How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob won't work then you can fix it by following some simple steps. The first step is to make sure that it's not the backup remote.

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

Battery

It is not unusual to find a battery on a key fob for cars to wear out. It is fairly easy to change out a battery, although it is important to ensure you select the correct one that you can refer to your owner's manual or contact the dealer for the manufacturer to find out what kind of battery you require. It is also essential to inspect the battery compartment, as dead batteries can leak caustic chemicals which can damage the remote. If replacing the battery does not fix the issue there may be additional issues that require professional attention. If buttons are stuck or broken for instance it could be necessary to remove the remote and rebuild each component. You could also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new fob.

Buttons

Due to frequent use, key fobs can wear out and become dirty. It is not uncommon for buttons to cease working, or to require a hard press to make them work. This can be very frustrating, especially when you are away from home and need to turn on your car key and repair. Fortunately, even worn-out or damaged buttons can be fixed with just a bit of time and a few materials you have in the house.

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 examine the circuit board. Examine for evidence of rust, or other signs the buttons are damaged or worn out. For instance there could be conductive paint missing. Use a Q-tip that has been dipped in rubbing alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that has worn out or has conductive paint missing. Avoid rubbing too hard because this could damage the conductive paint and block the button from firing when the button is pressed.

Also, make sure to inspect the battery connector's terminals for any loose solder connections. If this is the case, soldering them back in place may restore function to the button. The same method can be used to restore functionality to any other loose connections in the fob.

In the end, if any of the buttons made of rubber on the front of the key fob aren't working or require a hard press to work it is likely that the graphite disks on the back of the button are wearing out and require replacement. This is usually done by rubbing a pencil on the disks, which will bring the button back to life.

If none of these solutions work or you cannot get the button to respond when you press it hard, it could be that the circuitry has failed. This can sometimes be repaired by a quick clean, and replacing the solder, but it is ideal to have a spare fob on hand in the event that this method does not work for you.

Circuitry

The circuit board of your remote control may be dirty regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob function or not. A very thorough inspection is usually enough to fix this issue. The most common causes of dirty circuit boards are water and broken cases. A broken case can allow water and other debris to get into the circuit board, which can cause it to short. Water can also destroy pins and small connectors on the board, which are known as via's.

If you're skilled enough to open your key fob, and aren't afraid of making an mess, you can remove the buttons from their sockets and put in new ones. It's also worth checking 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 and buttons to their proper positions is usually enough to return a malfunctioning fob back to working.

Non-Remote transponder chips

Sealed non-remote transponder chips are more durable than the remote fobs that contain them but they can still be cracked by a hole made in them or car key and repair pushed over by a lawnmower or car door handle. Most of the time non-remote transponder chip failures can be attributed to a blown fuse.

If you're handy enough to open up a key fob that is sealed and are willing to put up with the mess, you can take off the circuit board and test the fuse using an instrument to verify diode function. If you're unsure about doing this, go to your local hardware store or Oreilly's and they will usually have a RF frequency tester that will determine whether the key fob key repair near me sending signals.

Programming

Key fobs are subject to a lot of abuse and aren't indestructible. They may lose their connection with the receiver in your vehicle due to shocks or a low battery, which calls for reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or a dealer in the main can reprogram the key fob and get it back working again. If, in the unlikely event that resetting and fixing your key fob doesn't work it could be the time to replace it all over again.