How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working
If your key fob does not work then you can fix it by following just a few steps. The first step is to be sure that it's not the backup remote.
If the backup can lock and unlock your car door, then there's a likely issue with the primary remote. The most frequent causes of car remote key failure are battery or circuitry issues.
Battery
It is not uncommon for the battery inside the key fob for cars to get worn out. key fob repair is relatively easy to change out the battery, however it is crucial to make sure that you select the correct one that you can refer to your owner's manual or contact the dealer for the manufacturer to find out the kind of battery you require. It is also essential to check the battery compartment as batteries that are not working properly can release caustic chemicals that can harm the remote. If replacing the batteries doesn't solve the problem, it may be that there are other issues that require attention by a professional. For instance, if the buttons seem stuck or broken It may be necessary to take the remote apart and rework its components. You can also try reprogramming your vehicle to recognize the new key fob.
Buttons
Due to frequent use, key fobs could get dirty and worn. This is not atypical however, it can cause buttons to stop working or require a very long press to work. This can be very frustrating, especially if you are out of town and need to start your vehicle. Fortunately, even worn out or broken buttons can usually be fixed with a little time and some of the materials you might already have in the home.
First, make sure that the batteries are properly installed and that the indentation at the back of the button is filled. Open the remote carefully and inspect the circuit board. Look for indications of rust or other signs the buttons are worn or damaged. For example, conductive paint may be missing. Utilizing a Q-tip that has been dipped in alcohol, gently clean any membrane contacts that have become worn or where conductive paint is missing. Do not rub too vigorously, as this could erode the conductive paint and stop the button from firing when you press it.
Examine the battery connector's terminals for loose solder connections. If this is the case, simply soldering them back in place can restore function to the button. The same method can be used to restore function to any other loose connections inside the fob.
If any of the rubber buttons at the front of the keyfob are not working or need to be pressed extremely hard the graphite disks on the back of the button could have worn out and need to replaced. You can usually do this by rubbing a pencil over the disks. This will bring the button back to life.
If none of these solutions work or you are unable to get the button to respond when pressed hard, it could be that the circuitry is failing. It is possible to fix this by cleaning and re-soldering the fob however, you should have an extra in case it doesn't work.
Circuitry
Whether or not the keys fob buttons are functioning, the circuit board inside your remote might be dirty. This issue can be fixed by a thorough inspection. The most common causes for dirty circuit boards are water and damaged cases. A damaged case can allow water and other debris to pass through and short circuit the electronic components. Water can also damage pins and vias, which are tiny connectors that are found on the board.
If you're handy enough to remove your key fob and don't mind some mess, we can take off the buttons and put new ones in their place. Also, you should check the connections between battery terminals. If they're loose, the buttons may 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 a working condition.
Non-Remote Transponder Chips
Sealed non-remote transponder chips are much more durable than the remote fobs that have them however they are still susceptible to being cracked by a hole made in them or pushed over by a lawnmowers blade 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 handy enough to remove a key fob that is sealed and are willing to put up with the mess, you can take off the circuit board and check the fuse using an instrument to verify diode function. If you're not comfortable with this, you can visit your local Oreilly or hardware store and test their RF frequency tester. This will tell you whether the key fob is sending signals.
Programming
Key fobs endure lots of abuse and aren't completely indestructible. They can lose their pairing with the receiver in your vehicle due to shocks or a low battery, which calls for reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or main dealer will be able to reprogram your key fob and get it back up and running. In the event that resetting or repairing your key fob doesn't work it could be the time to replace it entirely.