How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working
If your key fob doesn't work, a few easy steps can be taken to fix it. First, ensure that it's not your backup remote.
If the backup is able to lock and unlock your car doors it is most likely an issue with the primary remote. Most car remote key failures result from circuitry or battery problems.
Battery
It is not uncommon for the battery inside a key fob for cars to get worn out. It is fairly easy to replace the battery, however it is essential to make sure that you select the correct one; you can look in your owner's manual, or contact the dealer of the manufacturer to find out what kind of battery you require. It's recommended to examine the battery compartment with care because dead batteries can leak caustic chemicals that can cause damage to the remote. If changing the batteries doesn't solve the issue it could be because there are other issues that require professional attention. If buttons are stuck or broken, for example it could be necessary to take the remote apart and rework each component. You can also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new remote.
Buttons
Key fobs can get dirty and worn out from repeated use. It is not uncommon for buttons to stop functioning, or require a hefty press to get them working. This can be frustrating especially when you're away from your home and you need to turn on your car. Even worn-out or malfunctioning buttons are often fixable with a little time and the tools you already have at home.
First, make sure the batteries are charged correctly and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Open the remote carefully and examine the circuit board. Look for indications of rust or other signs the buttons have been damaged or worn. For instance the paint that conducts electricity could be missing. Use a Q-tip, dipped in alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that has become damaged or where conductive paint is missing. Do not rub too vigorously in order to damage the conductive paint, and block the button from firing when it is pressed.
Also, carefully check the battery connector's terminals to ensure a loose solder connection. Soldering them back into place can restore the button's functionality in the event that this is the situation. The same process can be used to restore functionality to any other loose connections inside the fob.
In the end, if any of the rubber buttons on the front of the key fob stop working or require a very difficult press to function it is likely that the graphite disks on the back of the button are deteriorating and need to be replaced. This can be done by rubbing a pencil on the disks, which should bring the button back to life.
If none of this is useful, or if the button still doesn't respond to a firm press It could be the case that the circuit board itself has gone bad. It is possible to fix the issue by cleaning and re-soldering the fob, but you should have another spare in case it does not work.
Circuitry
Whether or not the key fob buttons function the circuit board that is inside your remote may be dirty. A thorough examination will usually resolve this problem. The most common causes for dirty circuit boards are water and broken cases. A broken case can let water and other debris to get into the circuit board, which can cause it to short out. Water can also damage pins and small connectors on the board, which are known as via's.
If you're able to open up your key fob and don't mind some mess, we can de-solder the buttons and solder new ones in their place. Also, you should check the connections between battery terminals. If they are loose, the buttons could not function or get stuck in their down position. Soldering the terminals and button's back in their place is generally all that's needed to return keys that are not in functioning condition.
Non-Remote transponder chips
Sealed non-remote transponder chips are much more durable than remote fobs that have them however they are still susceptible to being cracked by a hole made in them or pushed over by a lawnmower or car door handle. The majority of non-remote transponder chip failures can be blamed on an exploded fuse.
If you are not comfortable opening the key fob, you can remove the circuitboard and use a multimeter to verify that the diode is working correctly. If you're not comfortable with this, you can go to your local Oreilly or hardware store and utilize their RF frequency tester. This will tell you whether the key fob sends signals.
Programming
Key fobs aren't impervious to destruction and are susceptible to being damaged by a variety of factors. They can lose their pairing with the receiver inside your vehicle because of shocks or a low-battery, which requires changing the program. mobile car key repair near me , or the main dealer can reprogram your keyfob and get it up and running again. If resetting or fixing your keyfob does not work it is possible to replace it.