How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working
If your key fob won't work and you're not sure why, you can fix it with just a few steps. The first step is to be sure that it's not your backup remote.
If the backup is able to lock and unlock your car doors it is most likely an issue with the main remote. Most problems with car remote keys are caused by circuitry or battery issues.
Battery
It is not unusual for the battery inside the car key fob to degrade. It is easy to replace batteries. However it is crucial that you choose the right kind. You can consult your owner's guide or contact the manufacturer to determine the right type. It is also important to check the battery compartment, as dead batteries can leak caustic chemicals that can harm the remote. If changing the battery doesn't fix the problem there may be additional issues requiring professional attention. For example, if buttons seem stuck or damaged, it may be necessary to disassemble the remote and rebuild its components. It is also possible to reprogramme the vehicle to recognize the new remote.
Buttons
Through frequent use, key fobs may become worn and dirty. It is not unusual for buttons to cease functioning, or require a long push to make them work. This can be frustrating especially when you're away from your home and need to switch on your car. Fortunately, even worn out or damaged car key repair cost can be fixed with a little time and a few materials you might already have in the house.
First, ensure that the batteries are properly charged and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Open the remote carefully and look over the circuit board. Check for signs of corrosion or other indications that buttons are worn out or damaged, like missing conductive paint. Utilizing a Q-tip that has been dipped in rubbing alcohol, gently clean any membrane contacts that are damaged or have conductive paint missing. Don't rub too hard, as this could erode the conductive paint and stop the button from firing when it is pressed.
Examine the battery connector's terminals carefully for any loose solder connections. Soldering them back to their original position will restore the button's functionality If this is the case. The same procedure can be used to restore functionality to any other loose connections inside the fob.
If any of the rubber buttons located at the front of the keyfob aren't functioning or require to be pressing extremely hard the graphite disks at the back of the button may have worn out and require replacement. This can usually be done by rubbing a pencil over the disks, which should bring the button back to life.
If none of these solutions work, or if you still cannot get the button to respond when pressed hard, it could be that the circuitry is failing. It is possible to fix this by cleaning and re-soldering your fob but you should also have another spare in case it doesn't work.
Circuitry
The circuit board inside the remote control could be dirty, regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob work or not. A thorough examination will usually resolve this problem. The most common causes of dirty circuit boards are water and damaged cases. A damaged case allows water and other debris to get in and short out the electronics. Water can also eat away at pins and connectors on the board called via's.
If you are handy enough to open your key fob and don't mind making some mess, we can remove the buttons from their sockets and solder in new ones. Also, you should check the connections between the battery terminals. They can become very dirty and if they're loose the buttons may not work or may even remain in their down position. Soldering the terminals and buttons back in their place is generally all that's required to return the key fob that is not working to working condition.
Non-Remote transponder chips
The non-remote chips that are sealed are more durable than their remote fobs, however they are susceptible to breaking when a hole is made in them or if a car door handle or lawnmower runs over them. Most of the time, non-remote transponder chip malfunctions can be attributed to an exploded fuse.
If you're not confident opening the key fob, remove the circuitboard and utilize a multimeter to determine if the diode is working correctly. If you're not comfortable with this, visit your local Oreilly or hardware store and utilize their RF frequency tester. This will let you know whether the key fob transmits a signal.
Programming
Key fobs are not indestructible and are susceptible to damage by a lot of things. They can lose their pairing with the receiver in your vehicle due to shocks or low battery, requiring changing the program. A professional auto locksmith or a dealer in the main can reprogram the keyfob to get it working again. In the rarer case that resetting and fixing your key fob isn't working, it could be time to replace it entirely.