How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working
If your key fob doesn't work then you can fix it with just a few steps. The first step is to make sure that it's not your backup remote.
If the backup remote is able to lock and unlock your car doors, it is most likely an issue with the primary remote. The most frequent causes of key problems with your car remote are battery or circuitry issues.
Battery
It is not uncommon to find a battery on a key fob for cars to degrade. It is easy to replace a battery. However it is essential that you choose the right type. You can check the owner's manual or contact the manufacturer to inquire about the right type. It is also crucial to examine the battery compartment, since dead batteries can leak toxic chemicals that could damage the remote. If changing the batteries doesn't solve the problem, it may be that there are other issues that require attention by a professional. If buttons are broken or stuck, for example it might be necessary to remove the remote and rebuild each component. car key fob repair near me is also possible to reprogramme the vehicle to recognize the new device.
Buttons
From repeated use, key fobs can get dirty and worn. This is not atypical however, it can cause buttons to stop working or require a very difficult press to get them to function. This can be a huge hassle, especially if you are away from home and you need to start your vehicle. Even broken or damaged buttons can be fixed with a bit of time and tools you already have at home.
First, make sure that the batteries are properly placed and that the indentation at the back of the button has been filled. Open the remote carefully and look over the circuit board. Look for indications of rust or other signs the buttons are worn or damaged. For example the paint that conducts electricity could be missing. Use a Q-tip that has been dipped in alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that has worn-out or where conductive painting is missing. Avoid rubbing too hard as this can erode the conductive paint and stop the button from firing when it is the button is pressed.
Also, be sure to check the battery connector's terminals to ensure any loose solder connections. Soldering them back into place can restore the button's functionality in the event that this is the case. The same process can be used to restore function to any loose connections in the fob.
If any of the rubber buttons on the front of the keyfob isn't working or require being pressed extremely hard the graphite disks on the back of the button might have worn out and need to replaced. You can do this by rubbing a pen over the disks. This will bring the button back to life.
If none of these solutions work, or if you still not be able to get the button respond when you press it hard, it could be that the circuitry has failed. It is possible to fix this issue by cleaning and re-soldering the fob but you should also have an extra in case it doesn't work.
Circuitry
Whether or not the key fob buttons function the circuit board in your remote may be dirty. This issue can be fixed by a thorough inspection. The most common causes for dirty circuit boards is water and damaged cases. A damaged case can allow water and other debris to pass through and short circuit the electronics. Water can also eat away at pins and connectors that are small on the board, referred to as via's.
If you are handy enough to open your key fob and you don't mind making some mess, we can remove the buttons from their sockets and solder in new ones. It's also worth examining the battery terminal connections. They can become extremely dirty and if they're loose, the buttons might not function or even stay in their down position. Soldering the terminals, and putting the button back into place is typically all that's needed to return keys that are not in working condition.
Non-Remote Transponder Chips
Sealed non-remote transponder chip are more durable than remote fobs they are contained in, but they can be broken by a hole being drilled into them or run over by a lawnmowers or car door handle. Fuse failures are usually to blame for non-remote chips 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 working correctly. If you don't feel comfortable with this, visit your local Oreilly or hardware store and test their RF frequency tester. This will tell you whether the key fob is sending a signal.
Programming
Key fobs are subject to many abuses and aren't completely indestructible. They can lose their pairing to the car's receiver due to shock or a low battery, which requires the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or dealer will be able to reprogram your key fob and get it working again. If, in the unlikely event that resetting and repairing your key fob doesn't work, it could be time to replace it entirely.