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. car key repair near me is to be sure that it's not the backup remote.
If the backup can lock and unlock your car doors it is most likely an issue with the primary remote. The most common causes for key malfunctions for car remotes are issues with the circuitry or battery.
Battery
The battery in the key fob could be worn out over time. It is easy to replace a battery. However, it is important to select the right type. You can consult your owner's manual or call the manufacturer to inquire about the right kind. It is recommended to inspect the battery compartment carefully since dead batteries may leak harmful chemicals that can damage 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 appear stuck or broken It may be necessary to take the remote apart and rebuild its components. You can also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new key fob.
Buttons
From frequent use, key fobs may wear out and become dirty. It is not common for buttons to stop working, or to require a hard press to get them working. This can be a hassle particularly when you're away from home and you need to switch on your car. Fortunately, even worn out or damaged buttons can be fixed with a little time and some of the materials you might already have in the house.
First, ensure that the batteries are properly charged and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Then, carefully open up the remote and examine the circuit board. Examine for evidence of rust, or other indications that the buttons have been damaged or worn. For example there could be conductive paint missing. Use a Q-tip that has been dipped in alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that has become worn-out or has conductive paint missing. Do not rub too vigorously in order to damage the conductive paint and stop the button from firing when it is pressed.
Also, be sure to check the battery connector's terminals for an unattached solder connection. If this is the case, reconnecting them could restore functionality to the button. The same procedure can be used to restore function to any loose connections within the fob.
If any of the rubber buttons at the front of the keyfob are not functioning or require to be pressing extremely hard, the graphite disks at the back of the button might have worn out and will need to replaced. This is usually done by rubbing a pencil on the disks, which will bring the button back to life.
If none of these solutions work, or if you still are unable to get the button to respond when pressed hard, it is possible that the circuitry has failed. It is possible to fix this issue by cleaning and re-soldering the fob but you should also have a spare in case it does not work.
Circuitry
The circuit board of the remote control could be dirty, regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob are working or not. A very thorough inspection is often enough to resolve this problem. The most common causes for dirty circuit boards are water and damaged cases. A damaged case can allow water and other debris to enter and short out the electronic components. Water can also damage pins and small connectors on the board called via's.
If you're able to open your key fob and aren't afraid of a little mess, we can de-solder the buttons and then solder new ones in their place. It's also worth looking at the battery terminal connections. They can become extremely filthy and if they're not tight enough, the buttons may not work or may even remain in their down position. Soldering the terminals and button's back in their place is generally all that's needed to return the key fob that is not working to working condition.
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 breaking in the event of a hole being drilled in them, or in the event that a door handle of a car or lawnmowers plows over them. Most of the time, non-remote transponder chip failures can be blamed on blowing fuses.
If you are not comfortable opening the key fob, you can remove the circuitboard and use a multimeter to verify that the diode is operating properly. If you're not comfortable doing this, go to your local hardware store or the Oreilly's and they'll usually have an RF frequency tester that will determine if the key fob is sending a signal.
Programming
Key fobs are subject to lots of abuse and aren't indestructible. They may lose their connection with the receiver in your vehicle due to shocks or low battery, requiring reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or dealer will be able to reprogram your key fob and get it back up and running. In the event that resetting and repairing your key fob doesn't work, it could be time to replace it completely.