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How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working
If your key fob won't work, you can fix it with just a few steps. First, ensure that it's not your backup remote.
If the backup remote is able to lock and unlock your car doors, then there's a likely issue with the primary remote. The most common causes of key problems with your car remote are circuitry or battery issues.
Battery
It is not uncommon for the battery in the car key fob to degrade. It is easy to replace a battery. However, it is important that you use the correct type. You can refer to your owner's guide or contact the manufacturer to inquire about the correct type. It's recommended to inspect the battery compartment thoroughly because dead batteries can leak caustic chemicals that can harm the remote. If replacing the battery does not solve the issue there could be other issues that require professional attention. For instance, if the buttons seem stuck or broken, it may be necessary to disassemble the remote and rework its components. It is also possible to reprogramme the vehicle to recognize the new device.
Buttons
From frequent use, key fobs could become worn and dirty. This is not uncommon however, it can cause buttons to stop working or require a long press to work. This can be very frustrating especially when you're away from home and have to turn on your car. Fortunately, even worn out or malfunctioning buttons can often be fixed with a little time and some of the materials you might already have in the home.
First, check that the batteries are properly charged and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Then, carefully remove the remote and look at the circuit board. Check for signs of corrosion or other signs that the buttons are worn out or damaged, such as missing the conductive paint. Use a Q-tip dipped into rubbing alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that is worn out or where conductive paint is missing. Don't rub too hard in order to damage the conductive paint and stop the button from firing when it is pressed.
Check the battery connector terminals for loose solder connections. If this is the case, connecting them back could restore function to the button. You can apply the same method to restore functionality to any other loose connection inside 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 deteriorating and need to be replaced. You can do this by rubbing a pencil over the disks. key repair near me should bring the button back to life.
If none of this is useful, or if the button does not respond to a hard press It could be that the circuit board has gone bad. It is possible to fix this by a quick clean, and re-soldering, but it is ideal to have a spare fob available in the event this method fails for you.
Circuitry
The circuit board in your remote control may be dirty regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob are working or not. This issue can be fixed by a thorough inspection. The most common causes of dirty circuit boards is water and damaged cases. A damaged case could let water and other debris to enter the circuit board, which can cause it to short out. Water can also eat away at pins and small connectors on the board, which are known as via's.
If you're able to open your key fob and aren't afraid of making an mess, you 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're loose, the buttons might not function properly or become stuck in their down position. Soldering terminals and buttons back to their proper positions is usually enough to return a malfunctioning fob back to working.
Non-Remote transponder chips
The non-remote chips sealed in a sealed case are more durable than remote fobs, however they can be cracked if a hole is drilled in them, or in the event that a door handle of a car or lawnmower runs over them. Failures of the fuse are typically the cause of non-remote chip failures.
If you're not comfortable opening the key fob, you can remove the circuitboard and use a multimeter to check that the diode is operating correctly. If you're unsure about doing this, visit your local hardware store or Oreilly's and they'll usually have a RF frequency tester that will let you know whether the key fob is transmitting a signal.
Programming
Key fobs are not indestructible and can be damaged by a lot of things. They may lose their connection to the car's receiver due to shock or a low battery, which requires them to be reprogrammed. A professional auto locksmith or a main dealer will be able to reprogram your key fob to get it functioning again. In the rarer case that resetting and fixing your key fob isn't working, it could be time to replace it all over again.