How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working
If your key fob doesn't work A few easy steps can be taken to fix it. The first step is to be sure that it's not your backup remote.
If your backup remote can lock and unlock the doors of your car, then it is likely that the primary remote is not working. The most frequent causes of key malfunctions for car remotes are issues with the circuitry or battery.
Battery
It is not uncommon for the battery inside the car key fob to get worn out. It is quite simple to replace batteries, but it is important to make sure that you choose the correct type that you can refer to your owner's manual or contact the manufacturer's dealer to determine the type 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 cause damage to the remote. If changing the battery doesn't fix the problem there may be additional issues that require attention from a professional. For example, if buttons seem stuck or broken, it may be necessary to take the remote apart and rework its parts. You could also try reprogramming your vehicle to recognize the new key fob.
Buttons
Through repeated use, key fobs may become worn and dirty. This is not atypical however it can cause buttons to stop working or require a very hard press for them to work. This can be extremely frustrating, especially if you are away from home and need to start your vehicle. Even broken or damaged buttons can be fixed with a little time and the tools you already have at home.
First, make sure that the batteries are properly inserted and that the indentation on the back of the button has been filled. Then, carefully open up the remote and look at the circuit board. Look for signs of corrosion or other indications that the buttons are worn or damaged, like missing paint that is conductive. Utilizing the Q-tip, dipped in alcohol, gently clean any membrane contacts that have become damaged or have conductive paint missing. Avoid rubbing too hard since this could cause damage to the conductive paint and stop the button from firing when it is pressed.
Also, make sure to inspect the battery connector terminals for any loose solder connections. If this is the case, reconnecting them may restore function to the button. You can follow the same procedure to restore functionality to any other loose connection within the fob.
If any of the rubber buttons at the front of the keyfob are not functioning or require to be pressing very hard the graphite disks at the back of the button could have worn out and will need to replaced. auto key repair can usually do this by rubbing a pencil over the disks. This will bring the button back to life.
If none of these solutions work, or if you still are unable to get the button to respond when you press it hard, it is possible that the circuitry is failing. It is possible to fix this issue by cleaning and re-soldering the fob, but you should have an extra in case it does not work.
Circuitry
The circuit board of your 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 issue. Broken and damaged cases are the most frequent causes of boards that are dirty. A damaged case can allow water and other debris to pass through and short out the electronics. Water can also damage pins and connectors on the board, referred to as via's.
If you're handy enough to open your key fob and aren't afraid of making a mess, we can take off the buttons and put new ones in their place. Also, you should check the connections between battery terminals. If they are loose, the buttons may not function properly or become stuck 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
Sealed non-remote transponder chips are more durable than remote fobs they are contained in, however they are still susceptible to being cracked by a hole made in them or pushed over by a lawnmower or door handle for a car. The majority of non-remote transponder chip malfunctions can be blamed on a blown fuse.
If you're able to open up a key fob that is sealed and are able to bear the mess, you can remove the circuit board and examine the fuse with a multimeter to ensure that it is functioning as intended. function. If you're not comfortable doing this, head to your local hardware store or Oreilly's, and they will usually have an radio frequency tester that can determine whether the key fob is sending a signal.
Programming
Key fobs are not indestructible and can be damaged by a lot of things. They may lose their connection to the car's receiver due to shock or low battery, which calls for the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or a main dealer will be able to reprogram your key fob to get it functioning again. In the rarer case that resetting and fixing your key fob fails it may be time to replace it completely.