Why Your Car Key Fob Isn’t Working (And How to Fix It)

June 30, 2025

Common Issues, Quick Fixes, and When to Call a Professional

You’re rushing to get into your car, press the unlock button on your fob, and nothing happens. It’s frustrating, inconvenient, and often unexpected. A non-responsive car key fob doesn’t always mean it’s time for a replacement. In many cases, it’s a simple fix you can handle yourself.

In this blog, we’ll explore the most common reasons your car key fob may stop working, offer straightforward solutions, and help you know when it’s time to call in a professional.

1. The Battery Is Flat

The most frequent reason a key fob stops working is a dead or weak battery. Most key fobs use a small coin-cell battery that can last 2–3 years depending on use.

Signs your battery is flat:

• No lights flash when you press the buttons
  
• The remote works intermittently or only when close to the vehicle
  
• Push-button start doesn’t detect the key
  

How to fix it:

• Open your key fob case (usually with a small screwdriver or flat tool)
  
• Replace the battery with the same type, commonly a CR2032 or CR2025
  
• Reassemble and test the fob
  

2. Signal Interference

Modern key fobs communicate with your car using radio frequencies. If the signal is being blocked or disrupted, the fob might not work, even if the battery is fine.

Common causes:

• Nearby electronic devices or antennas
  
• Parking in areas with strong RF interference (e.g., underground garages or near airports)
  
• A faulty antenna in the car’s receiver unit
  

How to fix it:

• Move away from potential interference sources and try again
  
• Try using the manual key or backup entry method
  
• If the issue persists in different locations, it may be the car’s receiver that needs inspection
  

3. The Buttons Are Worn or Damaged

With frequent use, the rubber buttons on your key fob can wear out or become less responsive. Moisture or dirt can also get inside, interfering with the internal contact points.

How to fix it:

• Carefully open the fob and clean the inside with a cotton swab and isopropyl alcohol
  
• Check for any cracks in the casing or signs of corrosion
  
• If the buttons are damaged, you may need a new shell or fob case
  

4. The Fob Needs Reprogramming

Sometimes your key fob can lose its programming due to battery replacement, system glitches, or being out of sync with the vehicle’s immobiliser.

Symptoms:

• The battery is new but the fob still doesn’t work
  
• The car doesn’t recognise the key at all
  
• Other fobs for the same car are still working fine
  

How to fix it:

• Some vehicles allow for DIY reprogramming, check your owner’s manual
  
• In most cases, a professional automotive locksmith can reprogram your fob in minutes
  
• Dealerships can also reprogram keys, though typically at a higher cost
  

5. The Key Fob Is Completely Dead or Damaged

If your key fob has been dropped, stepped on, or exposed to water, internal components could be damaged beyond repair.

How to fix it:

• Contact a licensed automotive locksmith who can provide and program a new fob on the spot
  
• For newer or imported vehicles, you may need an OEM (original) replacement key
  
• Avoid buying unprogrammed fobs online unless you’re confident in programming and compatibility
  

When to Call a Professional

If you’ve tried replacing the battery and cleaning the fob but it still doesn’t work, it’s time to call an expert. At Northside Car Keys, we offer:

• On-site diagnostics and repairs
  
• Programming and reprogramming for remote and smart keys
  
• Key fob case replacements and internal repairs
  
• Mobile service throughout Brisbane’s northside suburbs
  

Our team of licensed automotive locksmiths works with all major vehicle brands, from Toyota and Hyundai to Ford, BMW, and Subaru. We make it easy to get your key fob working again, fast, affordably, and with zero stress.

Call 1300 727 917
Request a Quote Online

Regain Control Without the Hassle

Your car key fob plays a vital role in your daily routine, and when it stops working, it can throw everything off. The good news? Many issues are easy to fix with a fresh battery or minor repairs. And when the problem goes deeper, having a trusted local locksmith by your side makes all the difference.

If you’re dealing with a non-responsive fob and want expert help without dealership delays, Northside Car Keys is ready to assist. We’re here to help you get back on the road with confidence, no confusion, no hidden costs, just honest service that works.