How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working
If your key fob doesn't work then you can fix it by following just a few steps. The first step is to be sure that it's not the backup remote.
If the backup can lock and unlock your car door, then there's a likely 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 unusual for the battery in a car key fob to get worn out. It is simple to replace the battery. However it is essential to select the right type. You can consult the owner's manual or contact the manufacturer to inquire about the correct type. It is also crucial to check the battery compartment, since batteries that are not working properly can release caustic chemicals which can damage the remote. If changing the batteries doesn't solve the problem it could be because there are other issues that require attention by a professional. If the buttons are broken or stuck for instance, it may be necessary disassemble the remote and rework each component. You could also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new fob.
key repairs can become filthy and worn out due to repeated use. This is not unusual however it can cause buttons to stop working or require a difficult press to get them to work. This can be frustrating particularly when you're away from your home and have to switch on your car. Even malfunctioning or worn-out buttons can be fixed with a little time and tools you already have at home.
First, check that the batteries are properly charged and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Open the remote carefully and look over the circuit board. Check for signs of corrosion or other indications that the buttons are worn out or damaged, like missing paint that is conductive. Utilizing a Q-tip that has been dipped in rubbing alcohol, gently clean any membrane contacts that have damaged or where conductive paint is missing. Be careful not to rub too hard, because this could damage the conductive paint and block the button from firing when the button is pressed.
Also, be sure to check the battery connector's terminals to ensure any loose solder connections. Soldering them back in place can restore the button's functionality if this is the case. The same procedure can be used to restore function to any other loose connections within the fob.
If, for instance, any of the buttons made of rubber on the front of the key fob aren't functioning or require a long press to function it is likely the graphite disks at the back of the button are wearing out and require replacement. This is usually done by rubbing a pencil across the disks. This should bring the button back to working.
If none of these solutions work, or if you still cannot get the button to respond when pressed hard, it could be that the circuitry is failing. It is possible to fix this issue by cleaning and re-soldering the button however, you should have another spare in case it doesn't work.
Circuitry
The circuit board of your remote control may be dirty regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob work or not. A thorough examination is usually enough to fix this problem. The most frequent causes of dirty circuit boards is water and damaged cases. A damaged case could let water and other debris into the circuit board, causing it to short out. Water can also damage pins and vias, which are the tiny connectors found on the board.
If key fob repair near me to open your key fob and don't mind making a mess, we can take off the buttons and put new ones in their place. Also, it's worth checking the connections between battery terminals. If they are loose, the buttons might not function properly or become stuck in their down position. Soldering the terminals, and putting the button back into place is typically all it takes to restore a non-working key fob to working order.
Non-Remote transponder chips
Sealed non-remote transponder chip are more durable than the remote fobs they are contained in, but they can still be damaged by a hole that is that is drilled into them or over by a lawnmowers or car door handle. Most of the time, non-remote transponder chips fail, and this could be attributed to an exploded fuse.
If you're not comfortable opening the key fob, you may remove the circuitboard and use a multimeter to verify that the diode is operating correctly. If you don't feel comfortable with this, you can visit your local Oreilly or hardware store and use their RF frequency tester. This will inform you whether the key fob sends an RF signal.
Programming
Key fobs endure a lot of abuse and aren't indestructible. They can break their connection with the receiver inside your vehicle because of shocks or a low battery, which calls for the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or a main dealer can reprogram your key fob to get it working again. If resetting or repairing your key fob fails it may be necessary to replace it.