How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working
If your key fob isn't working, a few easy steps can fix it. First, check to make sure it's not your backup remote.
If the backup remote is able to lock and unlock your car doors, then there is likely an issue with the main remote. The most common causes of key problems with your car remote are battery or circuitry issues.
Battery
The battery in the key fob could wear out over time. It is easy to replace batteries. However it is essential that you choose the right kind. You can check the owner's manual or contact the manufacturer to find out the correct type. It is also essential to examine the battery compartment, as batteries that are not working properly can release toxic chemicals that could damage the remote. If changing the battery doesn't fix the issue, there may be other issues requiring professional attention. For instance, if buttons seem stuck or damaged It may be necessary to take the remote apart and rebuild its components. You can also try reprogramming your car to recognize the new key fob.
Buttons
Due to frequent use, key fobs could get dirty and worn. This is not atypical however it can cause buttons to cease working or require a hard press for them to work. This can be frustrating especially when you're away from your home and you need to turn on your car. Even malfunctioning or worn-out buttons are often fixable with a little time and tools you already have at home.
First, make sure the batteries are up correctly and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Take the remote apart and look over the circuit board. Look for signs of rust or other indications that the buttons have been damaged or worn. For instance the paint that conducts electricity could be missing. Utilizing the Q-tip, dipped in alcohol to 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 firing when the button is pressed.
Also, be sure to check the battery connector's terminals to ensure a loose solder connection. Soldering them back in place can restore the button's functionality if this is the situation. You can follow the same process to restore functionality to any other loose connection within the fob.
If any of the rubber buttons on the front of the keyfob are not working or need to be pressing very hard the graphite disks at the back of the button may have worn out and require replacement. You can do this by rubbing a pen across the disks. This should bring the button back to life.
If none of these solutions work or you cannot get the button to respond when you press it hard, it could be that the circuitry is failing. It is possible to fix this issue by cleaning and re-soldering the fob however, you should have another spare in case it does not work.
Circuitry
If the key fob buttons function, the circuit board inside your remote might be dirty. The issue can be solved through a thorough examination. Broken cases and water are the most frequent causes of dirty boards. A broken case can let water and other debris to enter the circuit board, which can cause it to short out. Water can also eat through pins and vias, which are the tiny connectors that are found on the board.
If you're able to open your key fob and aren't afraid of making a mess, we can remove the solder from the buttons and then solder new ones in their place. Also, you should check the connections between battery terminals. If they're loose, the buttons might not work or even become 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 working order.
Non-Remote transponder chips
Sealed non-remote transponder chips 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 lawnmower or door handle for a car. Failures of the fuse are typically to blame for non-remote chips failures.
If you're handy enough to remove the sealed key fob and can tolerate the mess, you can remove the circuit board and check the fuse using an instrument to verify diode function. If agree with this don't feel comfortable with this, you can go to your local Oreilly or hardware store and test their RF frequency tester. key repair near me will tell you whether the key fob sends a signal.
Programming
Key fobs aren't impervious to destruction and are susceptible to being damaged by a variety of factors. They can lose their pairing to the car's receiver because of shock or a low battery, requiring them to be reprogrammed. A professional auto locksmith or the main dealer can reprogram the keyfob to get it functioning again. If resetting or replacing the keyfob is not working it may be necessary to replace it.