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

If the backup can lock and unlock your car doors then there's a likely issue with the main remote. The most frequent causes of repair car key remote key failure are battery or circuitry issues.

Battery

It is not unusual for the battery inside a car key fob to wear out. It is relatively easy to change out batteries, but it is important to ensure you use the right type and you can consult the owner's manual or talk to the dealer of the manufacturer to determine the type of battery you need. It is also important to check the battery compartment as dead batteries can leak toxic chemicals that could damage the remote. If replacing the batteries doesn't solve the issue it could be because there are other issues that require attention by a professional. If the buttons are broken or stuck for instance it might be necessary to take the remote apart and rework each component. You could also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new remote.

Buttons

Key fobs can become dirty and worn-out from frequent use. This is not unusual, but it can cause buttons to cease working or require a long press to function. This can be a hassle, especially when you are away from home and you need to start your car key repairs. Even worn-out or malfunctioning buttons are often fixable with a little time and materials you already have at home.

First, make sure the batteries are up correctly and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Then, carefully open the remote and inspect the circuit board. Examine for evidence of rust, or other indications that the buttons have been damaged or repair car Key worn out. For example, conductive paint may be missing. Use a Q-tip, dipped in rubbing alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that has damaged or where conductive paint is missing. Do not rub too vigorously in order to damage the conductive paint, and block the button from firing when pressed.

Also, be sure to check the battery connector terminals for any loose solder connections. Soldering them back into place will allow the button to function again if this is the situation. 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 aren't working or require being pressed very hard the graphite disks on the back of the button may have worn out and will require replacement. You can do this by rubbing a pencil over the disks. This should bring the button to life.

If none of this is useful, or if the button doesn't respond to a hard push It could be that the circuit board has become damaged. It is possible to fix this by cleaning and re-soldering your fob but you should also have another spare in case it doesn't work.

Circuitry

The circuit board of your remote control may be dirty regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob work or not. A very thorough inspection is often enough to resolve this problem. Water and broken cases are the most frequent causes of dirty boards. A broken case can let water and other debris to get into the circuit board, which can cause it to short out. Water can also get through pins and vias, which are the tiny connectors on the board.

If you're able to open up your key fob, and you're not afraid of some mess, we can de-solder the buttons and then solder new ones in their place. Also, you should check the connections between the battery terminals. If they are loose, the buttons might not function or get stuck 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

The non-remote chips that are sealed are more durable than remote fobs, however they are susceptible to cracking when a hole is made in them, or when a door handle for a car remote key repair or lawnmowers plows over them. Most of the time, non-remote transponder chips fail, and this can be attributed to an exploded fuse.

If you're not comfortable opening the key fob, you can take the circuit board off and use a multimeter to verify that the diode is functioning properly. If you're not comfortable doing this, go to your local hardware store or Oreilly's and they usually have an RF frequency tester that will tell you whether the key fob is transmitting a signal.

Programming

Key fobs are subject to a lot of abuse and aren't completely indestructible. They can lose their pairing to the receiver in your car due to shock or a low battery, requiring the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or a dealer in the main, can reprogram your keyfob to get it functioning again. If resetting or replacing the keyfob is not working it may be necessary to replace it.