How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working If your key fob isn't functioning There are a few simple steps that can fix it First, ensure that it's not the backup remote If the backup remote is able to lock and unlock your car doors, then there is likely an issue with the primary remote Most car remote key failures are caused by circuitry or battery problems Battery The battery in a key fob can wear out over time It is easy to replace batteries However it is essential that you use the correct kind You can check your owner's guide or contact the manufacturer to find out the right kind It is also important to inspect the battery compartment, since batteries that are not working properly can release caustic chemicals which can damage the remote If changing the batteries doesn't solve the issue it could be that there are other issues that require attention from a professional For instance, if buttons appear stuck or damaged It may be necessary to take the remote apart and rework its components You can also try reprogramming your vehicle to recognize the new key fob Buttons From frequent use, key fobs may wear out and become dirty It is not unusual to have buttons stop functioning, or require a hard press to make them work This can be very frustrating particularly if you're away from home and you need to start your car Even worn-out or malfunctioning buttons can be fixed with a little time and tools 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 remove the remote and inspect the circuit board Look for signs of corrosion or other indications that the buttons are worn out or damaged, like missing the conductive paint Utilizing a Q-tip dipped in alcohol, gently clean any membrane contacts that have become damaged or where conductive paint is missing Avoid rubbing too hard, since this could cause damage to the conductive paint and block the button from firing when the button is pressed Check the battery connector terminals for loose solder connections Soldering them back in place can restore the button's functionality in the event that this is the situation The same process can be used to restore function to any other loose connections within the fob Finally, if any of the buttons made of rubber that are on the front of the key fob have stopped functioning or require a difficult press to function it is likely the graphite disks that are on the back of the button are deteriorating and need to be replaced It is usually done by rubbing a pen over 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 you press it hard, it could be that the circuitry is failing It is possible to fix this by 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 Circuitry If the key fob buttons are working the circuit board that is inside your remote may be dirty This problem can be resolved through a thorough examination The most common causes for dirty circuit boards is water and broken cases A damaged case can let 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 on the board If you're handy enough to open your key fob and aren't afraid of a little mess, we can remove the solder from the buttons and put new ones in their place Also, it's worth checking the connections between battery terminals If https//wwwg28carkeyscouk/car-key-repairs-near-me/ , the buttons could not function or get 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 non-remote chips sealed in a sealed case 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 or lawnmower runs over them Failures of the fuse are typically the cause of non-remote chip failures If you're not comfortable opening the key fob, you may remove the circuitboard and use a multimeter to verify that the diode is functioning properly If you're not confident doing this, go to 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 transmitting a signal Programming Key fobs are subject to a lot of abuse and aren't indestructible They can lose their pairing with the receiver in your vehicle due to shocks or a low battery, which calls for changing the program A professional auto locksmith, or main dealer can reprogram your key fob and get it back functioning again If resetting or fixing the keyfob is not working it may be necessary to replace it