How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working
If your key fob does not work then you can fix it with just a few steps. 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 car, it is likely that the main remote isn't functioning. Most car remote key failures result from battery or circuitry problems.
Battery
The battery in a key fob can be worn out over time. It is easy to replace the battery. However it is crucial that you use the correct type. You can refer to your owner's manual or call the manufacturer to inquire about the right kind. 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 replacing the battery does not solve the issue there could be other issues requiring professional attention. For instance, if the buttons seem stuck or damaged It may be necessary to take the remote apart and rework its parts. You can also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new remote.
Buttons
Key fobs can become dirty and worn-out from frequent use. It is not uncommon for buttons to cease functioning, or require a hard press to make them work. This can be a huge hassle, especially if you are away from home and you need to start your car. Even broken or damaged buttons are often fixable with a little time and the tools you already have at home.
First, make sure the batteries are charged correctly and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Then, open the remote with care and inspect the circuit board. Check for signs of corrosion or other signs that the buttons are worn or damaged, like missing paint that is conductive. Use a Q-tip, dipped in alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that has worn-out or has conductive paint missing. Do not rub too vigorously, as this could erode the conductive paint and prevent the button from firing when it is pressed.
Also, make sure to inspect the battery connector's terminals for an unattached solder connection. Soldering them back into place will allow the button to function again If this is the situation. You can apply the same procedure to restore functionality to any other loose connection in the fob.
If, for instance, any of the buttons made of rubber on the front of the key fob stop functioning or require a difficult press to function it is likely that the graphite disks at the back of the button are wearing down and require replacement. You can usually do this by rubbing a pen across the disks. This will bring the button back to life.
If none of this is useful, or if the button still does not respond to a hard push, then it may be the case that the circuit board has become damaged. This can be fixed by a quick clean and re-soldering, but it is ideal to have a spare fob available in the event this method fails for you.
Circuitry
Whether or not the keys fob buttons are functioning the circuit board that is inside your remote might be dirty. The issue can be solved through a thorough examination. The most common causes for dirty circuit boards are water and broken cases. A damaged case could let water and other debris to get into the circuit board, which can cause it to short. Water can also eat away at pins and small connectors on the board called via's.
If you're able to remove your key fob and aren't afraid of a little mess, we can take off the buttons and solder new ones in their place. It's also worth checking the connections between battery terminals. If they are loose, the buttons may not work or even become stuck in their down position. Soldering car key repair near me , and putting the button back in their place is generally all that's needed to return a non-working key fob to working condition.
Non-Remote Transponder Chips
Sealed non-remote transponder chip are more durable than remote fobs that have them but they can still be broken by a hole being drilled into them or run over by a lawnmowers blade or car door handle. Fuse failures are usually the cause of non-remote chip failures.
If you are not comfortable opening the key fob, you can remove the circuitboard and use a multimeter to verify that the diode is operating properly. If you're not confident doing this, visit your local hardware store or Oreilly's and they'll usually have an RFID frequency tester that can tell you if the key fob is sending a signal.
Programming
Key fobs aren't indestructible and can be damaged by a lot of things. They can lose their pairing to the car's receiver because of shock or a low battery, which requires the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith, or the main dealer can reprogram the keyfob and get it up and running again. If resetting or fixing the keyfob is not working it is possible to replace it.