How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working If your key fob doesn't work, you can fix it with a few simple steps. The first step is to be sure that it's not your 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 majority of car remote key malfunctions result from circuitry or battery problems. Battery The battery inside the key fob may wear out over time. It is relatively easy to change out the battery, however it is crucial to ensure that you choose the correct type and you can consult your owner's manual, or contact the dealer of the manufacturer to find out what kind of battery you need. It is also a good idea to examine the battery compartment carefully since dead batteries may release caustic chemicals that could harm the remote. If replacing the batteries doesn't solve the issue, it may be that there are other issues that require professional attention. If buttons are damaged or stuck, for example it could be necessary to take the remote apart and rework each component. It is also possible to reprogramme the vehicle to recognize the new fob. Buttons Key fobs can get dirty and worn out from frequent use. It is not uncommon to have buttons stop functioning, or require a hard push to make them work. This can be frustrating especially when you're away from home and you need to start your car. Fortunately, even worn-out or damaged buttons can be fixed with a bit of time and a few items you might already have in the house. First, make sure that the batteries have been correctly placed and that the indentation at the back of the button is filled. Then, carefully open the remote and examine the circuit board. Check for signs of corrosion or other signs that buttons are worn out or damaged, like missing conductive paint. Use the Q-tip, dipped in alcohol, gently clean any membrane contacts that have become damaged or have conductive paint missing. Avoid rubbing too hard because this could damage the conductive painting and prevent the button from firing when pressed. Check the battery connector terminals carefully for any loose solder connections. Soldering them back to their original position 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. In the end, if any of the rubber buttons on the front of the key fob aren't working or require a very hard press to work it is likely that the graphite disks that are on the back of the button are deteriorating and need to be replaced. You can do this by rubbing a pen over the disks. This will bring the button back to life. If all of this doesn't help or if the button still does not respond to a firm press, then it may be that the circuit board itself has become damaged. This can be fixed with a quick clean and replacing the solder, but it is ideal to have a spare fob available in the event this method fails for you. read this Whether or not the key fob buttons are working the circuit board that is inside your remote might be dirty. The issue can be solved through a thorough examination. Water and broken cases are the most common causes of dirty boards. A damaged case can allow water and other debris to get into the circuit board, which can cause it to short. 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 don't mind making an mess, you can take the buttons out of their sockets and then solder new ones. Also, you should check the connections between the battery terminals. They can become very dirty and if they're loose the buttons may not work or even stay 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 much more durable than remote fobs that contain them but they can still be broken by a hole being made in them or pushed over by a lawnmower or car door handle. Fuse failures are usually to blame for non-remote chips failures. If you're not comfortable opening the key fob, you may remove the circuitboard and utilize a multimeter to determine if the diode is functioning correctly. If you're not sure with this, visit your local Oreilly or hardware store and test their RF frequency tester. This will let you know whether the key fob is sending a signal. Programming Key fobs endure many abuses and aren't completely indestructible. They can lose their pairing to the car's receiver because of shock or a low battery, which calls for the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or a main dealer will be able to reprogram your key fob and get it working again. In the rarer case that resetting and fixing your key fob doesn't work it could be the time to replace it completely.
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