12 Remote Key Repair Facts To Refresh Your Eyes At The Cooler. Cooler
How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working
If your key fob doesn't work and you're not sure why, you can fix it by following just a few steps. First, ensure that it's not your backup remote.
If the backup is able to lock and unlock your car doors then there is likely an issue with the primary remote. The most frequent causes of key malfunctions for car remotes are circuitry or battery issues.
Battery
The battery in the key fob could get worn out over the course of time. It is easy to replace a battery. However, it is important to select the right kind. You can consult your owner's manual or call the manufacturer to find out the correct type. It is also important to examine the battery compartment, since dead batteries can leak caustic chemicals that can harm the remote. If changing the battery doesn't fix the problem, there may be other issues that require professional attention. If the buttons are broken or stuck for instance it could be necessary to take the remote apart and rework each component. You can also try reprogramming your vehicle to recognize the new key fob.
Buttons
Key fobs can get filthy and worn out due to repeated use. It is not common for buttons to cease functioning, or require a hefty push to make them work. This can be very frustrating, especially when you are away from home and you need to start your car. Fortunately, even worn out or broken buttons can usually be fixed with a bit of time and some of the materials you may already have around the house.
First, check that the batteries have been correctly placed and that the indentation on the back of the button has been filled. Then, carefully open the remote and examine the circuit board. Look for signs of corrosion or other signs that buttons are worn out or damaged, like missing the conductive paint. Use a Q-tip, dipped in rubbing alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that is worn-out or where conductive painting is missing. Avoid rubbing too hard since this could cause damage to the conductive paint and stop the button from firing when pressed.
Also, make sure to inspect the battery connector's terminals for an unattached solder connection. Soldering them back in place will allow the button to function again If this is the situation. what do you think can be used to restore function to any other loose connections inside the fob.
If any of the rubber buttons at the front of the keyfob isn't functioning or require to be press extremely hard, the graphite disks at the back of the button may have worn out and need to replaced. This is usually done by rubbing a pencil over the disks, which will bring the button back to its original state.
If all of this doesn't help, or if the button doesn't respond to a hard press It could be that the circuit board itself has gone bad. This can sometimes be repaired by a quick clean and refitting, but it's best to have an extra fob in case this method doesn't work for you.
Circuitry
If the key fob buttons are working the circuit board that is inside the remote could be dirty. A very thorough inspection will usually resolve this issue. Water and broken cases are the most frequent causes of dirty boards. A broken case can let water and other debris into the circuit board, causing it to short out. Water can also damage pins and vias, which are the tiny connectors found on the board.
If you're able to open your key fob and aren't afraid of a little mess, we can take off the buttons and put new ones in their place. Also, it's worth checking the connections between the battery terminals. They can get very dirty and if they're loose the buttons might not function or may even remain in their down position. Soldering the terminals, and putting the button back in place is usually all that's required to return a non-working key fob to functioning condition.
Non-Remote Transponder Chips
The sealed non-remote chips are more durable than remote fobs. However, they are susceptible to cracking if a hole is 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 malfunctions can be blamed on a blown fuse.
If you're able to remove a sealed non-remote key fob and are able to bear the mess, you can take off the circuit board and check the fuse using a multimeter for proper diode function. If you don't feel comfortable with this, go to your local Oreilly or hardware store and use their RF frequency tester. This will inform you whether the key fob transmits an RF signal.
Programming
Key fobs take many abuses and aren't indestructible. They can lose their pairing with the receiver in your vehicle because of shocks or a low battery, which calls for reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or a dealer in the main, can reprogram your keyfob and get it working again. In the event that resetting or repairing your key fob isn't working, it could be time to replace it completely.