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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 a few simple steps. The first step is to be sure that it's not the backup remote.

If your backup remote is unable to unlock and lock the doors of your car, it is likely that the primary remote is not working. The most common causes for key malfunctions for car remotes are battery or circuitry issues.

Battery

The battery inside the key fob could wear out over time. It is fairly easy to replace batteries, but it is crucial to ensure that you choose the correct type that you can refer to your owner's manual, or contact the dealer of the manufacturer to determine the type of battery you need. It's also a good idea to examine the battery compartment thoroughly since dead batteries may leak caustic chemicals that can damage the remote. If changing the battery doesn't fix the problem there could be other issues that require attention from a professional. For instance, if the buttons seem stuck or broken it could be necessary to disassemble the remote and rework its components. You can also try reprogramming your car to recognize the new key fob.

Buttons

Key fobs may become dirty and worn out from repeated use. It is not uncommon for buttons to stop working, or to require a long press to make them work. This can be very frustrating, especially when you are away from home and need to switch on your car. Fortunately, even worn-out or broken buttons can usually be fixed with a little time and some of the materials you might already have in the home.

First, make sure the batteries are properly charged and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Then, carefully open up the remote and examine the circuit board. Check for signs of corrosion or other indications that buttons are worn out or damaged, like missing paint that is conductive. Use a Q-tip dipped into alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that has become worn out or where conductive paint is missing. Don't rub too hard as this can damage the conductive paint and stop the button from firing when pressed.

Check the battery connector's terminals carefully for any loose solder connections. Soldering them back into place can restore the button's functionality in the event that this is the situation. The same method can be used to restore function to any other loose connections in 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 could have worn out and will require replacement. It is usually done by rubbing a pen across the disks. This should bring the button to life.

If none of these solutions work or you cannot get the button to respond when pressed hard, it could be that the circuitry has failed. It is possible to fix this by cleaning and re-soldering your fob however, you should have a spare in case it does not work.

Circuitry

Whether or not the key fob buttons are working the circuit remote car key repairs board that is inside your remote might be dirty. A thorough examination is often enough to resolve this problem. Broken and damaged cases are the most frequent causes of dirty boards. A damaged case could allow water and other debris to get into the circuit board, which can cause it to short out. Water can also damage pins and connectors that are small on the board called get more info via's.

If you're handy enough to remove your key fob and aren't afraid of a little 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 the battery terminals. If they are loose, the buttons could not work or even become stuck in their down position. Soldering terminals and buttons back to their proper positions is usually enough to bring a non-working fob back to working.

Non-Remote transponder chips

The non-remote chips that are sealed are more durable than remote fobs, however more info they can be cracked when a hole is made into them or in the event that a door handle of a car or lawnmowers plows over them. Most of the time non-remote transponder chip malfunctions could be attributed to an exploded fuse.

If you're not confident opening the key fob, you may remove the circuitboard and use a multimeter to check that the diode is working properly. If you're not sure with this, visit your local Oreilly or hardware store remote car key repairs and use their RF frequency tester. This will tell you whether the key fob transmits a signal.

Programming

Key fobs take a lot of abuse and aren't impervious to damage. They can lose their pairing to the car's receiver due to shock or low battery, which calls for the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith, or main dealer, can reprogram your key fob and get it back up and running again. In the rarer case that resetting or repairing your get more info key fob doesn't work it could be the time to replace it completely.

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