How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working
If your key fob won't work then you can fix it by following a few simple steps. First, check to make sure it's not your backup remote.
If your backup remote cannot lock and unlock the doors of your car, it is most likely that the primary remote isn't functioning. The most common causes for key malfunctions for car remotes are battery or circuitry issues.
Battery
It is not uncommon for the battery inside a car key fob to degrade. It is relatively easy to replace batteries, but it is crucial to ensure you select the correct one and you can consult your owner's manual, or contact the dealer for the manufacturer to find out what kind of battery you require. It is also a good idea to inspect the battery compartment thoroughly because dead batteries can leak harmful chemicals that can harm the remote. If replacing the batteries doesn't solve the issue it could be that there are other issues that require attention from a professional. For instance, if the buttons appear stuck or damaged it could be necessary to disassemble the remote and rework its components. It is also possible to reprogramme the vehicle to recognize the new device.
Buttons
Key fobs can get dirty and worn out from frequent use. It is not common to have buttons stop functioning, or require a hard push to make them work. This can be very frustrating particularly when you're away from home and you need to switch on your car. Even worn-out or malfunctioning buttons are often fixable with a little time and tools you already have at home.
First, make sure the batteries are charged correctly and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Then, carefully remove the remote and examine the circuit board. Examine for signs of rust or other indications that buttons are worn out or damaged, such as missing paint that is conductive. Use a Q-tip dipped in alcohol to gently clean any membrane contacts that have damaged or where conductive paint is missing. Be careful not to rub too hard, as this can erode the conductive paint and stop the button from firing when it is it is pressed.
Also, make sure to inspect the battery connector terminals for any loose solder connections. Soldering them back in place will restore the button's functionality if this is the case. The same process can be used to restore functionality to any other loose connections in 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 at the back of the button may have worn out and require replacement. This can usually be done by rubbing a pencil across the disks, which should bring the button back to its original state.
If none of this is useful or if the button still doesn't respond to a hard push, then it may be that the circuit board itself has gone bad. It is possible to fix this by cleaning and re-soldering the button however, you should have a spare in case it doesn't work.
Circuitry
If the key fob buttons function the circuit board that is inside the remote could be dirty. This issue can be fixed through a thorough examination. The most common causes of dirty circuit boards is water and damaged cases. A broken case allows water and other debris to pass through and short out the electronic components. Water can also eat through pins and vias, which are small connectors found on the board.
If car keys repair near me to open your key fob, and aren't afraid of making a mess, we can remove the buttons from their sockets and then solder new ones. Also, it's worth checking the connections between battery terminals. They can become extremely dirty and if they're loose the buttons may not work or even stay in their down position. Soldering the terminals and buttons back into place is typically all it takes to restore a non-working key fob to functioning condition.
Non-Remote Transponder Chips
The non-remote chips that are sealed are more durable than their remote fobs. However, they can be cracked if a hole is drilled in them, or when a door handle for a car or lawnmowers plows over them. Failures of the fuse are typically to blame for non-remote chip failures.
If you are not comfortable opening the key fob, you may remove the circuitboard and use a multimeter to check that the diode is operating properly. If you're not comfortable doing this, go to your local hardware store or Oreilly's, and they usually have a RFID frequency tester that can determine whether the key fob is transmitting a signal.
Programming
Key fobs are not indestructible and are susceptible to damage by a variety of factors. They can lose their pairing with the receiver inside your vehicle because of shocks or a low battery, which calls for reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or a main dealer will be able to reprogram your key fob and get it back up and running. If resetting or repairing your keyfob does not work, you may need to replace it.