A Relevant Rant About Remote Key Repair
How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working
If your key fob won't work, you can fix it by following some simple steps. First, make sure that it's not the backup remote.
If your backup remote is unable to unlock and lock the doors of your car, it is likely that the main remote isn't working. The majority of car remote key malfunctions result from battery or circuitry problems.
Battery
It is not unusual for the battery inside a car key fob to get worn out. It is easy to replace the battery. However, it is important that you use the correct kind. You can check your owner's guide or contact the manufacturer to find out the right kind. It's recommended to examine the battery compartment carefully, as dead batteries sometimes leak harmful chemicals that can cause damage to the remote. If changing the battery doesn't fix the problem there could be other issues that require professional attention. If the buttons are stuck or broken, for example it might be necessary to disassemble the remote and rework each component. It is also possible to reprogramme the vehicle to recognize the new device.
Buttons
Key fobs may become filthy and worn out due to frequent use. It is not common for buttons to stop functioning, or require a long press to make them work. This can be a hassle, especially when you are away from home and have to start your car. Fortunately, even worn-out or malfunctioning buttons can often be fixed with a little time and a few materials you may already have around the house.
First, make sure that the batteries have been correctly installed and that the indentation at the back of the button is filled. Take the remote apart and inspect the circuit board. Look for signs of corrosion or other indications that the buttons are worn out or damaged, such as missing conductive paint. Use a Q-tip that has been dipped in rubbing alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that has become worn-out or has conductive paint missing. Don't rub too hard in order to damage the conductive paint and stop the button from firing when pressed.
Also, be sure to check the battery connector terminals for any loose solder connections. Soldering them back in place can restore the button's functionality If this is the case. The same method can be used to restore functionality to any other loose connections within the fob.
If any of the rubber buttons located at the front of the keyfob aren't functioning or require to be pressing very hard the graphite disks on the back of the button may have worn out and will need to replaced. key car repair is usually done by rubbing a pencil across the disks, which will bring the button back to its original state.
If none of this is helpful, or if the button does not respond to a hard push, then it may be the case that the circuit board is damaged. This can be fixed by a quick clean, and replacing the solder, but it is ideal to have a spare fob available in the event this method fails for you.
Circuitry
If the keys fob buttons are functioning the circuit board in the remote could be dirty. A very thorough inspection is often enough to resolve this problem. The most frequent causes of dirty circuit boards is water and broken cases. A damaged case can allow water and other debris to get into the circuit board, causing it to short. Water can also destroy pins and connectors that are small on the board, which are known as via's.
If you're handy enough to open your key fob, and you're not afraid of some mess, we can de-solder the buttons and solder new ones in their place. It's also worth checking the battery terminal connections. They can become extremely dirty and if they're loose the buttons may not work or even stay in their down position. Soldering the terminals and buttons into place is usually enough to return a malfunctioning fob back to working.
Non-Remote transponder chips
Sealed non-remote transponder chips are much more durable than the remote fobs that contain them however they are still susceptible to being broken by a hole being drilled into them or run over by a lawnmowers blade or car door handle. The majority of non-remote transponder chip failures can be blamed on a blown fuse.
If you're handy enough to open a sealed non-remote key fob and can tolerate the mess, you can take off the circuit board and check the fuse with a multimeter for proper diode function. If you're unsure about doing this, go to your local hardware store or the Oreilly's and they will usually have a radio frequency tester that can let you know whether the key fob is sending signals.
Programming
Key fobs are not indestructible and are susceptible to being damaged by a lot of things. They may lose their connection with the receiver in your vehicle due to shocks or a low battery, requiring reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith, or main dealer, can reprogram your keyfob to get it functioning again. If resetting or repairing your keyfob does not work, you may need to replace it.