Question

Why is my key fob not working?

If your key fob still doesn’t work after you have replaced the batteries, the issue may be with the buttons or the battery connector.

It’s happened to the best of us – you’re all set for a drive, but then your car’s key fob does not seem to work. It has to be the battery, you think, and so you replace it, but the darn key fob still does not work! Key fob replacements can be expensive, and now you’re worried. Take a deep breath, because here’s a list of possible reasons for the key fob failure and what you can do to fix it.

Why isn’t my key fob working after I changed the battery?

If your key fob still doesn’t work after changing the batteries, you may need to reprogram it. Check for other issues, like loose buttons or broken battery terminals – they’re the usual suspects. The most common reasons why a key fob does not work even after replacing the battery are:

• The fob is damaged, worn out, or dirty.
• Your car’s battery might be running low, the locks might be faulty, or the keyless entry system could be malfunctioning.
• Another vehicle nearby might be interfering with the signal.

However, if this keeps happening frequently, it might be time to replace it. Here are a few things you can check for if the key fob is not working even after replacing the battery.

Broken Battery Connector Terminals

Take apart the remote to inspect the battery connector terminals for damage. Repairing loose or damaged connector terminals may be as simple as soldering them back into place.  

Loose Buttons 

One other possibility is that the buttons themselves are broken. Most remote controls have rubberized buttons, which can become loose or worn out over time. The primary symptom of a worn button is that the plastic has degraded, and the contact is exposed. 

If one or more of the buttons won’t release properly or are stuck, you can fix the remote by taking it apart, removing the buttons, cleaning them, and reassembling them. If that doesn’t work, you might need to get a new remote key fob. 

Broken Locks 

If a key fob still doesn’t work after you replace the batteries, the problem may not be with the device itself. You may need to repair the latches on your car doors or free a door that’s stuck in the locked position. The problem may be a broken lock component. 

If the doors don’t open and close properly, there is a serious safety issue. Additionally, your safety is compromised if your locks don’t always lock. Locks should be repaired as soon as damage threatens their functionality. 

Damaged Keys 

Damage to the key fob may occur if it is subjected to anything other than normal wear and tear from repeated use. Water, blunt force, scratches on the circuit board, etc., are all potential causes of this damage. 

If your key fob suddenly stopped working after being opened, stepped on, or getting wet, and a battery change did not solve the problem, the problem is likely a damaged key. Sometimes the damage is obvious, but not always. 

When a key is damaged, the entire thing must be replaced, unlike when the buttons are simply worn down. As a result, the cost of replacing a broken key fob will likely be higher. Issues caused by housing damage alone could be remedied with a partial housing replacement. 

Electronic Key Fob Reprogramming 

A remote key fob must be programmed to work with your specific vehicle make and model to ensure that only you can use it to unlock your car. This prevents people with the same make and model from getting access to your car via their remote.

If the connection was lost or the batteries were replaced, the key fob must be reprogrammed before it will recognize your vehicle again. 

Standard Programming Sequence 

The standard sequence works for most of the key fobs. 

• Lock your car door and get inside. 
• Turn the ignition with your key. 
• To avoid accidentally starting the vehicle, turn the key to the “run” position instead of starting it, and move it back to the lock position to lock it. Repeat the process multiple times in a row. 
• If you have cycled the key in and out of the lock enough times, you should hear a chime or other sound, indicating that you can now press the lock or unlock button on your key fob, triggering another chime. 
• Check whether the reprogramming of the fob was successful by testing the remote control. 

Alternative Programming Sequence 

If the typical sequence of commands doesn’t work for your car, try this one instead. 

• Go ahead and get into your vehicle, but make sure to lock the door manually. 
• To turn on the car, turn the key in the ignition and remove it. Repeat this procedure six times in no more than 10 seconds. 
• The interior and exterior lights will flash if this is your car’s pattern. 
• Turn your key to the accessory position and then turn the ignition. 
• Choose a button on your keychain remote and press it. 
• Hazard lights will flash, indicating the reprogramming was successful. 
• To verify that the reprogramming was successful, you can look for the hazard lights to blink when you use the remote control. 

If none of the suggested reprogramming sequences worked, take your car to a certified repair facility or a local garage that specializes in your model or manufacturer.