How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working If your key fob doesn't work then you can fix it with a few simple steps. First, check to make sure it's not your backup remote. If your backup remote cannot lock and unlock the doors of your car, it is most likely that the primary remote isn't functioning. The most common causes of car remote key failure are issues with the circuitry or battery. Battery The battery in the key fob could wear out over time. It is quite simple to change out a battery, although it is important to make sure that you choose the correct type; you can look in your owner's manual or contact the manufacturer's dealer to determine the type of battery you need. It is also crucial to check the battery compartment as dead batteries can leak toxic chemicals that could damage the remote. If changing the battery doesn't fix the problem there could be other issues that require professional attention. If buttons are broken or stuck, for example it might be necessary to take the remote apart and rework each component. You can also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new key fob. Buttons Key fobs can get dirty and worn-out from frequent use. g28carkeys.co.uk is not unusual for buttons to stop functioning, or require a hefty push to make them work. This can be extremely frustrating especially if you're away from home and you need to start your car. Even worn-out or malfunctioning buttons are often fixable with a little effort and materials you already have at home. First, ensure that the batteries are up correctly and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Open the remote carefully and inspect the circuit board. Examine for signs of rust or other indications that the buttons are worn out or damaged, like missing conductive paint. Use a Q-tip that has been dipped in rubbing alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that has damaged or where conductive painting is missing. Don't rub too hard in order to damage the conductive paint and stop the button from firing when it is pressed. Also, make sure to inspect the battery connector's terminals to ensure an unattached solder connection. Soldering them back into place will restore the button's functionality If this is the situation. You can follow the same process to restore functionality to any other loose connection within the fob. Finally, if any of the buttons made of rubber that are on the front of the key fob aren't functioning or require a hard press to work it is likely that the graphite disks that are on the back of the button are wearing out and require replacement. This can be done by rubbing a pencil over the disks. This should bring the button back to life. If none of this is useful or if the button does not respond to a hard press, then it may be because the circuit board itself is damaged. It is possible to fix this by a quick clean and refitting, but it's ideal to have a spare fob on hand in the event that this method doesn't work for you. Circuitry If the key fob buttons function the circuit board in your remote might be dirty. A very thorough inspection is often enough to resolve this problem. The most common causes for dirty circuit boards is water and damaged cases. A damaged case can allow water and other debris to pass through and short circuit the electronic components. Water can also destroy pins and connectors that are small on the board called via's. If you're able to open 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. It's also worth examining the battery terminal connections. If they're loose, the buttons could not function properly or become stuck in their down position. Soldering the terminals, and putting the button back into place is typically all it takes to restore the key fob that is not working to working condition. Non-Remote transponder chips The sealed non-remote chips are more durable than their remote fobs. However, they are susceptible to cracking in the event of a hole being drilled in them, or in the event that a door handle of a car or lawnmowers is pushed over them. Most of the time, non-remote transponder chips fail, and this can be blamed on an exploded fuse. If you're able to open up the sealed key fob and can tolerate the mess, you can take off the circuit board and test the fuse using a multimeter for proper diode function. If you're not comfortable doing this, visit your local hardware store or Oreilly's and they will usually have an RF frequency tester that will let you know whether the key fob sending a signal. Programming Key fobs endure lots 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, which calls for them to be reprogrammed. A professional auto locksmith or main dealer can reprogram your key fob and get it functioning again. In the event that resetting and fixing your key fob doesn't work it could be the time to replace it all over again.
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