How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working
If your key fob does not work then you can fix it with a few simple steps. First, make sure that it's not the backup remote.
If the backup remote is able to lock and unlock your car doors then there is likely an issue with the primary remote. The most common causes for key problems with your car remote are battery or circuitry issues.
Battery
The battery inside a key fob can get worn out over the course of time. It is easy to replace the battery. However car key fob repair near me is crucial that you choose the right type. You can check your owner's guide or contact the manufacturer to find out the right type. It is recommended to examine the battery compartment with care because dead batteries can release caustic chemicals that could cause damage to the remote. If changing the battery doesn't solve the issue there could be other issues that require attention from a professional. For instance, if the buttons seem stuck or broken it could be necessary to disassemble the remote and rebuild its components. You can also try reprogramming your vehicle to recognize the new key fob.
Buttons
Key fobs may become dirty and worn-out from frequent use. It is not common for buttons to stop functioning, or require a hard push to make them work. This can be extremely frustrating particularly if you're away from home and need to start your vehicle. Fortunately, even worn-out or malfunctioning buttons can often be fixed with a bit of time and some of the materials you have in the house.
First, ensure that the batteries are up correctly and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Then, carefully open the remote and examine the circuit board. Examine for signs of rust or other signs that the buttons are worn or damaged, such as missing paint that is conductive. Use a Q-tip, dipped in alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that has become worn-out or where conductive paint is missing. Do not rub too vigorously, as this could erode the conductive paint, and block the button from firing when pressed.
Also, make sure to inspect the battery connector's terminals to ensure any loose solder connections. If this is the case, simply soldering them back in place may restore functionality to the button. You can apply the same process to restore functionality to any other loose connection within the fob.
Finally, if any of the rubber buttons on the front of the key fob stop working or require a very difficult press to function, it is likely that the graphite disks at the back of the button are deteriorating and require replacement. This can usually be done by rubbing a pencil on the disks. This should bring the button back to life.
If none of this is helpful, or if the button does not respond to a hard press It could be that the circuit board itself is damaged. This can sometimes be repaired by a quick clean and re-soldering, but it is ideal to have a spare fob on hand in the event that this method doesn't work for you.
Circuitry
If the keys fob buttons are functioning the circuit board that is inside your remote may be dirty. A thorough examination is often enough to resolve this problem. The most common causes of dirty circuit boards are water and damaged cases. key repair damaged case can allow water and other debris to get in and short out the electronics. Water can also destroy pins and connectors that are small on the board, referred to as via's.
If you're skilled enough to open your key fob, and aren't afraid of making some mess, we can remove the buttons from their sockets and put in new ones. It's also worth examining the battery terminal connections. If they are loose, the buttons might not function properly or become stuck in their down position. Soldering terminals and buttons back to their original positions is often enough to bring a non-working fob to working.
Non-Remote transponder chips
Sealed non-remote transponder chips are much more durable than the remote fobs that have them but they can still be broken by a hole being made in them or pushed over by a lawnmowers blade or car door handle. Most of the time, non-remote transponder chips fail, and this can be blamed on an exploded fuse.
If you are not comfortable opening the key fob, you may remove the circuitboard and use a multimeter to determine if the diode is functioning properly. If you're not comfortable with this, go to your local Oreilly or hardware store and utilize their RF frequency tester. This will tell you whether the key fob is sending a signal.
Programming
Key fobs are not indestructible and can be 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. In the rarer case that resetting or repairing your key fob doesn't work it could be the time to replace it entirely.