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 with some simple 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 door, it is most likely an issue with the main remote. The majority of car remote key malfunctions are caused by battery or circuitry problems.
Battery
It is not uncommon to find a battery on a key fob for cars to wear out. It is quite simple to change out the battery, however it is important to make sure that you use the right type that you can refer to your owner's manual or contact the manufacturer's dealer to find out what kind of battery you require. It is also essential to check the battery compartment, as dead batteries can leak caustic chemicals that can harm the remote. If replacing the battery does not solve the issue there could be other issues that require attention from a professional. For example, if buttons seem stuck or broken, it may be necessary to take the remote apart and rework its components. You could also try reprogramming your vehicle to recognize the new key fob.
Buttons
Due to frequent use, key fobs could get dirty and worn. It is not uncommon for buttons to cease working, or to require a hefty push to make them work. This can be a huge hassle, especially if you are out of town and need to start your vehicle. 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, check that the batteries have been correctly installed and that the indentation at 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 the buttons are worn out or damaged, like missing paint that is conductive. Use a Q-tip that has been dipped in rubbing alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that has become damaged or where conductive painting is missing. Do not rub too vigorously, as this could erode the conductive paint, and block the button from firing when you press it.
Also, make sure to inspect the battery connector's terminals for a loose solder connection. If this is the case, reconnecting them can restore function to the button. You can use the same method to restore functionality to any other loose connection inside the fob.
In the end, if any of the buttons made of rubber on the front of the key fob stop working or require a long press to function it is likely that the graphite disks at the back of the button are wearing down and need to be replaced. You can usually do this by rubbing a pen over the disks. This will bring the button back to life.
If all of this doesn't help, or if the button does not respond to a firm press, then it may be because the circuit board has gone bad. It is possible to fix this issue by cleaning and re-soldering the fob but you should also have a spare in case it doesn't work.
Circuitry
The circuit board of your remote control could be dirty, regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob function or not. A very thorough inspection is often enough to resolve this problem. Water and broken cases are the most common causes of boards that are dirty. A broken case can allow water and other debris to enter the circuit board, causing it to short out. Water can also damage pins and small connectors on the board, which are known as via's.
If you're able to open your key fob and aren't afraid of making a mess, we can remove the buttons from their sockets and solder in new ones. It's also worth examining the battery terminal connections. If they're loose, the buttons could not work or even become stuck in their down position. Soldering the terminals and button's back in place is usually all that's required to return keys that are not in functioning condition.
Non-Remote transponder chips
Sealed non-remote transponder chips are more durable than remote fobs that have them but they can be damaged by a hole that is that is drilled into them or over by a lawnmowers or door handle for a car. Fuse failures are usually to blame for non-remote chips failures.
If you're not confident opening the key fob, you may remove the circuitboard and utilize a multimeter to determine if the diode is operating correctly. If you're unsure about doing this, head to your local hardware store or Oreilly's and they usually have an RFID frequency tester that can let you know whether the key fob is transmitting a signal.
Programming
Key fobs aren't impervious to destruction and can be damaged through a variety of causes. They can lose their pairing to the car's receiver due to shock or a low battery, which requires them to be reprogrammed. car key repairs near me or main dealer can reprogram your key fob to get it functioning again. In the rarer case that resetting and fixing your key fob fails it could be the time to replace it entirely.