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How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working
If your key fob isn't functioning A few easy steps can fix it. The first step is to be sure that it's not the backup remote.
If the backup can lock and unlock your car doors then there is likely an issue with the primary remote. The most common causes for car remote key failure are battery or circuitry issues.
Battery
The battery in the key fob may be worn out over time. It is quite simple to replace batteries, but it is important to ensure that you use the right type and you can consult your owner's manual, or contact the dealer for the manufacturer to find out the kind of battery you require. It's also a good idea to examine the battery compartment with care, as dead batteries sometimes leak harmful chemicals that can harm the remote. If changing the battery doesn't fix the issue, there may be other issues that require professional attention. If the buttons are broken or stuck for instance, it may be necessary take the remote apart and rework each component. You could also try reprogramming your car to recognize the new key fob.
Buttons
From repeated use, key fobs can get dirty and worn. remote key fob repair is not unusual however, it can cause buttons to cease working or require a difficult press to get them to function. This can be very frustrating, especially if you are away from home and need to start your car. Fortunately, even worn out or malfunctioning buttons can often be fixed with a little time and some of the materials you may already have around the home.
First, check that the batteries are up correctly and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Then, carefully remove the remote and examine the circuit board. Look for signs of rust or other indications that the buttons are worn or damaged. For instance there could be conductive paint missing. Use a Q-tip that has been dipped in alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that has become worn out or where conductive paint is missing. Don't rub too hard, as this could erode the conductive paint and prevent the button from firing when you press it.
Check the battery connector's terminals carefully for any loose solder connections. If this is the case, reconnecting them may restore functionality to the button. The same method can be used to restore function to any loose connections inside the fob.
If any of the rubber buttons at the front of the keyfob are not working or require being pressed extremely hard the graphite disks on the back of the button might have worn out and will need to replaced. This is usually done by rubbing a pencil on the disks, which should bring the button back to working.
If none of these solutions work, or if you still not be able to get the button respond when pressed hard, it could be that the circuitry has failed. 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
Whether or not the key fob buttons are working, the circuit board inside the remote could be dirty. A thorough examination is often enough to resolve this problem. Broken cases and water are the most frequent causes of boards that are dirty. A damaged case allows water and other debris to enter and short circuit the electronic components. Water can also eat away at pins and small connectors on the board, referred to as via's.
If you're skilled enough to open your key fob, and don't mind making some mess, we can take the buttons out of their sockets and then solder new ones. Also, you should check the connections between battery terminals. They can get very dirty and if they're loose the buttons might not function or even stick in their down position. Soldering the terminals back to their original positions is often enough to bring a non-working fob to working.
Non-Remote Transponder Chips
The non-remote chips that are sealed are more durable than remote fobs, but they are susceptible to breaking in the event of a hole being drilled in them or when a door handle for a car or lawnmower runs over them. Failures of the fuse are typically the cause of non-remote chip failures.
If you're handy enough to open up the sealed key fob and can tolerate the mess, you can remove the circuit board and check the fuse with an instrument to verify diode function. If you're not sure with this, you can go to your local Oreilly or hardware store and use their RF frequency tester. This will tell you whether the key fob is sending signals.
Programming
Key fobs aren't indestructible and are susceptible to damage by a lot of things. They can lose their pairing with the receiver inside your vehicle because of shocks or a low-battery, which requires changing the program. A professional auto locksmith or a dealer in the main can reprogram your key fob and get it back functioning again. In the event that resetting or repairing your key fob fails it may be time to replace it completely.