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How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working
If your key fob won't work then 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 main remote. The majority of car remote key malfunctions result from circuitry or battery issues.
Battery
The battery inside a key fob can be worn out over time. It is simple to replace batteries. However it is essential to select the right type. You can refer to the owner's manual or contact the manufacturer to inquire about the correct type. It's recommended to examine the battery compartment thoroughly because dead batteries can leak harmful chemicals that can damage the remote. If changing the batteries does not solve the issue, it may be that there are other issues that require attention by a professional. For instance, if the buttons appear stuck or broken It may be necessary to disassemble the remote and rebuild its components. It is also possible to reprogramme the vehicle to recognize the new device.
Buttons
Key fobs can get filthy and worn out due to repeated use. This is not unusual, but it can cause buttons to cease working or require a difficult press to get them to work. This can be very frustrating particularly when you're away from your home and need to turn on your car. Even broken or damaged buttons are often fixable with a little effort and the tools you already have at home.
First, verify that the batteries are correctly installed and that the indentation on the back of the button has been filled. Then, open the remote with care and examine the circuit board. Look for signs of corrosion or other signs that buttons are worn out or damaged, such as missing the conductive paint. Then, using the Q-tip, dipped in alcohol, gently clean any membrane contacts that are worn or have conductive paint missing. Do not rub too vigorously in order to damage the conductive paint and prevent the button from firing when pressed.
Check the battery connector's terminals carefully for any loose solder connections. Soldering them back in place will allow the button to function again if this is the case. The same procedure can be used to restore function to any other loose connections inside the fob.
If any of the rubber buttons at the front of the keyfob are not working or require being pressing extremely hard, the graphite disks at the back of the button might have worn out and will need to replaced. You can 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 cannot get the button to respond when you press it hard, it could be that the circuitry is failing. It is possible to fix this by a quick clean and replacing the solder, but it is best to have an extra fob in case this method does not work for you.
Circuitry
The circuit board inside your remote control may be dirty regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob work or not. This problem can be resolved by a thorough inspection. Water and broken cases are the most common causes of dirty boards. A broken case allows water and other debris to get in and short circuit the electronic components. Water can also eat through pins and vias, which are the tiny connectors found on the board.
If you are handy enough to open your key fob and aren't afraid of making some mess, we can remove the buttons from their sockets and solder in new ones. It's also worth looking at the battery terminal connections. They can become very dirty and if they're loose, the buttons may not work or may even remain in their down position. Soldering the terminals and button's back in place is usually all it takes to restore the key fob that is not working to working order.
Non-Remote transponder chips
Sealed non-remote transponder chips are much more durable than remote fobs that contain them but they can still be broken by a hole being drilled into them or run over by a lawnmower or door handle for a car. The majority of non-remote transponder chip malfunctions could be attributed to a blown fuse.
If you're not confident opening the key fob, you can remove the circuitboard and utilize a multimeter to determine if the diode is working properly. If you're not sure with this, go to your local Oreilly or hardware store and utilize their RF frequency tester. This will inform you whether the key fob is sending an RF signal.
Programming
Key fobs endure lots of abuse and aren't completely indestructible. key car repair may lose their connection to the receiver in your car due to shock or a low battery, which calls for the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or a main dealer can reprogram your key fob to get it functioning again. In the event that resetting and fixing your key fob doesn't work, it could be time to replace it all over again.