How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working
If your key fob won't work then you can fix it with just a few steps. First, ensure that it's not your backup remote.
If the backup is able to lock and unlock your car door, it is most likely an issue with the primary remote. The most frequent causes of key malfunctions for car remotes are battery or circuitry issues.
Battery
It is not uncommon to find a battery on the car key fob to degrade. It is easy to replace batteries. However it is essential that you use the correct kind. You can consult the owner's manual or contact the manufacturer to find out the correct type. It is recommended to examine the battery compartment with care since dead batteries may release caustic chemicals that could harm the remote. If replacing the batteries doesn't solve the problem, it may be that there are other issues that require professional attention. If the buttons are damaged or stuck, for example it might be necessary to disassemble the remote and rework each component. You could also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new remote.
Buttons
Through repeated use, key fobs can get dirty and worn. This is not unusual, but it can cause buttons to stop working or require a difficult press to get them to function. This can be a hassle particularly when you're away from your home and you need to switch on your car. Fortunately, even worn out or malfunctioning buttons can often be fixed with a bit of time and some of the materials you may already have around the house.
First, check 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 look at the circuit board. Look for signs 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, dipped in rubbing alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that has become damaged or where conductive paint is missing. Do not rub repair car keys near me in order to damage the conductive paint, and block the button from firing when it is pressed.
Check the battery connector terminals for loose solder connections. Soldering them back in place will allow the button to function again in the event that this is the situation. The same process can be used to restore functionality to any other loose connections within the fob.
If, for instance, any of the buttons made of rubber that are on the front of the key fob stop functioning or require a difficult press to function, it is likely that the graphite disks on the back of the button are wearing out and need to be replaced. It is usually done by rubbing a pen across the disks. This will bring the button back to life.
If none of these solutions work or you not be able to get the button respond when pressed hard, it is possible that the circuitry is failing. It is possible to fix this issue by cleaning and re-soldering the button but you should also have another spare in case it does not work.
Circuitry
The circuit board in your remote control could be dirty regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob are working or not. The issue can be solved through a thorough examination. The most common causes of dirty circuit boards are water and damaged cases. A damaged case can allow water and other debris to get in and short circuit the electronics. Water can also eat away at pins and connectors that are small on the board, referred to as via's.
If you're skilled enough to open your key fob and don't mind making some mess, we can remove the buttons from their sockets and put in new ones. It's also worth examining the battery terminal connections. If they are loose, the buttons could not work or even become stuck in their down position. Soldering the terminals and button's back in place is usually all it takes to restore a non-working key fob to functioning condition.
Non-Remote transponder chips
The sealed non-remote chips are more durable than their remote fobs, however they are susceptible to breaking when a hole is made in them or if a car door handle or lawnmowers is pushed over them. Most of the time, non-remote transponder chip malfunctions can be attributed to a blown fuse.
If you're handy enough to open up a key fob that is sealed and are able to bear the mess, you can easily remove the circuit board and check the fuse using a multimeter for proper diode function. If you're not comfortable doing this, head to your local hardware store or Oreilly's, and they'll usually have an RFID frequency tester that can tell you whether the key fob is sending signals.
Programming
Key fobs aren't impervious to destruction and are susceptible to being damaged by a lot of things. They may lose their connection with the receiver inside your vehicle due to shocks or a low battery, requiring changing the program. A professional auto locksmith or the main dealer, can reprogram your key fob and get it back working again. If resetting or repairing your key fob fails, you may need to replace it.