The Sage Advice On Remote Key Repair From A Five-Year-Old
How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working
If your key fob isn't working, a few easy steps can be taken to fix it. The first step is to make sure that it's not your backup remote.
If your backup remote can lock and unlock the doors of your vehicle, it is likely that the main remote isn't functioning. The most frequent causes of key problems with your car remote are battery or circuitry issues.
Battery
The battery in a key fob can be worn out over time. It is simple to replace a battery. However, it is important that you use the correct type. You can check the owner's manual or contact the manufacturer to find out the correct type. It is also a good idea to examine the battery compartment thoroughly since dead batteries may leak harmful chemicals that can damage the remote. If changing the batteries doesn't solve the issue it could be because there are other issues that require attention from a professional. For example, if buttons appear stuck or damaged, it may be necessary to disassemble the remote and rebuild its components. It is also possible to reprogramme the vehicle to recognize the new remote.
Buttons
Key fobs may become filthy and worn out due to repeated use. This is not atypical however, it can cause buttons to stop working or require a very long press to function. This can be very frustrating particularly if you're away from home and you need to start your vehicle. Even worn-out or malfunctioning buttons can be fixed with a bit of time and tools you already have at home.
First, verify that the batteries are properly placed and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Then, open the remote with care and examine the circuit board. Check for evidence of rust, or other signs the buttons have been damaged or worn. For instance the paint that conducts electricity could be missing. Use a Q-tip, dipped in alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that is worn-out or where conductive painting is missing. Do not rub too vigorously as this can damage the conductive paint, and block the button from firing when it is pressed.
Also, carefully check the battery connector's terminals to ensure any loose solder connections. Soldering them back into place will allow the button to function again in the event that this is the situation. You can follow the same procedure to restore functionality to any other loose connection in the fob.
In the end, if any of the rubber buttons on the front of the key fob aren't working or require a difficult press to function, it is likely that the graphite disks at the back of the button are deteriorating and require replacement. This can be done by rubbing a pencil on the disks. This should bring the button back to its original state.
If none of these solutions work, or if you still are unable to get the button to respond when pressed hard, it could be that the circuitry is failing. It is possible to fix this issue by cleaning and re-soldering your fob, but you should have a spare in case it doesn't work.
Circuitry
The circuit board of the remote control could be dirty regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob function or not. A very thorough inspection is usually enough to fix this issue. Broken and damaged cases are the most frequent causes of boards that are dirty. A damaged case can let water and other debris to enter the circuit board, which can cause it to short. Water can also eat away at pins and connectors that are small on the board, referred to as via's.
If you're skilled enough to open your key fob, and you don't mind making an mess, you can remove the buttons from their sockets and put in new ones. It's also worth examining the battery terminal connections. They can become extremely dirty and if they're loose, the buttons might not work or even stick in their down position. Soldering the terminals and buttons back into place is typically all that's required to return the key fob that is not working to working order.
repair car key fob -Remote transponder chips
Sealed non-remote transponder chips are much more durable than remote fobs they are contained in, however they are still susceptible to being damaged by a hole that is drilled into them or run over by a lawnmower or door handle for a car. Fuse failures are usually to blame for non-remote chips failures.
If you are not comfortable opening the key fob, remove the circuitboard and utilize a multimeter to determine if the diode is working properly. If you're not confident doing this, head to your local hardware store or Oreilly's and they usually have a RFID frequency tester that can tell you if the key fob is sending a signal.
Programming
Key fobs endure lots of abuse and aren't completely indestructible. They may lose their connection to the receiver in your car because of shock or a low battery, requiring the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or dealer will be able to reprogram your key fob and get it functioning again. If resetting or replacing your key fob fails it may be necessary to replace it.