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 some simple steps. First, check to make sure 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 is not working. The most common causes of car remote key failure are issues with the circuitry or battery.
Battery
The battery in a key fob can get worn out over the course of time. It is quite simple to change out batteries, but it is crucial to ensure you choose the correct type that you can refer to your owner's manual or contact the manufacturer's dealer to find out the kind of battery you need. It is also essential to inspect the battery compartment, as dead batteries can leak caustic chemicals which can damage the remote. If replacing the battery does not fix the problem there may be additional issues that require attention from a professional. For example, if buttons seem to be stuck or damaged It may be necessary to take the remote apart and rebuild its components. It is also possible to reprogramme the vehicle to recognize the new fob.
Buttons
Key fobs may become 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 function. This can be very frustrating particularly when you're away from your home and have to switch on your car. Fortunately, even worn out or broken buttons can usually be fixed with a little time and some of the materials you might already have in the house.
First, make sure the batteries are up correctly and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Take the remote apart and inspect the circuit board. Examine for signs of rust or other indications that buttons are worn out or damaged, such as missing the conductive paint. Use a Q-tip, dipped in alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that has become worn out or where conductive painting is missing. Avoid rubbing too hard because this could damage the conductive paint and stop the button from firing when the button is pressed.
Examine the battery connector's terminals for loose solder connections. If this is the case, soldering them back in place can restore functionality to the button. You can apply the same method to restore functionality to any other loose connection inside the fob.
If broken key repair of the rubber buttons located at the front of the keyfob isn't working or need to be pressing extremely hard the graphite disks on the back of the button may have worn out and need to replaced. It is usually done by rubbing a pencil over the disks. This should bring the button back to life.
If none of this is useful, or if the button does not respond to a firm press It could be the case that the circuit board is damaged. It is possible to fix this issue by cleaning and re-soldering your fob, but you should have another spare 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. This issue can be fixed by a thorough inspection. Broken and damaged cases are the most common causes of dirty boards. A damaged case allows water and other debris to enter and short circuit the electronics. Water can also destroy pins and connectors that are small on the board, referred to as via's.
If you're able to open your key fob and don't mind making a mess, we can remove the buttons from their sockets and then solder new ones. It's also worth looking at the battery terminal connections. If they're loose, the buttons may not function or get stuck 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
The non-remote chips sealed in a sealed case are more durable than their remote fobs, however they are susceptible to cracking when a hole is made in them or if a car door handle or lawnmowers plows over them. 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 functioning properly. If you're unsure about doing this, head to your local hardware store or the Oreilly's and they will usually have a radio frequency tester that can let you know if the key fob is sending signals.
Programming
car key repair service take a lot of abuse and aren't impervious to damage. They may lose their connection with the receiver in your vehicle due to shocks or low battery, requiring the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or a main dealer will be able to reprogram your key fob to get it back up and running. If resetting or replacing your key fob fails it is possible to replace it.