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 the backup remote.
If your backup remote cannot unlock and lock the doors of your car, it is most likely that the primary remote isn't working. The most frequent causes of car remote key failure are battery or circuitry issues.
Battery
It is not unusual for the battery in a key fob for cars to get worn out. It is fairly easy to replace the battery, however it is essential to make sure that you use the right type and you can consult the owner's manual or talk to the dealer of the manufacturer to find out what kind of battery you require. It is also essential to inspect the battery compartment as dead batteries can leak caustic chemicals which can damage the remote. If changing the battery doesn't fix the problem there may be additional issues that require professional attention. If buttons are damaged or stuck for instance it could be necessary to remove the remote and rebuild each component. You can also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new key fob.
Buttons
Key fobs can get dirty and worn-out from repeated use. This is not unusual, but it can cause buttons to cease working or require a long press to function. This can be a hassle particularly when you're away from your home and have to start your car. Fortunately, even worn-out or malfunctioning buttons can often be fixed with a little time and a few items you might already have in the house.
First, check that the batteries are properly charged and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Then, open the remote with care and look over the circuit board. Look for signs of corrosion or other indications that the buttons are worn or damaged, such as missing conductive paint. Then, using a Q-tip that has been dipped in alcohol to gently clean any membrane contacts that have damaged or have conductive paint missing. Do not rub too vigorously in order to damage the conductive paint and stop the button from firing when it is pressed.
Check the battery connector's terminals for loose solder connections. Soldering them back in place can restore the button's functionality in the event that this is the situation. The same process can be used to restore function to any loose connections within the fob.
Finally, if any of the buttons made of rubber on the front of the key fob stop working or require a hard press to work it is likely that the graphite disks on the back of the button are wearing down and need to be replaced. You can usually do this by rubbing a pen over the disks. key repair for car will bring the button back to life.
If none of these solutions work, or if you still not be able to get the button respond when you press it hard, it is possible that the circuitry is failing. It is possible to fix this by a quick clean and re-soldering, but it is ideal to have a spare fob on hand in the event that this method fails for you.
Circuitry
If the key fob buttons function, the circuit board inside your remote may be dirty. A very thorough inspection is usually enough to fix this problem. Water and broken cases are the most frequent causes of dirty boards. A damaged case can allow water and other debris to get in and short out the electronic components. Water can also damage pins and vias, which are small connectors on the board.
If you're skilled enough to open your key fob and aren't afraid of making an mess, you can remove the buttons from their sockets and then solder new ones. Also, it's worth checking the connections between the battery terminals. They can get very dirty and if they're loose the buttons may not work or even stick in their down position. Soldering the terminals and buttons into place is usually enough to restore a non-working fob to a working condition.
Non-Remote Transponder Chips
Sealed non-remote transponder chip are more durable than remote fobs that contain them but they can still be damaged by a hole that is made in them or pushed over by a lawnmowers or door handle for a car. Most of the time, non-remote transponder chips fail, and this could be attributed to blowing fuses.
If you're able to open up a key fob that is sealed and can tolerate the mess, you can easily 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 with this, you can go to your local Oreilly or hardware store and use their RF frequency tester. This will tell you whether the key fob is sending an RF signal.
Programming
Key fobs endure lots of abuse and aren't completely indestructible. They may lose their connection to the receiver in your car due to shock or low battery, which requires the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or main dealer can reprogram your key fob to get it functioning again. If, in the unlikely event that resetting and fixing your key fob fails it may be time to replace it completely.