How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working
If your key fob won't work, you can fix it by following a few simple steps. The first step is to make sure it's not the backup remote.
If the backup can lock and unlock your car doors, then there is likely an issue with the main remote. Most problems with car remote keys are caused by battery or circuitry problems.
Battery
It is not uncommon for the battery in the key fob for cars to degrade. It is easy to replace the battery. However it is crucial that you choose the right type. You can refer to the owner's manual or contact the manufacturer to determine the correct type. It is also crucial to inspect the battery compartment as dead batteries can leak caustic chemicals which can damage the remote. If changing car remote key repair near me doesn't solve the issue, it may be that there are other issues that require professional attention. For instance, if buttons appear stuck or broken, it may be necessary to disassemble the remote and rework its parts. You could also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new remote.
Buttons
Key fobs can get dirty and worn-out from repeated use. This is not uncommon however, it can cause buttons to cease working or require a difficult press to get them to work. This can be very frustrating, especially when you are away from your home and need to start your car. Fortunately, even worn out or broken buttons can usually be fixed with a little time and a few materials you have in the home.
First, check that the batteries are properly installed and that the indentation at the back of the button has been filled. Take the remote apart and look over the circuit board. Look for indications of rust or other signs the buttons have been damaged or worn. For instance, conductive paint may be missing. Use a Q-tip that has been dipped in alcohol to gently clean any membrane contacts that are worn or have conductive paint missing. Avoid rubbing car key remote repair near me , because this could damage the conductive paint and stop the button firing when it is pressed.
Also, make sure to inspect the battery connector terminals for an unattached solder connection. If this is the case, simply reconnecting them can restore functionality to the button. The same method can be used to restore function to any other loose connections in the fob.
If, for instance, any of the buttons made of rubber on the front of the key fob stop working or require a very hard press to work it is likely the graphite disks that are on the back of the button are wearing out and require replacement. It is usually done by rubbing a pen over the disks. This will bring the button back to life.
If none of these solutions work, or if you still are unable to get the button to respond when pressed hard, it could be that the circuitry has failed. 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
Whether or not the key fob buttons function the circuit board that is inside your remote might be dirty. A thorough inspection is usually enough to fix this problem. Broken and damaged cases are the most frequent causes of dirty boards. A broken case allows water and other debris to get in and short out the electronics. Water can also get through pins and vias, which are the tiny connectors on the board.
If you're able to open your key fob, and you're not afraid of a little mess, we can de-solder the buttons and put new ones in their place. It's also worth checking the battery terminal connections. If they're loose, the buttons might not function properly or become stuck in their down position. Soldering the terminals back to their proper positions is usually enough to restore a non-working fob back to working.
Non-Remote transponder chips
The non-remote chips that are sealed are more durable than their remote fobs, but they are susceptible to breaking when a hole is made in them or when a door handle for a car or lawnmowers plows over them. Most of the time non-remote transponder chips fail, and this can be blamed on an exploded fuse.
If you're not comfortable opening the key fob, you can remove the circuitboard and utilize a multimeter to determine if the diode is working correctly. If you're unsure about doing this, head to your local hardware store or Oreilly's and they usually have a RF frequency tester that will let you know if the key fob is sending signals.
Programming
Key fobs take a lot of abuse and aren't impervious to damage. They can lose their pairing with the receiver in your vehicle due to shocks or low battery, requiring the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith, or main dealer can reprogram the keyfob and get it working again. If resetting or replacing your key fob fails it may be necessary to replace it.