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How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob does not work then you can fix it with some simple steps. First, ensure that it's not your backup remote.

If your backup remote key repair is unable to unlock and lock the doors of your car, it is likely that the main remote isn't functioning. The most common causes of key repair shop near me problems with your car remote are battery or circuitry issues.

Battery

It is not unusual to find a battery on the key fob for cars to degrade. It is fairly easy to replace batteries, but it is essential to ensure that you use the right type; you can look in your owner's manual or contact the manufacturer's dealer to find out what kind of battery you need. It's recommended to inspect the battery compartment with care, as dead batteries sometimes leak caustic chemicals that can damage the remote. If changing the battery doesn't solve the issue, there may be other issues that require professional attention. If the buttons are broken or stuck, for example, it may be necessary remove the remote and rebuild each component. You could also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new key fob.

Buttons

Key fobs may become dirty and worn-out from repeated use. This is not uncommon, but it can cause buttons to stop working or require a long press to function. This can be very frustrating particularly when you're away from home and you need to turn on your car. Fortunately, even worn-out or malfunctioning buttons can often be fixed with a bit of time and some of the materials you may already have around the house.

First, check that the batteries are properly installed and that the indentation at the back of the button has been filled. Open the remote carefully and remote key repair look over the circuit board. Check 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 dipped into rubbing alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that is damaged or where conductive paint is missing. Be careful not to rub too hard, as this can erode the conductive paint and stop the button firing when the button is pressed.

Check the battery connector terminals for loose solder connections. Soldering them back into place can restore the button's functionality if this is the case. The same procedure can be used to restore functionality to any other loose connections inside the fob.

If any of the rubber buttons at the front of the keyfob are not working or require being press extremely hard the graphite disks on the back of the button might have worn out and will require replacement. You can usually do this by rubbing a pencil over the disks. This will bring the button back to life.

If all of this doesn't help, or if the button still doesn't respond to a hard push, then it may be the case that the circuit board has become damaged. It is possible to fix this issue by cleaning and re-soldering the fob but you should also have another spare in case it doesn't work.

Circuitry

If the key fob buttons function the circuit board in the remote could be dirty. A thorough examination is usually enough to fix this problem. The most common causes of dirty circuit boards are water and damaged cases. A damaged case can allow water and other debris to get into the circuit board, which can cause it to short out. Water can also damage pins and vias, which are tiny connectors on the board.

If you're handy enough to open your mobile key repair fob and aren't afraid of some mess, we can de-solder the buttons and put new ones in their place. It's also worth looking at the battery terminal connections. They can become extremely dirty and if they're loose the buttons may not work or even stick in their down position. Soldering the terminals back to their original positions is often enough to return a malfunctioning fob to working.

Non-Remote transponder chips

Sealed non-remote key fob repair near me transponder chips are much more durable than remote key fob repair near me fobs they are contained in, but they can be broken by a hole being drilled into them or run over by a lawnmowers blade or door handle for a car key lock repair near me. Fuse failures are usually the cause of non-remote chip failures.

If you're able to open up the sealed key fob and can tolerate the mess, you can take off the circuit board and check the fuse using a multimeter for proper diode function. If you're not confident doing this, visit your local hardware store or Oreilly's, and they'll usually have a radio frequency tester that can determine whether the key fob is transmitting a signal.

Programming

Key fobs are subject to a lot of abuse and aren't indestructible. They can lose their pairing with the receiver in your vehicle due to shocks or low-battery, which requires reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith, or the main dealer can reprogram the keyfob to get it functioning again. If resetting or fixing the keyfob is not working, you may need to replace it.