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 with a few simple steps. First, ensure that it's not the backup remote.

If the backup remote is able to lock and unlock your car door, then there is likely an issue with the primary remote. The most common causes for Mobile Key Repair key malfunctions for car remotes are issues with the circuitry or battery.

Battery

It is not unusual to find a battery on the key fob for cars to degrade. It is quite simple to change out the battery, however it is crucial to ensure you use the right type; you can look in your owner's manual, or contact the dealer for the manufacturer to find out the kind of battery you need. It is recommended to examine the battery compartment thoroughly, as dead batteries sometimes release caustic chemicals that could damage the remote. If changing the battery doesn't fix the issue there could be other issues requiring professional attention. If buttons are damaged or stuck, for example it might be necessary to disassemble the remote and rework each component. It is also possible to reprogramme the vehicle key repairs to recognize the new remote.

Buttons

Key fobs can get dirty and worn out from repeated use. It is not uncommon for buttons to cease working, or to require a long press to make them work. This can be very frustrating particularly when you're away from your home and you need to switch on your car. Fortunately, even worn out or damaged buttons can be fixed with just a bit of time and some of the materials you might already have in the home.

First, check that the batteries are properly placed and that the indentation at the back of the button has been filled. Then, carefully remove the remote and look at the circuit board. Check for signs of corrosion or other signs that the buttons are worn or damaged, like missing conductive paint. Use a Q-tip dipped into rubbing alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that has worn-out or where to repair car key remote conductive painting is missing. Avoid rubbing too hard, as this can erode the conductive paint and stop the button firing when the button is pressed.

Check the battery connector's terminals for loose solder connections. Soldering them back in place will restore the button's functionality if this is the case. You can follow the same method to restore functionality to any other loose connection inside the fob.

Finally, if any of the rubber buttons on the front of the key fob stop working or require a very long press to function it is likely the graphite disks that are on the back of the button are deteriorating and require replacement. This can be done by rubbing a pencil on the disks, which will bring the button back to working.

If none of these solutions work, or if you still not be able to get the button respond when you press it hard, it could be that the circuitry has failed. It is possible to fix this issue by cleaning and re-soldering the fob, but you should have another spare in case it doesn't work.

Circuitry

The circuit board in your remote control could be dirty regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob function or not. This issue can be fixed through a thorough examination. The most frequent causes of dirty circuit boards is water and damaged cases. A damaged case can allow water and other debris to get into the circuit board, causing it to short. Water can also eat through pins and vias, which are small connectors that are found on the board.

If you're able to open your key fob and aren't afraid of making a mess, we can remove the solder from the buttons and then solder new ones in their place. Also, it's worth checking the connections between battery terminals. If they are loose, the buttons may not work or even become stuck in their down position. Soldering the terminals and buttons back into place is typically all that's required to return a non-working key fob to working condition.

Non-Remote transponder chips

The non-remote chips that are sealed are more durable than remote fobs. However, they are susceptible to breaking in the event of a hole being drilled in them or in the event that a door handle of a car or lawnmower runs over them. 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, take the circuit board off and use a multimeter to verify that the diode is functioning correctly. If you're unsure about doing this, Remote Key Repair head to your local hardware store or Oreilly's, and they will usually have an radio frequency tester that can let you know whether the key fob transmitting a signal.

Programming

Key fobs aren't impervious to destruction and can be damaged by a variety of factors. They can lose their pairing to the receiver in your Repair car key remote because of shock or a low battery, which requires them to be reprogrammed. A professional auto locksmith, or the main dealer can reprogram the keyfob to get it functioning again. If resetting or replacing the keyfob is not working it is possible to replace it.