How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working
If your key fob does not work, you can fix it with a few simple steps. The first step is to be sure that it's not your backup remote.
If your backup remote cannot lock and unlock the doors of your car, then it is likely that the main remote isn't functioning. The most common causes for key malfunctions for car remotes are circuitry or battery issues.
Battery
The battery inside the key fob could be worn out over time. car keys repair is fairly easy to change out the battery, however it is important to make sure that you select the correct one that you can refer to your owner's manual or contact the dealer of the manufacturer to find out what kind of battery you require. It is also important to check the battery compartment as batteries that are not working properly can release toxic chemicals that could damage the remote. If changing the batteries doesn't solve the issue, it may be that there are other issues that require professional attention. For instance, if buttons seem to be stuck or damaged, it may be necessary to take the remote apart and rework its components. You could also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new key fob.
Buttons
Through repeated use, key fobs could become worn and dirty. This is not uncommon however it can cause buttons to stop working or require a difficult press to get them to function. This can be a huge hassle, especially if you are away from home and you need to start your car. Fortunately, even worn-out or broken buttons can usually be fixed with just a bit of time and some of the materials you might already have in the house.
First, check that the batteries are up correctly and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Then, carefully remove the remote and inspect the circuit board. Check for signs of corrosion or other indications that the buttons are worn or damaged, like missing the conductive paint. Utilizing a Q-tip that has been dipped in alcohol, gently clean any membrane contacts that are worn or where conductive paint is missing. Don't rub too hard as this can damage the conductive paint and stop the button from firing when you press it.
Check the battery connector terminals carefully for any loose solder connections. If this is the case, connecting them back can restore function to the button. The same method can be used to restore functionality to any other loose connections within the fob.
In the end, if any of the buttons made of rubber on the front of the key fob have stopped functioning or require a difficult press to function it is likely the graphite disks at the back of the button are wearing out and need to be replaced. key fob repair is usually done by rubbing a pen over the disks. This should bring the button to life.
If none of this is useful, or if the button doesn't respond to a hard push It could be because the circuit board itself has gone bad. It is possible to fix this issue by cleaning and re-soldering the button but you should also have an extra in case it doesn't work.
Circuitry
The circuit board of your remote control may be dirty regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob work or not. A thorough inspection will usually resolve this problem. The most common causes for dirty circuit boards are water and damaged cases. A damaged case allows water and other debris to get in and short out the electronic components. Water can also eat away at pins and connectors that are small on the board called via's.
If you're able to open your key fob and don't mind making a mess, we can remove the buttons from their sockets and then solder new ones. It's also worth examining the battery terminal connections. They can become very filthy and if they're not tight enough, the buttons might not work or may even remain in their down position. Soldering the terminals back to their original positions is often enough to return a malfunctioning fob to working.
Non-Remote Transponder Chips
Sealed non-remote transponder chips are more durable than remote fobs that contain them but they can be cracked by a hole that is drilled into them or over by a lawnmowers or car door handle. Most of the time non-remote transponder chip failures could be attributed to an exploded fuse.
If you're handy enough to open up the sealed key fob and can tolerate the mess, you can take off the circuit board and test the fuse using a multimeter to ensure that it is functioning as intended. function. If you don't feel comfortable with this, visit your local Oreilly or hardware store and use their RF frequency tester. This will inform you whether the key fob transmits an RF signal.
Programming
Key fobs aren't impervious to destruction and are susceptible to damage by a lot of things. They may lose their connection with the receiver inside your vehicle due to shocks or a low-battery, which requires changing the program. A professional auto locksmith, or the main dealer can reprogram the keyfob and get it functioning again. If resetting or repairing the keyfob is not working it may be necessary to replace it.