Why Your Car Remote Stops Working (And How to Fix It)
A car remote makes everyday driving convenient — until the day it suddenly stops working. One moment you’re locking and unlocking your car as usual, and the next, nothing happens. If you’re dealing with a car remote not working, you’re not alone. This is a very common issue for vehicle owners across South Africa.
The good news is that in most cases, the problem can be fixed without replacing the entire key. At Key Spot, we handle car remote repair daily, and around 90% of faulty remotes can be repaired if addressed in time.
In this blog, we’ll explain:
- Why car remotes stop working
- What you can safely check yourself
- When repair is possible vs replacement
- When to call a professional locksmith
How a Car Remote Actually Works
Before understanding why a remote fails, it helps to know how it works.
A car remote contains:
- A battery
- Buttons and internal switches
- An electronic circuit board
- A transponder chip (for immobiliser systems)
When you press a button, the remote sends a coded signal to your vehicle. If any part of this system fails, you may experience a car remote not working properly or not responding at all.
Most Common Reasons Your Car Remote Stops Working
There are several reasons why a remote may stop functioning. Below are the most common problems we see.
1. Flat or Weak Remote Battery
This is the most common cause. Over time, batteries lose power and stop sending a strong signal.
Signs of a weak battery include:
- You need to stand very close to the car
- The remote works intermittently
- Buttons respond slowly
A simple battery replacement often solves the issue.
2. Worn or Damaged Buttons
Remote buttons wear out from daily use. When buttons become soft, cracked, or unresponsive, the internal contacts may no longer connect properly.
In many cases, car remote repair is possible by:
- Replacing worn button pads
- Repairing internal contact points
3. Water or Moisture Damage
Accidentally dropping your remote in water or exposing it to moisture can damage the internal circuit board.
Common scenarios include:
- Dropping the remote in water
- Leaving it in wet clothing
- Exposure to rain or humidity
Water damage doesn’t always mean replacement — professional cleaning and component repair can often restore functionality.
4. Physical Damage From Dropping the Remote
Dropping a remote can crack solder joints or damage internal components.
Even if the casing looks fine, internal damage may cause:
- Buttons to stop responding
- Signal failure
- Intermittent operation
This is another situation where car remote repair is often successful.
5. Remote Lost Programming or Sync
Sometimes the remote is still physically fine but has lost communication with the vehicle.
This can happen due to:
- Battery replacement
- Electrical issues
- Vehicle software glitches
In this case, the remote simply needs to be reprogrammed, not replaced.
6. Internal Circuit Board Damage
If internal components fail completely, repair may become difficult. This usually happens due to severe water damage or repeated impact.
This is the small percentage (around 10%) where replacement becomes the only option.
What You Can Safely Check Yourself
Before calling a professional, there are only two safe checks you should try.
1. Test Your Spare Key
If your spare remote works perfectly, the issue is most likely with the faulty remote — not the vehicle.
2. Replace the Remote Battery
Install a new battery and test again.
⚠️ If the remote still doesn’t work after this, do not attempt further DIY repairs.
Why You Should Avoid DIY Repairs and Cheap Online Remotes
Many people attempt to fix a car remote not working by:
- Opening the remote without proper tools
- Using cheap replacement remotes bought online
- Trying DIY programming methods
This often leads to:
- Permanent circuit damage
- Immobiliser issues
- Wasted money
- A remote that cannot be repaired anymore
Professional tools and experience are required to safely repair or program car remotes.
Repair vs Replacement: What’s the Best Option?
When Car Remote Repair Is Possible
Repair is usually possible when:
- Buttons are worn
- Solder joints are damaged
- The remote lost programming
- Battery terminals are faulty
- Water damage is minor
At Key Spot, 90% of remotes can be repaired, saving customers time and money.
When Replacement Is Required
Replacement is usually needed when:
- The circuit board is beyond repair
- Severe water damage destroyed components
- The remote casing and internals are completely damaged
Even in these cases, we can supply and program a new remote on-site.
Step-by-Step: How a Professional Fixes a Faulty Car Remote
Here’s what typically happens during a professional car remote repair:
- Inspect the remote externally and internally
- Test signal output and button response
- Replace the battery if required
- Repair or resolder damaged components
- Replace worn buttons or contacts
- Reprogram and resync the remote
- Test the remote with the vehicle
Everything is tested thoroughly before returning the remote to the customer.
When to Call a Professional Locksmith
You should contact a professional if:
- The remote still doesn’t work after battery replacement
- Buttons are unresponsive
- The remote was dropped or exposed to water
- The car does not recognise the key
- You want to avoid costly replacement
Calling early often prevents the need for full replacement.
Do These Issues Affect All Car Brands?
Yes. These problems apply to:
- All vehicle brands
- Standard remotes
- Smart keys
- Push-start vehicles
Modern vehicles rely heavily on electronics, which makes professional handling essential.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is my car remote not working even with a new battery?
The issue is usually internal damage, worn buttons, or lost programming.
Can a car remote be repaired instead of replaced?
Yes. In about 90% of cases, repair is possible.
Does water damage always mean replacement?
No. Minor water damage can often be repaired if handled quickly.
Can you reprogram a remote that lost sync?
Yes. Reprogramming is a common and effective solution.
Do you offer mobile car remote repair?
Yes. Key Spot provides fully mobile service across Gauteng and the Western Cape.
Need Car Remote Repair? Contact Key Spot
If your car remote is not working, don’t rush to replace it. Professional car remote repair can save you time and money.
📞 Call or WhatsApp: 0 602 602 602
🔗 Contact us online: https://keyspot.co.za/contact-us/
Key Spot offers fast, reliable, mobile car remote repair for all vehicle brands — getting you back to convenience and peace of mind.