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. The first step is to make sure it's not the backup remote.
If the backup remote is able to lock and unlock your car doors it is most likely an issue with the main remote. Most problems with car remote keys are caused by circuitry or battery problems.
Battery
It is not uncommon to find a battery on a car key fob to get worn out. It is simple to replace the battery. However, it is important that you use the correct kind. You can check your owner's manual or call the manufacturer to inquire about the right kind. It is also a good idea 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 could be because there are other issues that require attention by a professional. If the buttons are broken or stuck for instance it might be necessary to remove the remote and rebuild each component. You can also try reprogramming your car to recognize the new key fob.
Buttons
From frequent use, key fobs can become worn and dirty. It is not uncommon for buttons to cease functioning, or require a hard press to get them working. This can be extremely frustrating, especially if you are away from home and you need to start your vehicle. Even broken or damaged buttons can be fixed with a bit of time and materials you already have at home.
First, ensure that the batteries are properly charged and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Take the remote apart and inspect the circuit board. Examine for indications of rust or other signs the buttons have been damaged or worn out. For instance, conductive paint may be missing. Use a Q-tip dipped in alcohol, gently clean any membrane contacts that have become damaged or have conductive paint missing. Avoid rubbing too hard because this could damage the conductive paint and stop the button firing when the button is pressed.
Check the battery connector terminals for loose solder connections. If this is the case, simply connecting them back can restore functionality to the button. The same procedure can be used to restore functionality to any other loose connections inside the fob.
If, for instance, any of the rubber buttons on the front of the key fob have stopped working or require a hard press to work it is likely the graphite disks on the back of the button are deteriorating and require replacement. g28carkeys can usually do this by rubbing a pen 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 has failed. It is possible to fix this issue by cleaning and re-soldering the button however, you should have an extra in case it doesn't work.
Circuitry
The circuit board inside 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. Broken cases and water are the most common causes of dirty boards. A damaged case can let water and other debris to get into the circuit board, causing it to short. Water can also destroy pins and connectors on the board, referred to as via's.
If you're able to open your key fob, and aren't afraid of making an mess, you can take the buttons out of their sockets and then solder new ones. Also, you should check the connections between battery terminals. If they're loose, the buttons could not work or even become stuck in their down position. Soldering the terminals back to their original positions is often enough to restore a non-working fob to a working condition.
Non-Remote transponder chips
The sealed non-remote chips are more durable than their remote fobs, but they are susceptible to cracking 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 chips fail, and this could be attributed to blowing fuses.
If you're handy enough to open up a key fob that is sealed and can tolerate the mess, you can take off the circuit board and test the fuse with a multimeter to ensure that it is functioning as intended. function. If you're not confident doing this, head to your local hardware store or Oreilly's and they'll usually have a RF frequency tester that will determine if the key fob is sending signals.
Programming
Key fobs aren't indestructible and are susceptible to being damaged by a variety of factors. They may lose their connection to the car's receiver due to shock or low battery, which requires the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith, or main dealer can reprogram the keyfob and get it functioning again. If resetting or replacing the keyfob is not working it is possible to replace it.