How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working
If your key fob isn't working There are a few simple steps that can be taken to fix it. First, make sure that it's not the backup remote.
If the backup can lock and unlock your car doors, then there is likely an issue with the main remote. The most common causes for car remote key failure are circuitry or battery issues.
Battery
The battery in the key fob may get worn out over the course of time. It is simple to replace the battery. However, it is important to select the right type. You can check your owner's guide or contact the manufacturer to find out the right type. It is also a good idea to examine the battery compartment with care because dead batteries can leak harmful chemicals that can harm the remote. If replacing the battery does not solve the issue there could be other issues that require professional attention. 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 the vehicle to recognize the new device.
Buttons
From frequent use, key fobs could become worn and dirty. It is not uncommon for buttons to stop functioning, or require a hefty press to make them work. This can be very frustrating particularly if you're away from home and need to start your vehicle. Even worn-out or malfunctioning buttons are often fixable with a little effort and the tools you already have at home.
First, make sure the batteries are up 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 signs of corrosion or other signs that buttons are worn out or damaged, such as missing conductive paint. Then, using a Q-tip that has been dipped in alcohol to gently clean any membrane contacts that are damaged or have conductive paint missing. Avoid rubbing too hard because this could damage the conductive paint and stop the button firing when pressed.
Check the battery connector terminals for loose solder connections. If click the following article is the case, simply connecting them back may restore function to the button. You can apply the same procedure to restore functionality to any other loose connection within the fob.
In the end, if 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 on the back of the button are wearing down and need to be replaced. You can usually 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 still does not respond to a hard push, then it may be the case that the circuit board has gone bad. It is possible to fix this by a quick clean and refitting, but it's ideal to have a spare fob on hand in the event that this method fails for you.
Circuitry
If the keys fob buttons are functioning, the circuit board inside your remote might be dirty. A thorough examination will usually resolve this issue. Broken and damaged cases are the most frequent causes of dirty boards. A broken case can allow water and other debris to get into the circuit board, which can cause it to short out. Water can also destroy pins and small connectors on the board, referred to as via's.
If you're able to remove your key fob, and you're not afraid of making a mess, we can de-solder the buttons and put new ones in their place. Also, it's worth checking the connections between the battery terminals. They can become very dirty and if they're loose the buttons might not function or may even remain in their down position. Soldering the terminals and buttons to their proper positions is usually enough to restore a non-working fob to a working condition.
Non-Remote transponder chips
Sealed non-remote transponder chips are more durable than the remote fobs they are contained in, but they can be broken by a hole being that is drilled into them or over by a lawnmowers blade or car door handle. Failures of the fuse are typically to blame for non-remote chips failures.
If you're handy enough to open up a sealed non-remote key fob and are willing to put up with the mess, you can easily remove the circuit board and test the fuse using 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 tell you whether the key fob is sending a signal.
Programming
Key fobs endure a lot of abuse and aren't impervious to damage. They can lose their pairing with the receiver in your vehicle because of shocks or a low-battery, which requires reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or a dealer in the main can reprogram your keyfob to get it functioning again. In the rarer case that resetting or repairing your key fob doesn't work it could be the time to replace it completely.