How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working
If your key fob does not work then you can fix it with just a few steps. First, make sure that it's not the backup remote.
If your backup remote can lock and unlock the doors of your car, it is most likely that the primary remote is not working. The most frequent causes of key problems with your car remote are battery or circuitry issues.
Battery
It is not uncommon for the battery inside a car key fob to get worn out. It is fairly easy to replace a battery, although it is crucial to make sure that you choose the correct type that you can refer to your owner's manual or contact the dealer of the manufacturer to find out the kind of battery you need. It is also important to examine the battery compartment, since batteries that are not working properly can release caustic chemicals which can damage the remote. If replacing the battery does not solve the issue, there may be other issues that require attention from a professional. If buttons are broken or stuck for instance, it may be necessary disassemble the remote and rework each component. You could also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new key fob.
Buttons
Key fobs may become dirty and worn out from repeated use. It is not unusual for buttons to stop functioning, or require a hefty press to get them working. This can be a huge hassle, especially if you are out of town and need to start your vehicle. Fortunately, even worn out or damaged key repair near me can be fixed with just a bit of time and a few items you may already have around the home.
First, make sure the batteries are charged correctly and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Then, carefully open the remote and inspect the circuit board. Look for signs of rust or other signs the buttons have been damaged or worn. For instance there could be conductive paint missing. Use a Q-tip that has been dipped in alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that is worn out or has conductive paint missing. Avoid rubbing too hard, because this could damage the conductive paint and block the button firing when the button is pressed.
Also, make sure to inspect the battery connector terminals for a loose solder connection. If this is the case, soldering them back in place may restore functionality to the button. You can use the same process to restore functionality to any other loose connection inside the fob.
If any of the rubber buttons located at the front of the keyfob isn't working or require being pressing very hard the graphite disks on the back of the button may have worn out and will need to replaced. This is usually done by rubbing a pencil across the disks, which will bring the button back to its original state.
If none of this is helpful or if the button still does not respond to a hard press It could be that the circuit board has gone bad. This can be fixed by a quick clean and replacing the solder, but it is ideal to have a spare fob available in the event this method fails for you.
Circuitry
Whether or not the key fob buttons function the circuit board in your remote may be dirty. A thorough inspection is usually enough to fix this issue. The most common causes for dirty circuit boards is water and broken cases. A broken case can let water and other debris to enter the circuit board, causing it to short. Water can also destroy pins and connectors on the board called via's.
If you're able to open up your key fob and don't mind a little mess, we can remove the solder from the buttons and put new ones in their place. It's also worth looking at the battery terminal connections. They can become very filthy and if they're not tight enough, the buttons might not work or even stick in their down position. Soldering the terminals and buttons to their proper positions is usually enough to bring a non-working fob to working.
Non-Remote Transponder Chips
Sealed non-remote transponder chips are much more durable than remote fobs they are contained in, however they are still susceptible to being damaged by a hole that is that is drilled into them or over by a lawnmower or door handle for a car. Most of the time non-remote transponder chip malfunctions could be attributed to a blown fuse.
If you're able to remove a sealed non-remote key fob and can tolerate the mess, you can remove the circuit board and examine the fuse with a multimeter for proper diode function. If you're not sure with this, visit your local Oreilly or hardware store and test their RF frequency tester. This will tell you whether the key fob sends a signal.
Programming
Key fobs endure a lot of abuse and aren't impervious to damage. They can break their connection with the receiver in your vehicle due to shocks or a low-battery, which requires the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or a dealer in the main, can reprogram your keyfob and get it working again. If resetting or fixing your key fob fails it is possible to replace it.