How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working
If your key fob does not work and you're not sure why, you can fix it by following a few simple steps. The first step is to be sure that it's not the backup remote.
If the backup is able to lock and unlock your car door, it is most likely an issue with the primary remote. The most common causes of car remote key failure are battery or circuitry issues.
Battery
It is not unusual for the battery inside the car key fob to degrade. It is fairly easy to replace batteries, but it is important to ensure that you choose the correct type that you can refer to your owner's manual or contact the dealer for the manufacturer to find out what kind of battery you require. It's also a good idea to examine the battery compartment thoroughly, as dead batteries sometimes leak caustic chemicals that can cause damage to the remote. If replacing the batteries doesn't solve the issue, it may be that there are other issues that require attention by a professional. For example, if buttons seem stuck or broken It may be necessary to disassemble the remote and rework its components. You can also try reprogramming your vehicle to recognize the new key fob.
Buttons
Key fobs may become filthy and worn out due to repeated use. It is not unusual for buttons to cease functioning, or require a hefty press to get them working. This can be very frustrating particularly when you're away from your home and you need to switch on your car. Even malfunctioning or worn-out 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 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, like missing conductive paint. Use a Q-tip that has been dipped in alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that has become worn-out or has conductive paint missing. Be careful not to rub too hard, because this could damage the conductive painting and prevent the button from firing when it is the button is pressed.
Check the battery connector's terminals carefully for any loose solder connections. Soldering them back to their original position can restore the button's functionality If this is the situation. The same procedure can be used to restore function to any loose connections within the fob.
If, for instance, any of the buttons made of rubber that are on the front of the key fob stop working or require a difficult press to function it is likely the graphite disks that are on the back of the button are wearing out and need to be replaced. This is usually done by rubbing a pencil across the disks, which should bring the button back to working.
If all of this doesn't help or if the button still doesn't respond to a firm press, then it may be the case that the circuit board itself has gone bad. It is possible to fix the issue by cleaning and re-soldering the button however, you should have an extra in case it does not work.
Circuitry
The circuit board inside the remote control could be dirty, regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob are working or not. A thorough inspection is usually enough to fix this problem. mobile car key repair near me of dirty circuit boards is water and damaged cases. A broken case allows water and other debris to pass through and short circuit the electronic components. Water can also destroy pins and connectors that are small on the board called via's.
If you're skilled enough to open your key fob, and don't mind making an mess, you can remove the buttons from their sockets and then solder new ones. It's also worth checking the battery terminal connections. They can become very filthy and if they're not tight enough, the buttons may not work or even stick in their down position. Soldering the terminals back to their proper positions is usually enough to return a malfunctioning fob to working.
Non-Remote Transponder Chips
Sealed non-remote transponder chips are more durable than the remote fobs that have them but they can still be cracked by a hole that is drilled into them or over by a lawnmowers or car door handle. Most of the time, non-remote transponder chip malfunctions can be attributed to a blown fuse.
If you are not comfortable opening the key fob, you may take the circuit board off and use a multimeter to determine if the diode is working correctly. If you're not comfortable doing this, visit your local hardware store or the Oreilly's and they usually have a radio frequency tester that can tell you whether the key fob transmitting a signal.
Programming
Key fobs endure a lot of abuse and aren't impervious to damage. They may lose their connection with the receiver inside your vehicle due to shocks or a low battery, requiring changing the program. A professional auto locksmith or main dealer can reprogram your key fob and get it functioning again. If resetting or fixing your keyfob does not work it may be necessary to replace it.