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. 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 battery or circuitry problems. Battery The battery inside the key fob could get worn out over the course of time. It is easy to replace the battery. However, it is important that you use the correct type. You can check your owner's manual or call the manufacturer to determine the right kind. It's also a good idea to inspect the battery compartment with care because dead batteries can release caustic chemicals that could cause damage to the remote. If replacing the battery does not fix the issue there could be other issues that require attention from a professional. If the buttons are stuck or broken for instance, it may be necessary take the remote apart and rework each component. You can also try reprogramming your vehicle to recognize the new key fob. Buttons Key fobs may become filthy and worn out due to frequent use. It is not common for buttons to cease working, or to require a hard push to make them work. This can be very frustrating particularly if you're out of town and need to start your vehicle. Even malfunctioning or worn-out buttons can be fixed with a little effort and materials you already have at home. First, check that the batteries are properly inserted and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Then, carefully remove the remote and look at the circuit board. Check for indications of rust or other signs the buttons have been damaged or worn out. For example there could be conductive paint missing. Use a Q-tip dipped into rubbing alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that is damaged or where conductive painting is missing. Be careful not to rub too hard, since this could cause damage to the conductive paint and stop the button from firing when it is pressed. Examine the battery connector's terminals for loose solder connections. Soldering them back in place can restore the button's functionality If this is the situation. You can follow the same procedure to restore functionality to any other loose connection in the fob. In the end, if any of the buttons made of rubber that are on the front of the key fob stop working or require a very long press to function it is likely the graphite disks at the back of the button are deteriorating and require replacement. It is usually done by rubbing a pen over the disks. This will bring the button back to life. If none of these solutions work or you are unable to get the button to respond when pressed hard, it is possible that the circuitry has failed. This can be fixed with a quick clean and replacing the solder, but it is best to have an extra fob available in the event this method does not work for you. Circuitry Whether or not the key fob buttons function the circuit board that is inside your remote may be dirty. A thorough examination is often enough to resolve this problem. The most common causes for dirty circuit boards is water and broken cases. A broken case allows water and other debris to get in and short circuit the electronics. Water can also eat through pins and vias, which are tiny connectors on the board. If you're able to open your key fob, and you don't mind making some mess, we can take the buttons out of their sockets and put in new ones. It's also worth looking at the battery terminal connections. They can become extremely dirty and if they're loose, the buttons might not function or even stay in their down position. Soldering the terminals, and putting the button back in their place is generally all it takes to restore the key fob that is not working to working order. Non-Remote Transponder Chips The non-remote chips sealed in a sealed case are more durable than remote fobs, however they can be cracked in the event of a hole being drilled in them or when a door handle for a car or lawnmower runs over them. repair car key fob of the fuse is usually the cause of non-remote chip failures. If you're able to remove a key fob that is sealed and are willing to put up with the mess, you can take off the circuit board and check the fuse with an instrument to verify diode function. If you're unsure about doing this, head to your local hardware store or Oreilly's, and they usually have a radio frequency tester that can determine whether the key fob is sending signals. Programming Key fobs are not indestructible and are susceptible to damage by a lot of things. They may lose their connection to the car's receiver because of shock or a low battery, which requires them to be reprogrammed. A professional auto locksmith or the main dealer can reprogram your key fob and get it back up and running again. If resetting or repairing your key fob fails, you may need to replace it.
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