How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working<br /><br />If your key fob won't work, you can fix it by following a few simple steps. The first step is to make sure that it's not your backup remote.<br /><br />If your backup remote cannot lock and unlock the doors of your car, then it is most likely that the primary remote isn't working. The most frequent causes of key malfunctions for car remotes are issues with the circuitry or battery.<br /><br />Battery<br /><br />It is not uncommon for the battery in the key fob for cars to get worn out. It is fairly easy to change out batteries, but it is essential to ensure that you select the correct one; you can look in your owner's manual or contact the dealer for the manufacturer to find out what kind of battery you require. <a href="https://www.g28carkeys.co.uk/hertford-auto-locksmiths-near-me/">remote car key repair near me</a> is recommended to inspect the battery compartment thoroughly because dead batteries can leak caustic chemicals that can harm the remote. If changing the battery doesn't fix the problem there may be additional issues that require attention from a professional. For instance, if buttons seem to be stuck or broken It may be necessary to disassemble the remote and rebuild its components. You could also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new key fob.<br /><br />Buttons<br /><br />Due to frequent use, key fobs can become worn and dirty. It is not common for buttons to cease working, or to require a hefty press to make them work. This can be very frustrating especially if you're away from home and need to start your vehicle. Fortunately, even worn out or malfunctioning buttons can often be fixed with a little time and some of the materials you have in the home.<br /><br />First, verify that the batteries are correctly placed and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Take the remote apart and inspect the circuit board. Examine for evidence of rust, or other indications that the buttons have been damaged or worn out. For instance, conductive paint may be missing. Then, using a Q-tip that has been dipped in alcohol, gently clean any membrane contacts that have become damaged or where conductive paint is missing. Be careful not to rub too hard, because this could damage the conductive painting and prevent the button firing when pressed.<br /><br />Examine the battery connector's terminals carefully for any loose solder connections. Soldering them back in place can 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.<br /><br />If, for instance, any of the rubber buttons on the front of the key fob have stopped working or require a hard press to work it is likely the graphite disks that are on the back of the button are deteriorating and need to be replaced. You can usually do this by rubbing a pen over the disks. This will bring the button back to life.<br /><br />If none of these solutions work, or if you still are unable to get the button to respond when you press it hard, it is possible that the circuitry has failed. It is possible to fix this issue by cleaning and re-soldering the button however, you should have a spare in case it does not work.<br /><br />Circuitry<br /><br />The circuit board in your remote control may be dirty regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob are working or not. A thorough examination will usually resolve this issue. Water and broken cases are the most frequent causes of dirty boards. A broken case allows water and other debris to enter and short out the electronic components. Water can also destroy pins and small connectors on the board called via's.<br /><br /><br /><br />If you're able to open up your key fob and don't mind a little mess, we can remove the solder from the buttons and then solder new ones in their place. It's also worth checking the connections between battery terminals. They can become very dirty and if they're loose, the buttons might not work or may even remain in their down position. Soldering the terminals back to their original positions is often enough to restore a non-working fob to a working condition.<br /><br />Non-Remote transponder chips<br /><br />The non-remote chips that are sealed are more durable than their remote fobs, however they can be cracked in the event of a hole being drilled in them, or when a door handle for a car or lawnmower runs over them. Most of the time, non-remote transponder chip failures can be blamed on a blown fuse.<br /><br />If you're not confident opening the key fob, you can remove the circuitboard and use a multimeter to check that the diode is working properly. If you're not sure with this, you can visit your local Oreilly or hardware store and use their RF frequency tester. This will tell you whether the key fob transmits an RF signal.<br /><br />Programming<br /><br />Key fobs take a lot of abuse and aren't impervious to damage. They can lose their pairing to the receiver in your car due to shock or a low battery, requiring them to be reprogrammed. A professional auto locksmith or main dealer will be able to reprogram your key fob to get it working again. If resetting or repairing your keyfob does not work, you may need to replace it.<br /><br />