How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working
If your key fob does not work, you can fix it with just a few steps. First, ensure that 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 working. The majority of car remote key malfunctions result from battery or circuitry problems.
Battery
The battery inside the key fob could be worn out over time. It is quite simple to replace the battery, however it is important to ensure you choose the correct type and you can consult your owner's manual or contact the dealer of the manufacturer to determine the type of battery you need. It is also a good idea to examine the battery compartment thoroughly, as dead batteries sometimes leak caustic chemicals that can cause damage to the remote. If replacing the battery does not fix the problem there may be additional issues that require attention from a professional. For auto key repair , if buttons appear stuck or damaged, it may be necessary to take the remote apart and rework its parts. You could also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new device.
Buttons
Through repeated use, key fobs could wear out and become dirty. This is not atypical however, it can cause buttons to stop working or require a difficult press to get them to function. This can be frustrating particularly when you're away from your home and need to turn on your car. Fortunately, even worn-out or damaged buttons can be fixed with just a bit of time and some of the materials you have in the house.
First, make sure that the batteries have been correctly installed and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Open the remote carefully and inspect the circuit board. Check for indications of rust or other indications that the buttons have been worn or damaged. For example, conductive paint may be missing. Use a Q-tip that has been dipped in alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that has damaged or where conductive paint is missing. Do not rub too vigorously in order to damage 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 a loose solder connection. If this is the case, simply reconnecting them could restore function to the button. The same procedure can be used to restore function to any other loose connections inside the fob.
Finally, if any of the buttons made of rubber that are on the front of the key fob stop functioning or require a difficult press to function, it is likely that the graphite disks at the back of the button are deteriorating and need to be replaced. You can usually do this by rubbing a pencil over the disks. This should bring the button back to life.
If none of these solutions work or you are unable to get the button to respond when you press it hard, it could be that the circuitry is failing. It is possible to fix this by cleaning and re-soldering the fob, but you should have another spare in case it does not work.
Circuitry
The circuit board of your remote control could be dirty, regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob function or not. A very thorough inspection is often enough to resolve this problem. The most common causes for dirty circuit boards is water and broken cases. A damaged case could allow water and other debris to enter the circuit board, which can cause it to short out. Water can also eat through pins and vias, which are the tiny connectors that are found on the board.
If you're skilled enough to open your key fob, and don't mind making a mess, we can remove the buttons from their sockets and solder in new ones. It's also worth checking the connections between the battery terminals. If they're loose, the buttons might not work or even become stuck in their down position. Soldering the terminals back to their original positions is often enough to bring a non-working fob to working.
Non-Remote transponder chips
Sealed non-remote transponder chips are more durable than remote fobs that contain them but they can be cracked by a hole drilled into them or run over by a lawnmowers blade or car door handle. The majority of non-remote transponder chip malfunctions can be attributed to an exploded fuse.
If you're handy enough to open the sealed key fob and can tolerate the mess, you can take off the circuit board and examine the fuse with an instrument to verify diode function. If you're unsure about doing this, visit your local hardware store or the Oreilly's and they will usually have a RF frequency tester that will tell you if the key fob is sending signals.
Programming
Key fobs endure lots of abuse and aren't indestructible. They can lose their pairing to the car's receiver because of shock or a low battery, which calls for the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith, or main dealer can reprogram the keyfob and get it up and running again. If resetting or fixing your key fob fails it is possible to replace it.