How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working
If your key fob isn't functioning, a few easy steps can fix it. The first step is to be sure that it's not the backup remote.
If the backup can lock and unlock your car doors, it is most likely an issue with the main remote. The most common causes of car remote key failure are battery or circuitry issues.
Battery
It is not unusual for the battery in the car key fob to degrade. It is relatively easy to replace a battery, although it is crucial to make sure that you use the right type that you can refer to your owner's manual, or contact the dealer for the manufacturer to find out what kind of battery you need. It is also essential to examine the battery compartment as dead batteries can leak toxic chemicals that could damage the remote. If changing the battery doesn't solve the issue, there may be other issues that require attention from a professional. If the buttons are damaged or stuck for instance it might be necessary to remove the remote and rebuild each component. 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 common for buttons to stop functioning, or require a hard press to make them work. This can be very frustrating, especially if you are away from home and need to start your vehicle. Fortunately, even worn-out or damaged buttons can be fixed with a bit of time and some of the materials you have in the house.
First, check that the batteries are correctly placed and that the indentation at the back of the button has been filled. Then, carefully open the remote and look at the circuit board. Check for signs of corrosion or other indications that buttons are worn out or damaged, such as missing paint that is conductive. Use a Q-tip that has been dipped in alcohol to gently clean any membrane contacts that have worn or where conductive paint is missing. Don't rub too hard, as this could erode the conductive paint and stop the button from firing when you press it.
Check the battery connector's terminals for loose solder connections. If this is the case, reconnecting them could bring back function to the button. You can follow the same process to restore functionality to any other loose connection within the fob.
Finally, if any of the buttons made of rubber that are on the front of the key fob have stopped working or require a very long press to function it is likely 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 across the disks, which will bring the button back to working.
If none of this is useful, 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 with a quick clean and replacing the solder, but it is recommended to have an additional fob available in the event this method does not work for you.
Circuitry
The circuit board in your remote control may be dirty, regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob function or not. A thorough inspection will usually resolve this issue. The most frequent causes of dirty circuit boards are water and damaged cases. A damaged case can let water and other debris into the circuit board, causing it to short out. Water can also damage pins and vias, which are small connectors that are found on the board.
If you're able to open your key fob and don't mind making a mess, we can take the buttons out of their sockets and solder in new ones. Also, you should check the connections between the battery terminals. They can become extremely dirty and if they're loose the buttons may not work or even stick in their down position. Soldering broken car key repair near me and button's back in their place is generally all that's required to return the key fob that is not working to working order.
Non-Remote Transponder Chips
Sealed non-remote transponder chip are more durable than the remote fobs that have them but they can still be broken by a hole being that is drilled into them or over by a lawnmower or car door handle. The majority of non-remote transponder chip failures could be attributed to an exploded fuse.
If you're able to open up the sealed key fob and can tolerate the mess, you can remove the circuit board and examine the fuse with an instrument to verify diode function. If you don't feel comfortable with this, you can visit your local Oreilly or hardware store and use their RF frequency tester. This will tell you whether the key fob transmits signals.
Programming
Key fobs are not indestructible and can be damaged by a variety of factors. They may lose their connection with the receiver in your vehicle due to shocks or a low battery, requiring changing the program. A professional auto locksmith or main dealer can reprogram your key fob and get it working again. If resetting or replacing your keyfob does not work it is possible to replace it.