How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob does not work and you're not sure why, you can fix it by following some simple steps. The first step is to make sure that it's not your backup remote.

If your backup remote is unable to unlock and lock the doors of your car, then it is likely that the primary remote isn't working. The majority of car remote key malfunctions result from battery or circuitry problems.

Battery

The battery in the key fob may get worn out over the course of time. It is easy to replace a battery. However it is crucial that you use the correct kind. You can refer to your owner's guide or contact the manufacturer to find out the correct type. It's also a good idea to examine the battery compartment with care, as dead batteries sometimes release caustic chemicals that could harm the remote. If replacing the batteries doesn't solve the issue it could be that there are other issues that require attention from a professional. If buttons are stuck or broken for instance it could be necessary to disassemble the remote and rework each component. It is also possible to reprogramme the vehicle to recognize the new device.

Buttons

Through repeated use, key fobs could get dirty and worn. This is not atypical however it can cause buttons to stop working or require a difficult press to get them to function. This can be very frustrating particularly if you're out of town and need to start your car. Fortunately, even worn-out or broken buttons can usually be fixed with a little time and some of the materials you may already have around the house.

First, check that the batteries are up correctly and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Then, carefully open the remote and examine the circuit board. Look for signs of corrosion or other signs that the buttons are worn out or damaged, such as missing the conductive paint. Utilizing the Q-tip, dipped in alcohol to gently clean any membrane contacts that have damaged 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 it is pressed.

Examine the battery connector's terminals for loose solder connections. If this is the case, simply reconnecting them could restore function to the button. You can use the same procedure to restore functionality to any other loose connection in the fob.

If, for instance, any of the buttons made of rubber that are on the front of the key fob have stopped working or require a very hard press to work, it is likely that the graphite disks at the back of the button are wearing down and need to be replaced. You can usually do this by rubbing a pen across the disks. This should bring the button back to life.

If none of these solutions work, or if you still are unable to get the button to respond when pressed hard, it could be that the circuitry is failing. This can sometimes be repaired by a quick clean, and re-soldering, but it is recommended to have an additional fob in case this method doesn't work for you.

Circuitry

The circuit board inside 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. Water and broken cases are the most frequent causes of boards that are dirty. A damaged case can let water and other debris to get into the circuit board, causing it to short out. Water can also get through pins and vias, which are the tiny connectors that are found on the board.

If you're able to open your key fob and you don't mind making a mess, we can take the buttons out of their sockets and put in new ones. Also, you should check the connections between battery terminals. They can become very filthy and if they're not tight enough, the buttons may not work or even stay in their down position. Soldering the terminals, and putting the button back in their place is generally all that's required to return the key fob that is not working to working order.

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