How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working
If your key fob won't work then you can fix it with some simple steps. First, ensure that it's not your backup remote.
If the backup can lock and unlock your car doors, then there's a likely issue with the primary remote. The most frequent causes of key problems with your car remote are battery or circuitry issues.
Battery
The battery in a key fob can wear out over time. It is fairly easy to replace the battery, however it is essential to ensure you select the correct one and you can consult your owner's manual, or contact the dealer for the manufacturer to find out the kind of battery you require. It is also essential to inspect the battery compartment as dead batteries can leak caustic chemicals which can damage the remote. If replacing the battery does not fix the problem there could be other issues that require attention from a professional. For instance, if the buttons seem stuck or damaged, it may be necessary to take the remote apart and rebuild its components. You could also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new device.
Buttons
Key fobs may become dirty and worn out from frequent use. This is not uncommon however it can cause buttons to stop working or require a hard press for them to function. This can be frustrating particularly when you're away from your home and need to switch on your car. Even malfunctioning or worn-out buttons can be fixed with a little time and materials you already have at home.
First, make sure that the batteries are correctly installed and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Open the remote carefully and inspect the circuit board. Look for signs of rust or other signs the buttons have been worn or damaged. For example the paint that conducts electricity could be missing. Use car key remote repair near me -tip dipped into rubbing alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that is worn out or where conductive paint is missing. Be careful not to rub too hard, as this can erode the conductive paint and block the button firing when it is pressed.
Also, carefully check the battery connector's terminals to ensure any loose solder connections. If this is the case, simply soldering them back in place can restore functionality to the button. The same process can be used to restore function to any other loose connections within the fob.
If any of the rubber buttons at the front of the keyfob isn't working or need to be press extremely hard, the graphite disks at the back of the button could have worn out and require replacement. You can do this by rubbing a pen over the disks. This should bring the button to life.
If none of this is helpful, or if the button still doesn't respond to a firm press It could be the case that the circuit board itself is damaged. It is possible to fix this by cleaning and re-soldering your fob, but you should have a spare in case it doesn't work.
Circuitry
If the key fob buttons function the circuit board in your remote might be dirty. A very thorough inspection will usually resolve this problem. The most common causes of dirty circuit boards are water and broken cases. A damaged case can allow water and other debris to get in and short circuit the electronic components. Water can also eat away at pins and small connectors on the board, which are known as via's.
If you're handy enough to remove your key fob, and you're not afraid of some mess, we can take off the buttons and solder new ones in their place. It's also worth looking at the battery terminal connections. They can become extremely dirty and if they're loose, the buttons might not work or may even remain in their down position. Soldering the terminals and buttons back in their place is generally all that's required to return the key fob that is not working to working condition.
Non-Remote Transponder Chips
Sealed non-remote transponder chip are more durable than the remote fobs that contain them but they can still be cracked by a hole that is drilled into them or over by a lawnmower or car door handle. Fuse failures are usually to blame for non-remote chips failures.
If you're handy enough to remove a sealed non-remote key fob and are willing to put up with the mess, you can take off the circuit board and examine the fuse using an instrument to verify diode function. If you're not confident doing this, go to your local hardware store or Oreilly's and they will usually have an radio frequency tester that can tell you if the key fob is sending a signal.
Programming
Key fobs take lots of abuse and aren't impervious to damage. They can lose their pairing with the receiver inside your vehicle because of shocks or a low-battery, which requires the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith, or the main dealer can reprogram the keyfob to get it working again. If resetting or repairing your key fob fails, you may need to replace it.