How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working
If your key fob won't work then you can fix it with some simple steps. First, make sure that it's not your backup remote.
If your backup remote can lock and unlock the doors of your vehicle, it is likely that the primary remote isn't working. Most car remote key failures are caused by battery or circuitry problems.
Battery
The battery in the key fob could get worn out over the course of time. It is simple to replace batteries. However it is essential that you use the correct kind. You can refer to the owner's manual or contact the manufacturer to inquire about the right type. It is recommended to examine the battery compartment with care, as dead batteries sometimes release caustic chemicals that could harm the remote. If changing the batteries does not solve the problem it could be because there are other issues that require attention by a professional. If the buttons are stuck or broken, for example it could be necessary to remove the remote and rebuild each component. You could also try reprogramming your vehicle to recognize the new key fob.
Buttons
Key fobs can get dirty and worn out from repeated use. It is not unusual for buttons to cease working, or to require a long push to make them work. This can be a hassle particularly when you're away from home and you need to turn on your car. Fortunately, even worn-out or malfunctioning buttons can often be fixed with a bit of time and a few materials you might already have in the home.
First, make sure the batteries are charged correctly and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Then, carefully open the remote and examine the circuit board. Look for evidence of rust, or other signs the buttons have been damaged or worn. For instance, conductive paint may be missing. Use a Q-tip dipped into alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that is worn-out or where conductive paint is missing. Be careful not to rub too hard, because this could damage the conductive paint and stop the button from firing when it is pressed.
Check the battery connector's terminals for loose solder connections. If this is the case, simply soldering them back in place may bring back function to the button. You can use the same procedure to restore functionality to any other loose connection within the fob.
If any of the rubber buttons located at the front of the keyfob isn't working or need to be pressed very hard the graphite disks at the back of the button might have worn out and require replacement. You can do this by rubbing a pen over the disks. This should bring the button to life.
If all of this doesn't help, or if the button does not respond to a firm press, then it may be that the circuit board has gone bad. It is possible to fix the issue by cleaning and re-soldering the fob however, you should have a spare in case it doesn't work.
Circuitry
The circuit board inside your remote control may be dirty, regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob work or not. A very thorough inspection will usually resolve this problem. Water and broken cases are the most frequent causes of boards that are dirty. A broken case allows water and other debris to pass through and short circuit the electronic components. key lock repair near me can also damage pins and small connectors on the board, which are known as via's.
If you are handy enough to open your key fob and aren't afraid of making some mess, we can take the buttons out of their sockets and then solder new ones. Also, it's worth checking the connections between the battery terminals. If they are loose, the buttons could not work or even become stuck in their down position. Soldering the terminals back to their original positions is often enough to restore a non-working fob to a working condition.
Non-Remote Transponder Chips
The non-remote chips sealed in a sealed case are more durable than their remote fobs, but they are susceptible to cracking if a hole is drilled into them or in the event that a door handle of a car or lawnmower runs over them. The failure of the fuse is usually the cause of non-remote chip failures.
If you're not comfortable opening the key fob, remove the circuitboard and use a multimeter to check that the diode is working correctly. If you're not comfortable doing this, head to your local hardware store or Oreilly's, and they usually have a RFID frequency tester that can let you know whether the key fob sending a signal.
Programming
Key fobs take lots of abuse and aren't completely indestructible. They can lose their pairing to the receiver in your car due to shock or a low battery, which calls for them to be reprogrammed. A professional auto locksmith, or main dealer can reprogram your keyfob and get it working again. If resetting or repairing your key fob fails it may be necessary to replace it.