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How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working
If your key fob isn't functioning, a few easy steps can be taken to fix it. The first step is to be sure that it's not your backup remote.
If the backup remote is able to lock and unlock your car door, then there's a likely issue with the primary remote. The most frequent causes of key problems with your car remote are issues with the circuitry or battery.
Battery
It is not uncommon to find a battery on a key fob for cars to degrade. It is fairly easy to change out the battery, however it is essential to ensure that you choose the correct type and you can consult your owner's manual or contact the manufacturer's dealer to find out the kind of battery you need. It's also a good idea to inspect the battery compartment with care because dead batteries can release caustic chemicals that could damage the remote. If replacing the battery does not fix the problem, there may be other issues that require professional attention. If the buttons are stuck or broken, for example, it may be necessary remove the remote and rebuild each component. You can also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new device.
Buttons
From repeated use, key fobs could get dirty and worn. It is not common for buttons to stop functioning, or require a hard push to make them work. This can be a huge hassle especially if you're out of town and need to start your car. Even malfunctioning or worn-out buttons are often fixable with a little effort and the tools you already have at home.
First, make sure that the batteries are correctly inserted and that the indentation at the back of the button is filled. Then, carefully remove the remote and look at the circuit board. Look for signs of rust or other indications that the buttons have been worn or damaged. For instance there could be conductive paint missing. Use a Q-tip dipped into rubbing alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that has worn-out or has conductive paint missing. Avoid rubbing too hard because this could damage the conductive painting and prevent the button firing when the button is pressed.
Also, make sure to inspect the battery connector terminals for a loose solder connection. Soldering them back in place can restore the button's functionality in the event that this is the case. You can follow the same procedure to restore functionality to any other loose connection inside the fob.
In the end, if any of the buttons made of rubber on the front of the key fob have stopped working or require a difficult press to function it is likely the graphite disks that are on the back of the button are deteriorating and require replacement. It is usually done by rubbing a pen across the disks. This should bring the button to life.
If none of these solutions work, or if you still are unable to get the button to respond when pressed hard, it could be that the circuitry is failing. It is possible to fix the issue by cleaning and re-soldering the button however, you should have a spare in case it doesn't work.
Circuitry
The circuit board of your remote control may be dirty regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob function or not. A very thorough inspection will usually resolve this issue. The most common causes of dirty circuit boards is water and broken cases. A damaged case can let water and other debris to enter the circuit board, causing it to short. Water can also eat through pins and vias, which are 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 take the buttons out of their sockets and then solder new ones. key repair near me 's also worth examining the battery terminal connections. If they are loose, the buttons could not function properly or become stuck in their down position. Soldering the terminals and buttons back into place is typically all that's needed to return the key fob that is not working to functioning condition.
Non-Remote transponder chips
The non-remote chips sealed in a sealed case are more durable than remote fobs, however they are susceptible to cracking in the event of a hole being drilled into them or if a car door handle or lawnmowers plows over them. The failure of the fuse is usually the cause of non-remote chip failures.
If you are not comfortable opening the key fob, you may remove the circuitboard and utilize a multimeter to determine if the diode is functioning correctly. If you don't feel comfortable with this, you can go to your local Oreilly or hardware store and test their RF frequency tester. This will tell you whether the key fob transmits an RF signal.
Programming
Key fobs aren't indestructible and are susceptible to being damaged through a variety of causes. They can lose their pairing to the car's receiver due to shock or low battery, which calls for them to be reprogrammed. A professional auto locksmith or main dealer can reprogram your keyfob and get it functioning again. If, in the unlikely event that resetting and repairing your key fob doesn't work it may be time to replace it all over again.