How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working
If your key fob isn't functioning There are a few simple steps that can be taken to fix it. First, make sure that it's not the backup remote.
If the backup is able to lock and unlock your car door, then there's a likely issue with the main remote. Most problems with car remote keys are caused by circuitry or battery issues.
Battery
The battery inside a key fob can get worn out over the course of time. It is relatively easy to change out the battery, however it is essential to ensure that you select the correct one and you can consult your owner's manual or contact the manufacturer's dealer to find out what kind of battery you require. It is also important to inspect the battery compartment, since dead batteries can leak caustic chemicals which can damage the remote. If changing the batteries does not solve the issue, it may be that there are other issues that require attention from a professional. If buttons are broken or stuck for instance it might be necessary to disassemble the remote and rework each component. It is also possible to reprogramme the vehicle to recognize the new remote.
Buttons
Key fobs may become filthy and worn out due to frequent use. This is not atypical however, it can cause buttons to cease working or require a long press to work. This can be a huge hassle particularly if you're out of town and need to start your car. Even worn-out or malfunctioning buttons can be fixed with a little time and materials you already have at home.
First, check that the batteries are correctly placed and that the indentation on the back of the button has been filled. Then, carefully remove the remote and examine the circuit board. Check for signs of rust or other signs the buttons have been worn or damaged. For example, conductive paint may be missing. Use a Q-tip that has been dipped in alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that has worn-out or where conductive paint is missing. Avoid rubbing too hard because this could damage the conductive paint and block the button from firing when it is the button is pressed.
Check the battery connector terminals carefully for any loose solder connections. Soldering them back into place can restore the button's functionality if this is the case. The same process can be used to restore functionality to any other loose connections in the fob.
If, for instance, any of the rubber buttons on the front of the key fob have stopped functioning or require a difficult press to function it is likely that the graphite disks that are on the back of the button are wearing down and need to be replaced. This can be done by rubbing a pencil over the disks. This should bring the button back to its original state.
If none of this is useful, or if the button does not respond to a hard push, then it may be the case that the circuit board itself has become damaged. This can be fixed by a quick clean and re-soldering, but it is best to have an extra fob in case this method does not work for you.
Circuitry
The circuit board of your remote control could be dirty regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob function or not. A thorough inspection will usually resolve this problem. The most frequent causes of dirty circuit boards are water and broken cases. A broken case allows water and other debris to pass through and short circuit the electronic components. Water can also damage pins and small connectors on the board, referred to as via's.
If you're handy enough to open your key fob, and you're not afraid of a little mess, we can remove the solder from the buttons and put new ones in their place. It's also worth checking the battery terminal connections. If they're loose, the buttons could not function or get stuck in their down position. Soldering remote key fob repair , and putting the button back into place is typically all it takes to restore keys that are not in working condition.
Non-Remote transponder chips
The sealed non-remote chips are more durable than remote fobs, but they can be cracked when a hole is made in them, or in the event that a door handle of a car or lawnmowers is pushed over them. Most of the time, non-remote transponder chip malfunctions could be attributed to a blown fuse.
If you're able to remove a key fob that is sealed and are able to bear the mess, you can take off the circuit board and examine the fuse using 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 utilize their RF frequency tester. This will tell you whether the key fob is sending an RF signal.
Programming
Key fobs aren't impervious to destruction and are susceptible to being damaged by a lot of things. They may lose their connection to the receiver in your car due to shock or low battery, which requires them to be reprogrammed. A professional auto locksmith or main dealer, can reprogram your key fob and get it back working again. If, in the unlikely event that resetting and repairing your key fob fails, it could be time to replace it all over again.