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 with just a few steps. First, make sure that it's not the backup remote.
If your backup remote can unlock and lock the doors of your vehicle, it is most likely that the primary remote is not working. The most common causes for car remote key failure are circuitry or battery issues.
Battery
It is not uncommon to find a battery on a car key fob to wear out. It is easy to replace batteries. However, key fob repairs is important that you use the correct type. You can consult your owner's guide or contact the manufacturer to determine the right type. It's also a good idea to inspect the battery compartment thoroughly since dead batteries may release caustic chemicals that could cause damage to the remote. If changing the batteries does not solve the problem, it may be that there are other issues that require attention from a professional. For example, if buttons appear stuck or broken, it may be necessary to disassemble the remote and rework its parts. You could also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new remote.
Buttons
Key fobs may become dirty and worn out from repeated use. This is not atypical however, it can cause buttons to stop working or require a difficult press to get them to work. This can be a huge hassle especially if you're out of town and need to start your vehicle. Even malfunctioning or worn-out buttons can be fixed with a little effort and materials you already have at home.
First, check that the batteries are up correctly and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Then, open the remote with care and examine the circuit board. Check for signs of corrosion or other indications that the buttons are worn out or damaged, such as missing paint that is conductive. Use a Q-tip, dipped in rubbing alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that is worn-out or where conductive paint is missing. Don't rub too hard as this can damage the conductive paint and stop the button from firing when it is pressed.
Also, make sure to inspect the battery connector's terminals for any loose solder connections. If this is the case, soldering them back in place can restore functionality to the button. You can use the same procedure to restore functionality to any other loose connection inside the fob.
If any of the rubber buttons located at the front of the keyfob aren't working or require being pressed 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 will bring the button back to life.
If none of this is useful, or if the button still does not respond to a hard push, then it may be that the circuit board itself has gone bad. This can be fixed by a quick clean and re-soldering, but it is ideal to have a spare fob available in the event this method fails for you.
Circuitry
The circuit board of your remote control could be dirty regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob function or not. A very thorough inspection will usually resolve this issue. Broken and damaged cases are the most frequent causes of boards that are dirty. A damaged case could let water and other debris to enter the circuit board, causing it to short. Water can also eat away at pins and connectors that are small on the board, which are known as via's.
If just click the following website enough to open your key fob and don't mind making an mess, you can take the buttons out of their sockets and then solder new ones. Also, it's worth checking the connections between the battery terminals. They can become extremely dirty and if they're loose the buttons might not function or even stick in their down position. Soldering the terminals and buttons back in their place is generally all that's required to return keys that are not in working order.
Non-Remote Transponder Chips
Sealed non-remote transponder chips are more durable than remote fobs that have them but they can be damaged by a hole that is that is drilled into them or over by a lawnmower or car door handle. Failures of the fuse are typically to blame for non-remote chip failures.
If you're able to remove a key fob that is sealed and are able to bear the mess, you can remove the circuit board and test the fuse with a multimeter to ensure that it is functioning as intended. function. If you're not sure with this, you can visit your local Oreilly or hardware store and use their RF frequency tester. This will inform you whether the key fob transmits signals.
Programming
Key fobs endure lots of abuse and aren't completely 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 main dealer can reprogram the keyfob to get it up and running again. If resetting or fixing your keyfob does not work it may be necessary to replace it.