How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working If your key fob isn't functioning There are a few simple steps that can be taken to fix it. The first step is to be sure that it's not your 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. Battery The battery in a key fob can get worn out over the course of time. It is easy to replace a battery. However it is crucial to select the right kind. You can check your owner's manual or call the manufacturer to find out the right kind. It is recommended to inspect the battery compartment with care because dead batteries can leak caustic chemicals that can cause damage to the remote. If changing the batteries does not solve the problem, it may be that there are other issues that require attention by a professional. For example, if buttons seem stuck or damaged, it may be necessary to disassemble the remote and rework its components. You can also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new key fob. Buttons Key fobs can become filthy and worn out due to repeated use. This is not uncommon, but it can cause buttons to cease functioning or require a hard press for them to work. This can be extremely frustrating, especially if you are away from home and you need to start your vehicle. Even worn-out or malfunctioning buttons can be fixed with a little effort and tools you already have at home. First, make sure key fob repair near me are properly charged and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Then, carefully remove the remote and examine the circuit board. Look for signs of corrosion or other signs that the buttons are worn out or damaged, like missing paint that is conductive. Use a Q-tip that has been dipped in rubbing alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that has become damaged or where conductive paint is missing. Don't rub too hard, as this could erode the conductive paint and prevent the button from firing when pressed. Also, make sure to inspect the battery connector's terminals to ensure a loose solder connection. If this is the case, connecting them back may restore function to the button. You can apply the same procedure to restore functionality to any other loose connection inside the fob. If any of the rubber buttons on the front of the keyfob aren't working or require being press extremely hard the graphite disks at the back of the button may have worn out and will require replacement. You can do this by rubbing a pen over the disks. This should bring the button back to life. If none of this is helpful or if the button still does not respond to a firm press It could be because the circuit board has become damaged. It is possible to fix this by cleaning and re-soldering the button but you should also have a spare in case it doesn't work. Circuitry The circuit board inside your remote control could be dirty, regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob are working or not. The issue can be solved through a thorough examination. The most frequent causes of dirty circuit boards are water and broken cases. A damaged case can let water and other debris into the circuit board, causing it to short out. Water can also damage pins and connectors that are small on the board, which are known as via's. If you're skilled enough to open your key fob and don't mind making an mess, you can take the buttons out of their sockets and solder in new ones. It's also worth looking at the battery terminal connections. If they're loose, the buttons might not function or get stuck in their down position. Soldering the terminals back 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 the remote fobs that contain them however they are still susceptible to being damaged by a hole that is drilled into them or run over by a lawnmowers blade or door handle for a car. Most of the time non-remote transponder chip malfunctions can be blamed on a blown fuse. If you are not comfortable opening the key fob, you can remove the circuitboard and use a multimeter to determine if the diode is functioning properly. If you're not comfortable doing this, visit your local hardware store or Oreilly's and they'll usually have an radio frequency tester that can let you know whether the key fob is transmitting a signal. Programming Key fobs are not indestructible and are susceptible to being damaged by a lot of things. They may lose their connection to the receiver in your car because of shock or a low battery, which calls for the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or dealer can reprogram your key fob and get it functioning again. If, in the unlikely event that resetting or repairing your key fob isn't working, it could be time to replace it entirely.
key fob repair near me
