How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working
If your key fob isn't functioning A few easy steps can fix it. The first step 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 main remote. car keys repair of car remote key malfunctions result from circuitry or battery problems.
Battery
It is not unusual for the battery in the key fob for cars to wear out. It is easy to replace batteries. However it is essential to select the right kind. You can refer to the owner's manual or contact the manufacturer to determine the right type. It's recommended to inspect the battery compartment carefully because dead batteries can leak caustic chemicals that can damage the remote. If changing the batteries doesn't solve the problem it could be because there are other issues that require attention from a professional. For instance, if the buttons seem stuck or damaged, it may be necessary to disassemble the remote and rework its components. You could also try reprogramming your car to recognize the new key fob.
Buttons
Key fobs can become dirty and worn-out from repeated use. This is not unusual, but it can cause buttons to cease functioning or require a long press to function. This can be very frustrating particularly if you're out of town and need to start your vehicle. Even broken or damaged buttons can be fixed with a little effort and materials you already have at home.
First, ensure that the batteries are up correctly 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 signs of rust or other signs the buttons are damaged or worn out. For instance there could be conductive paint missing. Use a Q-tip dipped into alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that has worn-out or where conductive paint is missing. Don't rub too hard, as this could erode the conductive paint, and block the button from firing when you press it.
Also, be sure to check the battery connector terminals for an unattached solder connection. Soldering them back in place will restore the button's functionality If this is the situation. You can apply the same process to restore functionality to any other loose connection in the fob.
Finally, if any of the buttons made of rubber on the front of the key fob have stopped working or require a very hard press to work it is likely that the graphite disks on the back of the button are wearing out and need to be replaced. You can do this by rubbing a pencil over the disks. This should bring the button to life.
If none of these solutions work, or if you still not be able to get the button respond when you press it hard, it is possible that the circuitry is failing. It is possible to fix this issue by cleaning and re-soldering your fob but you should also have a spare in case it does not work.
Circuitry
The circuit board in the remote control could be dirty, regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob work or not. A thorough inspection is often enough to resolve this problem. The most frequent causes of dirty circuit boards are water and broken cases. A broken case can allow water and other debris into the circuit board, causing it to short. Water can also damage pins and vias, which are small connectors that are found on the board.
If you're skilled enough to open your key fob, and aren't afraid of making a mess, we can take the buttons out of their sockets and then solder new ones. It's also worth checking the battery terminal connections. They can get very dirty and if they're loose, the buttons might not work or even stay in their down position. Soldering the terminals and buttons to their proper positions is usually enough to restore a non-working fob back to working.
Non-Remote transponder chips
The non-remote chips that are sealed are more durable than remote fobs, however they are susceptible to cracking when a hole is made in them, or when a door handle for a car or lawnmower runs over them. Most of the time non-remote transponder chip malfunctions can be blamed on an exploded fuse.
If you're not confident opening the key fob, you may remove the circuitboard and utilize a multimeter to check that the diode is working properly. If you're not comfortable doing this, visit your local hardware store or the Oreilly's and they'll usually have an radio frequency tester that can tell you whether the key fob is transmitting a signal.
Programming
Key fobs endure a lot of abuse and aren't completely indestructible. They may lose their connection to the receiver in your car because of shock or a low battery, requiring them to be reprogrammed. A professional auto locksmith, or main dealer can reprogram your key fob and get it back up and running again. In the rarer case that resetting or repairing your key fob isn't working, it could be time to replace it all over again.