11 Ways To Completely Sabotage Your Remote Key Repair
How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working
If your key fob doesn't work then you can fix it by following some simple steps. The first step is to make sure it's not the backup remote.
If your backup remote can lock and unlock the doors of your car, then it is most likely that the primary remote is not working. The majority of car remote key malfunctions result from battery or circuitry problems.
Battery
The battery in the key fob may be worn out over time. It is relatively easy to change out the battery, however it is crucial to make sure that you choose the correct type that you can refer to your owner's manual or contact the dealer for the manufacturer to find out the kind of battery you require. It is also a good idea to inspect the battery compartment with care, as dead batteries sometimes leak harmful 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 attention from a professional. For instance, if the buttons appear stuck or broken It may be necessary to take the remote apart and rebuild its components. You could also try reprogramming your car to recognize the new key fob.
Buttons
Through frequent use, key fobs can become worn and dirty. It is not unusual for buttons to stop functioning, or require a hard press to make them work. This can be very frustrating especially if you're out of town and need to start your car. Even malfunctioning or worn-out buttons can be fixed with a little time and materials you already have at home.
First, ensure that the batteries are charged correctly and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Open the remote carefully and inspect the circuit board. Examine for signs of rust or other signs that the buttons are worn or damaged, like missing paint that is conductive. Then, using a Q-tip dipped in alcohol to gently clean any membrane contacts that have worn or where conductive paint is missing. Do not rub too vigorously as this can damage the conductive paint and stop the button from firing when it is pressed.
Also, carefully check the battery connector terminals for any loose solder connections. If see it here is the case, simply connecting them back could restore functionality to the button. You can use the same method to restore functionality to any other loose connection in the fob.
Finally, if any of the rubber buttons on the front of the key fob stop working or require a difficult press to function it is likely the graphite disks at the back of the button are deteriorating and need to be replaced. It is usually done by rubbing a pencil over the disks. This will bring the button back to life.
If none of this is helpful or if the button still doesn't respond to a hard press, then it may be the case that the circuit board has gone bad. It is possible to fix this issue by cleaning and re-soldering the button however, you should have a spare in case it doesn't work.
Whether or not the keys fob buttons are functioning, the circuit board inside the remote could be dirty. A thorough examination is often enough to resolve this problem. Broken and damaged cases are the most common causes of dirty boards. A damaged case can allow water and other debris to get in and short circuit the electronics. Water can also damage 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 don't mind making a mess, we can remove the buttons from their sockets and then solder new ones. Also, it's worth checking the connections between the battery terminals. If they are loose, the buttons may not function or get stuck in their down position. Soldering the terminals and buttons back in their place is generally all it takes to restore the key fob that is not working to working order.
Non-Remote Transponder Chips
The sealed non-remote chips are more durable than their remote fobs, however they are susceptible to breaking in the event of a hole being drilled into them or when a door handle for a car or lawnmowers plows over them. Most of the time, non-remote transponder chips fail, and this can be blamed on blowing fuses.
If you're not comfortable opening the key fob, you may remove the circuitboard and use a multimeter to check that the diode is operating correctly. If you're not sure with this, visit your local Oreilly or hardware store and utilize their RF frequency tester. This will inform you whether the key fob sends a signal.
Programming
Key fobs are subject to lots of abuse and aren't impervious to damage. They may lose their connection to the receiver in your car because of shock or a low battery, which calls for the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith, or the main dealer can reprogram the key fob and get it back up and running again. In the event that resetting or repairing your key fob isn't working, it could be time to replace it all over again.