How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working
If your key fob doesn't work There are a few simple steps that can be taken to fix it. The first step is to be sure it's not the backup remote.
If the backup can lock and unlock your car door, then there is likely an issue with the primary remote. The most common causes of key malfunctions for car remotes are circuitry or battery issues.
Battery
The battery inside a key fob can get worn out over the course of time. It is relatively easy to change out the battery, however it is important to ensure that you choose the correct type; you can look in the owner's manual or talk to the manufacturer's dealer to determine the type of battery you need. It is also crucial to check the battery compartment, as batteries that are not working properly can release caustic chemicals which can damage the remote. If replacing the battery does not fix the issue there could be other issues requiring professional attention. If the buttons are damaged or stuck for instance it could be necessary to remove the remote and rebuild each component. You can also try reprogramming your vehicle to recognize the new key fob.
Buttons
Key fobs can become filthy and worn out due to repeated use. This is not atypical however, it can cause buttons to cease working or require a very hard press for them to function. This can be very frustrating particularly if you're away from home and need to start your vehicle. Fortunately, even worn out or malfunctioning buttons can often be fixed with just a bit of time and some of the materials you might already have in the home.
First, ensure that key repair car are charged correctly and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Open the remote carefully and inspect the circuit board. Look for signs of rust or other signs the buttons are damaged or worn. For example, conductive paint may be missing. Use a Q-tip that has been dipped in 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 stop the button from firing when you press it.
Check the battery connector terminals carefully for any loose solder connections. Soldering them back to their original position will restore the button's functionality if this is the situation. You can apply the same method to restore functionality to any other loose connection within the fob.
If any of the rubber buttons located at the front of the keyfob are not working or require being press extremely hard the graphite disks at the back of the button could have worn out and will require replacement. It is usually done by rubbing a pen across the disks. This should bring the button back to life.
If all of this doesn't help or if the button still does not respond to a hard push, then it may be that the circuit board itself has gone bad. It is possible to fix this issue by cleaning and re-soldering the fob however, you should have an extra in case it doesn't work.
Circuitry
The circuit board in the remote control could be dirty, regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob function or not. A very thorough inspection is usually enough to fix this problem. Broken cases and water are the most frequent causes of boards that are dirty. A damaged case can allow water and other debris to pass through and short out the electronic components. Water can also get through pins and vias, which are small connectors that are found on the board.
If you're able to open your key fob, and you're not afraid of some mess, we can take off the buttons and then solder new ones in their place. It's also worth looking at the battery terminal connections. They can become extremely dirty and if they're loose the buttons might not work or may even remain in their down position. Soldering the terminals, and putting the button back in their place is generally all it takes to restore the key fob that is not working to functioning condition.
Non-Remote Transponder Chips
The non-remote chips that are sealed are more durable than their remote fobs, however they are susceptible to cracking in the event of a hole being drilled in them, or in the event that a door handle of a car or lawnmower runs over them. Most of the time non-remote transponder chip failures could be attributed to blowing fuses.
If you're handy enough to open a key fob that is sealed and can tolerate the mess, you can easily remove the circuit board and examine the fuse with a multimeter to ensure that it is functioning as intended. function. If you're not sure with this, you can go to your local Oreilly or hardware store and utilize their RF frequency tester. This will let you know whether the key fob is sending signals.
Programming
Key fobs are subject to a lot of abuse and aren't completely indestructible. They may lose their connection to the car's receiver due to shock or a low battery, which calls for the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith, or the main dealer can reprogram your keyfob and get it working again. If resetting or replacing your key fob fails it may be necessary to replace it.