following just a few steps. First, check to make sure it's not your backup remote.

If the backup can lock and unlock your car doors, it is most likely an issue with the primary remote. Most problems with car remote keys are caused by circuitry or battery problems.

Battery

It is not uncommon for the battery inside the key fob for cars to get worn out. It is quite simple to change out a battery, although it is essential to ensure you select the correct one and you can consult your owner's manual, or contact the dealer of the manufacturer to find out the kind of battery you need. It's recommended to inspect the battery compartment thoroughly, as dead batteries sometimes leak harmful chemicals that can cause damage to the remote. If replacing the battery does not solve the issue there could be other issues requiring professional attention. For instance, if the buttons appear stuck or damaged, it may be necessary to disassemble the remote and rework its components. It is also possible to reprogramme the vehicle to recognize the new remote.

Buttons

Key fobs can get filthy and worn out due to frequent use. This is not uncommon, but it can cause buttons to cease working or require a very difficult press to get them to work. This can be very frustrating, especially if you are out of town and need to start your vehicle. 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, check that the batteries are correctly installed and that the indentation at the back of the button is filled. Take the remote apart and look over the circuit board. Check for evidence of rust, or other signs the buttons are worn or damaged. For instance there could be conductive paint missing. Utilizing a Q-tip dipped in alcohol, gently clean any membrane contacts that are damaged or where to repair car key remote conductive paint is missing. Avoid rubbing too hard since this could cause damage to the conductive painting and prevent the button firing when it is pressed.

Also, make sure to inspect the battery connector's terminals for an unattached solder connection. If this is the case, simply connecting them back may restore function to the button. The same process can be used to restore function to any loose connections in the fob.

If any of the rubber buttons on the front of the keyfob aren't functioning or require to be pressed extremely hard the graphite disks on the back of the button might have worn out and will need to replaced. This is usually done by rubbing a pencil across the disks, which should bring the button back to working.

If none of this is useful or if the button does not respond to a hard press It could be because the circuit board itself is damaged. This can be fixed by a quick clean and refitting, but it's best to have an extra fob available in the event this method doesn't work for you.

Circuitry

Whether or not the keys fob buttons are functioning, the circuit board inside your remote car key repair might be dirty. This issue can be fixed through a thorough examination. Broken and damaged cases are the most common causes of dirty boards. A broken case can allow water and other debris to enter the circuit board, which can cause it to short out. Water can also destroy pins and small connectors on the board, which are known as via's.

If you're skilled enough to open your key fob, and you don't mind making an mess, you can remove the buttons from their sockets and then solder new ones. It's also worth checking the battery terminal connections. They can get very dirty and if they're loose the buttons may not work or even stick in their down position. Soldering the terminals back to their proper positions is usually enough to return a malfunctioning fob to a working condition.

Non-Remote transponder chips

Sealed non-remote transponder chips are much more durable than remote fobs that contain them but they can still be broken by a hole being that is drilled into them or over by a lawnmowers or car door handle. The failure of the fuse is usually to blame for non-remote chips failures.

If you're not confident opening the key fob, take the circuit board off and use a multimeter to check that the diode is functioning properly. If you're unsure about doing this, where to repair Car key remote go to your local hardware store or the Oreilly's and they'll usually have a RF frequency tester that will tell you whether the key fob sending signals.

Programming

Key fobs are not indestructible and are susceptible to being damaged by a lot of things. They can lose their pairing to the car's receiver due to shock or a low battery, which requires them to be reprogrammed. A professional auto locksmith, or Where To Repair Car Key Remote a dealer in the main, can reprogram your keyfob to get it working again. If resetting or replacing the keyfob is not working it is possible to replace it.