How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working
If your key fob won't work, you can fix it with some simple steps. The first step is to be sure that it's not your backup remote.
If the backup is able to lock and unlock your car door, then there's a likely issue with the primary remote. Most problems with car remote keys result from battery or circuitry problems.
Battery
It is not uncommon for the battery in a car key fob to degrade. It is relatively easy to replace a battery, although it is essential to ensure that you choose the correct type that you can refer to the owner's manual or talk to the dealer for the manufacturer to determine the type of battery you need. It's also a good idea to inspect the battery compartment with care, as dead batteries sometimes leak harmful chemicals that can harm the remote. If changing the batteries does not solve the problem it could be that there are other issues that require attention by a professional. If the buttons are broken or stuck for instance, it may be necessary remove the remote and rebuild each component. You could also try reprogramming your car to recognize the new key fob.
Buttons
Due to frequent use, key fobs can become worn and dirty. It is not common to have buttons stop working, or to require a hard press to make them work. This can be a huge hassle especially if you're away from home and need to start your car. Fortunately, even worn out or damaged buttons can be fixed with just a bit of time and some of the materials you may already have around the home.
First, check that the batteries are correctly inserted and that the indentation at the back of the button has been filled. Then, open the remote with care and look over the circuit board. Examine for signs of rust or other signs that the buttons are worn or damaged, such as missing the conductive paint. Then, using the Q-tip, dipped in rubbing alcohol, gently clean any membrane contacts that are worn or have conductive paint missing. Do not rub too vigorously in order to damage the conductive paint, and block the button from firing when it is pressed.
Check the battery connector's terminals carefully for any loose solder connections. Soldering them back in place can restore the button's functionality if this is the case. You can apply the same method to restore functionality to any other loose connection within the fob.
In the end, if any of the buttons made of rubber on the front of the key fob aren't working or require a very hard press to work, it is likely that the graphite disks at the back of the button are wearing down and need to be replaced. This can usually be done by rubbing a pencil on the disks. This should bring the button back to working.
If all of this doesn't help or if the button still does not respond to a hard push It could 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 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 work or not. repair car key near me can be fixed by a thorough inspection. Broken cases and water are the most common causes of dirty boards. A damaged case could let water and other debris to get into the circuit board, which can cause it to short out. Water can also damage pins and connectors on the board called via's.
If you're able to remove your key fob, and you're not afraid of a little mess, we can take off the buttons and solder new ones in their place. Also, you should check the connections between battery terminals. If they're loose, the buttons may not function or get stuck in their down position. Soldering terminals and buttons back to their proper positions is usually 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 in the event of a hole being drilled in them or if a car door handle or lawnmower runs over them. Most of the time, non-remote transponder chips fail, and this can be blamed on a blown fuse.
If you're not confident opening the key fob, you can take the circuit board off and use a multimeter to check that the diode is operating correctly. If you're unsure about doing this, head to your local hardware store or Oreilly's, and they usually have a RFID frequency tester that can tell you if the key fob is sending signals.
Programming
Key fobs are not indestructible and can be damaged by a variety of factors. They can lose their pairing to the car's receiver due to shock or low battery, which requires the reprogramming. electronic key repair near me or main dealer can reprogram your key fob and get it back up and running again. If resetting or fixing your keyfob does not work it is possible to replace it.