How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working If your key fob isn't working There are a few simple steps that can fix it. The first step is to be sure that it's not the backup remote. If the backup is able to lock and unlock your car doors, then there is likely an issue with the main remote. The most common causes of key malfunctions for car remotes are battery or circuitry issues. car key fob repair near me inside a key fob can be worn out over time. It is fairly easy to replace a battery, although it is important to make sure that you choose the correct type and you can consult your owner's manual, or contact the manufacturer's dealer to find out what kind of battery you need. It is recommended to inspect the battery compartment thoroughly, as dead batteries sometimes leak caustic chemicals that can harm the remote. If replacing the battery does not solve the issue, there may be other issues that require professional attention. If buttons are broken or stuck for instance it might be necessary to disassemble the remote and rework each component. It is also possible to reprogramme the vehicle to recognize the new device. Buttons From repeated use, key fobs could wear out and become dirty. This is not uncommon, but it can cause buttons to stop functioning or require a difficult press to get them to work. This can be very frustrating especially when you're away from your home and need to start your car. Fortunately, even worn-out or malfunctioning buttons can often be fixed with a bit of time and a few materials you might already have in the home. First, verify that the batteries are correctly inserted and that the indentation on the back of the button has been filled. Then, carefully open up the remote and inspect the circuit board. Check for signs of corrosion or other indications that the buttons are worn or damaged, such as missing the conductive paint. Use a Q-tip, dipped in alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that has damaged or where conductive painting is missing. Don't rub too hard in order to damage the conductive paint and prevent the button from firing when it is pressed. Check the battery connector's terminals carefully for any loose solder connections. Soldering them back into place can restore the button's functionality If this is the case. You can follow the same process to restore functionality to any other loose connection in the fob. In the end, if any of the buttons made of rubber on the front of the key fob have stopped working or require a hard press to work it is likely that the graphite disks on the back of the button are wearing out and require replacement. This can be done by rubbing a pencil over the disks. This should bring the button back to life. If all of this doesn't help, or if the button still does not respond to a firm press, then it may be that the circuit board has gone bad. It is possible to fix this issue by cleaning and re-soldering the fob, but you should have a spare in case it does not work. Circuitry The circuit board in the remote control could be dirty, regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob are working or not. A thorough examination is often enough to resolve this problem. Broken cases and water are the most common causes of dirty boards. A broken case can let water and other debris to enter the circuit board, which can cause it to short out. Water can also eat away at pins and connectors on the board called via's. If you're able to open your key fob, and don't mind making a mess, we can remove the buttons from their sockets and put in new ones. It's also worth checking the battery terminal connections. They can get very filthy and if they're not tight enough, the buttons might not function or may even remain in their down position. Soldering the terminals, and putting the button back in their place is generally all it takes to restore keys that are not in functioning condition. Non-Remote Transponder Chips The sealed non-remote chips are more durable than their remote fobs, but they can be cracked in the event of a hole being drilled into them or if a car door handle or lawnmowers plows over them. Most of the time non-remote transponder chip malfunctions can be attributed to a blown fuse. If you're able to open up the sealed key fob and are able to bear the mess, you can easily remove the circuit board and examine the fuse using an instrument to verify diode function. If you don't feel comfortable with this, you can go to your local Oreilly or hardware store and utilize their RF frequency tester. This will let you know whether the key fob sends a signal. Programming Key fobs take lots of abuse and aren't completely indestructible. They may lose their connection to the car's receiver due to shock or low battery, which calls for the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or dealer will be able to reprogram your key fob to get it functioning again. In the event that resetting and repairing your key fob isn't working it may be time to replace it all over again.
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