How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working
If your key fob won't work, you can fix it with a few simple steps. The first step is to make sure that it's not your backup remote.
If the backup is able to lock and unlock your car doors, then there's a likely issue with the primary remote. The most common causes for key malfunctions for car remotes are issues with the circuitry or battery.
Battery
It is not unusual for the battery inside a key fob for cars to degrade. It is fairly easy to change out batteries, but it is crucial to ensure that you choose the correct type and you can consult the owner's manual or talk to the manufacturer's dealer to determine the type of battery you need. It is also crucial to examine the battery compartment, as batteries that are not working properly can release caustic chemicals which can damage the remote. If changing the battery doesn't solve the issue there could be other issues requiring professional attention. For instance, if the buttons seem stuck or damaged it could be necessary to disassemble the remote and rework its components. You could also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new fob.
Buttons
From repeated use, key fobs may get dirty and worn. It is not uncommon to have buttons stop functioning, or require a hefty press to make them work. This can be frustrating, especially when you are away from your home and have to turn on your car. Fortunately, even worn out or car remote key repair shop near me can often be fixed with just a bit of time and a few items you have in the home.
First, make sure car key lock repair near me are charged correctly and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Then, carefully remove electronic car key repair and inspect the circuit board. Check for signs of corrosion or other indications that buttons are worn out or damaged, such as missing conductive paint. Use a Q-tip dipped into rubbing alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that has become worn-out or where conductive paint is missing. Do not rub too vigorously, as this could erode the conductive paint and prevent the button from firing when you press it.
Also, be sure to check the battery connector's terminals to ensure an unattached solder connection. If this is the case, soldering them back in place can restore functionality to the button. The same process can be used to restore function to any loose connections in the fob.
If, for instance, any of the buttons made of rubber that are on the front of the key fob have stopped functioning or require a long press to function it is likely that the graphite disks at the back of the button are wearing down and require replacement. This can usually be done by rubbing a pencil over the disks, which should bring the button back to its original state.
If none of these solutions work or you cannot get the button to respond when you press it hard, it could be that the circuitry has failed. It is possible to fix this with a quick clean and refitting, but it's ideal to have a spare fob available in the event this method fails for you.
Circuitry
The circuit board inside the remote control could be dirty, regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob are working or not. A thorough inspection is often enough to resolve this issue. The most common causes for dirty circuit boards are water and damaged cases. A damaged case can let water and other debris to enter the circuit board, causing it to short out. Water can also eat away at pins and connectors that are small on the board, which are known as via's.
If you're able to open your key fob and you don't mind making some mess, we can take the buttons out of their sockets and put in new ones. Also, you should check the connections between battery terminals. They can get very filthy and if they're not tight enough, the buttons might not function or even stay 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
Sealed non-remote transponder chip are more durable than the remote fobs that have them however they are still susceptible to being broken by a hole being made in them or pushed over by a lawnmowers blade or car door handle. Most of the time non-remote transponder chips fail, and this can be attributed to blowing fuses.
If you're able to open a sealed non-remote key fob and are able to bear the mess, you can remove the circuit board and test the fuse using a multimeter for proper diode function. If you're not comfortable with this, you can go to your local Oreilly or hardware store and utilize their RF frequency tester. This will tell you whether the key fob is sending signals.
Programming
Key fobs are subject to many abuses and aren't indestructible. They can lose their pairing with the receiver inside your vehicle due to shocks or a low battery, requiring reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith, or the main dealer, can reprogram your keyfob to get it working again. If resetting or replacing your key fob fails it is possible to replace it.