How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working
If your key fob won't work and you're not sure why, you can fix it by following just a few steps. The first step is to be sure that it's not the backup remote.
If the backup is able to lock and unlock your car doors, then there's a likely issue with the main remote. The most common causes for key problems with your car remote are issues with the circuitry or battery.
Battery
The battery in a key fob can be worn out over time. It is simple to replace batteries. However it is crucial that you choose the right type. You can refer to your owner's guide or contact the manufacturer to determine the right kind. It is also important to examine the battery compartment, since batteries that are not working properly can release toxic chemicals that could damage the remote. If changing the battery doesn't fix the issue, there may be other issues that require professional attention. For instance, if the buttons seem stuck or broken It may be necessary to disassemble the remote and rework its components. You can also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new key fob.
Buttons
Key fobs can get dirty and worn out from frequent use. It is not unusual for buttons to cease functioning, or require a hefty press to get them working. repair car key near me can be very frustrating particularly when you're away from home and you need to start your car. Fortunately, even worn-out or damaged buttons can be fixed with a little time and a few materials you might already have in the house.
First, verify that the batteries are properly inserted and that the indentation at the back of the button has been filled. Then, carefully open up the remote and look at the circuit board. Look for signs of corrosion or other signs that the buttons are worn out or damaged, such as missing the conductive paint. Use a Q-tip, dipped in alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that has worn out or has conductive paint missing. Be careful not to rub too hard, as this can erode the conductive paint and block the button from firing when pressed.
Also, carefully check the battery connector's terminals for an unattached solder connection. If this is the case, simply connecting them back may bring back function 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 that are on the front of the key fob have stopped working or require a difficult press to function it is likely the graphite disks that are on the back of the button are deteriorating and require replacement. You can usually do this by rubbing a pen over the disks. This should bring the button back to life.
If none of this is helpful, or if the button does not respond to a hard push, then it may be because the circuit board has gone bad. It is possible to fix this issue by cleaning and re-soldering the button however, you should have an extra in case it does not work.
Circuitry
If the key fob buttons are working the circuit board that is inside the remote could be dirty. This issue can be fixed by a thorough inspection. Broken cases and water are the most common causes of dirty boards. A damaged case can let water and other debris to enter the circuit board, causing it to short. Water can also eat away at pins and connectors that are small on the board, which are known as via's.
If you are handy enough to open your key fob and don't mind making a mess, we can take the buttons out of their sockets and put in new ones. It's also worth checking the battery terminal connections. They can become very filthy and if they're not tight enough, the buttons might not function or may even remain in their down position. Soldering the terminals back to their original positions is often enough to restore a non-working fob back to working.
Non-Remote transponder chips
The non-remote chips sealed in a sealed case are more durable than their remote fobs. However, 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. Most of the time, non-remote transponder chips fail, and this can be attributed to blowing fuses.
If you're not confident opening the key fob, you may remove the circuitboard and use a multimeter to determine if the diode is working properly. If you're not sure with this, you can go to your local Oreilly or hardware store and test their RF frequency tester. This will let you know whether the key fob sends an RF signal.
Programming
Key fobs are not indestructible and are susceptible to being damaged through a variety of causes. They can lose their pairing to the car's receiver because of shock or a low battery, requiring them to be reprogrammed. A professional auto locksmith or main dealer can reprogram your key fob and get it functioning again. If resetting or fixing the keyfob is not working it may be necessary to replace it.