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How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob won't work and you're not sure why, you can fix it by following just a few steps. First, ensure that it's not your backup remote.

If your backup remote cannot unlock and lock the doors of your car key repair near me, then it is most likely that the primary remote isn't working. The most common causes of key malfunctions for car remotes are issues with the circuitry or battery.

Battery

It is not uncommon to find a battery on a key fob for cars to degrade. It is easy to replace the battery. However, it is important to select the right type. You can check the owner's manual or contact the manufacturer to inquire about the right type. It is also crucial to examine the battery compartment, as dead batteries can leak caustic chemicals which can damage the remote. If replacing the batteries doesn't solve the issue it could be because there are other issues that require professional attention. For example, if buttons seem stuck or damaged It may be necessary to take the remote apart and rework its parts. You can also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new key fob.

Buttons

Due to repeated use, key fobs can get dirty and worn. This is not atypical however, it can cause buttons to stop working or require a very long press to function. This can be frustrating particularly when you're away from home and you need to switch on your car key repair. 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, make sure that the batteries are properly installed and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Open the remote carefully and look over the circuit board. Look for signs of corrosion or other indications that the buttons are worn out or damaged, like missing the conductive paint. Then, using a Q-tip dipped in alcohol to gently clean any membrane contacts that have worn or where conductive paint is missing. Avoid rubbing too hard because this could damage the conductive paint and stop the button from firing when the button is pressed.

Examine the battery connector's terminals for loose solder connections. If this is the case, simply connecting them back may bring back function to the button. You can apply the same process to restore functionality to any other loose connection within the fob.

If any of the rubber buttons at the front of the keyfob isn't working or require being press extremely hard, the graphite disks at the back of the button might have worn out and require replacement. You can do this by rubbing a pen across the disks. This should bring the button back to life.

If all of this doesn't help or if the button does not respond to a hard push It could be the case that the circuit board has gone bad. This can be fixed with a quick clean and replacing the solder, but it is best to have an extra fob in case this method doesn't work for you.

Circuitry

If the keys fob buttons are functioning the circuit board in your remote may be dirty. A very thorough inspection is usually enough to fix this issue. The most common causes of dirty circuit boards are water and damaged cases. A damaged case can let water and other debris to get into the circuit board, which can cause it to short out. Water can also damage pins and connectors on the board called via's.

If you're skilled enough to open your key fob, and don't mind making a mess, we can take the buttons out of their sockets and solder in new ones. It's also worth checking the connections between battery terminals. They can become very filthy and if they're not tight enough, the buttons might not work or even stay in their down position. Soldering the terminals, and putting the button back in place is usually all that's required to return a non-working key fob to functioning condition.

Non-Remote transponder chips

The non-remote chips that are sealed are more durable than remote fobs. However, they are susceptible to breaking when a hole is made in them, or if a car remote key repair door handle or lawnmowers plows over them. Fuse failures are usually to blame for non-remote chip failures.

If you're not comfortable opening the key fob, you can remove the circuitboard and utilize a multimeter to verify that the diode is functioning properly. If you're not confident doing this, go to your local hardware store or the Oreilly's and they'll usually have a RF frequency tester that will determine whether the key fob sending signals.

Programming

Key fobs take a lot of abuse and aren't impervious to damage. They can lose their pairing to the Emergency car Key repair's receiver because of shock or a low battery, which requires them to be reprogrammed. A professional auto locksmith or dealer will be able to reprogram your key fob and get it functioning again. If, in the unlikely event that resetting and fixing your key fob doesn't work it may be time to replace it entirely.