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How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working
If your key fob isn't working There are a few simple steps that can be taken to fix it. First, check to make sure it's not the backup remote.
If the backup can lock and unlock your car door, then there's a likely issue with the primary remote. The most common causes of key malfunctions for car remotes are issues with the circuitry or battery.
Battery
The battery inside a key fob can wear out over time. It is simple to replace the battery. However it is crucial to select the right kind. You can refer to the owner's manual or contact the manufacturer to find out the correct type. It's also a good idea to inspect the battery compartment with care, as dead batteries sometimes release caustic chemicals that could harm the remote. If changing the batteries doesn't solve the problem it could be that there are other issues that require attention by a professional. For example, if buttons seem to be stuck or damaged, it may be necessary to disassemble the remote and rebuild its components. You can also try reprogramming your car to recognize the new key fob.
Buttons
Key fobs can become dirty and worn-out from frequent use. This is not unusual, but it can cause buttons to stop working or require a very hard press for them to function. This can be extremely frustrating, especially if you are away from home and need to start your car. Fortunately, even worn out or broken buttons can usually be fixed with a little time and a few items you may already have around the house.
First, verify that the batteries are correctly inserted and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Take the remote apart and look over the circuit board. Look for indications of rust or other indications that the buttons have been worn or damaged. For example there could be conductive paint missing. Then, using the Q-tip, dipped in alcohol, gently clean any membrane contacts that have worn or where conductive paint is missing. Don't rub too hard in order to damage the conductive paint, and block the button from firing when it is pressed.
Check the battery connector's terminals carefully for any loose solder connections. If car key fob repair near me is the case, simply reconnecting them could restore functionality to the button. You can apply the same method to restore functionality to any other loose connection inside the fob.
If any of the rubber buttons on the front of the keyfob isn't functioning or require to be pressed extremely hard the graphite disks at the back of the button could have worn out and need to replaced. You can usually do this by rubbing a pencil over the disks. This should bring the button back to life.
If none of these solutions work or you not be able to get the button respond when pressed hard, it is possible that the circuitry has failed. It is possible to fix the issue by cleaning and re-soldering the button, but you should have a spare in case it does not work.
Circuitry
Whether or not the keys fob buttons are functioning the circuit board that is inside the remote could be dirty. A thorough examination is usually enough to fix this issue. 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 connectors that are small on the board, which are known as via's.
If you're able to open your key fob and don't mind some mess, we can remove the solder from the buttons and solder new ones in their place. It's also worth checking 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 and buttons to their proper positions is usually enough to bring a non-working fob to working.
Non-Remote Transponder Chips
The sealed non-remote chips are more durable than remote fobs. However, they are susceptible to cracking in the event of a hole being drilled in them, or when a door handle for a car or lawnmowers plows over them. Fuse failures are usually to blame for non-remote chip failures.
If you're not comfortable opening the key fob, you can take the circuit board off and use a multimeter to verify that the diode is functioning correctly. If you're not comfortable doing this, go to your local hardware store or the Oreilly's and they'll usually have an RFID frequency tester that can tell you whether the key fob is transmitting a signal.
Programming
Key fobs aren't impervious to destruction and can be damaged through a variety of causes. They can lose their pairing to the receiver in your car due to shock or low battery, which calls for the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith, or main dealer, can reprogram your keyfob and get it functioning again. If resetting or replacing the keyfob is not working, you may need to replace it.