How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working
If your key fob isn't functioning, a few easy steps can be taken to fix it. First, check to make sure it's not your backup remote.
If your backup remote can lock and unlock the doors of your car, it is likely that the primary remote isn't working. The majority of car remote key malfunctions are caused by circuitry or battery issues.
Battery
It is not unusual to find a battery on a car key fob to degrade. It is fairly easy to change out batteries, but it is important to make sure that you choose the correct type and you can consult your owner's manual, or contact the manufacturer's dealer to determine the type of battery you require. It's also a good idea to examine the battery compartment thoroughly since dead batteries may release caustic chemicals that could damage the remote. If changing the batteries doesn't solve the issue it could be that there are other issues that require attention from a professional. If the buttons are broken or stuck for instance it might be necessary to remove the remote and rebuild each component. You could also try reprogramming your vehicle to recognize the new key fob.
Buttons
Key fobs can get dirty and worn-out from frequent use. It is not unusual for buttons to cease functioning, or require a hefty press to make them work. This can be a huge hassle particularly if you're away from home and need to start your vehicle. Fortunately, even worn-out or malfunctioning buttons can often be fixed with a bit of time and a few materials you may already have around the house.
First, make sure that the batteries have been correctly placed and that the indentation at the back of the button has been filled. Then, open the remote with care and look over the circuit board. Examine for signs of rust or other signs that the 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 has become damaged or has conductive paint missing. Don't rub too hard, as this could erode the conductive paint and prevent the button from firing when pressed.
Examine the battery connector's terminals carefully for any loose solder connections. If this is the case, reconnecting them can restore functionality to the button. The same method can be used to restore function to any other loose connections in the fob.
In the end, if any of the buttons made of rubber on the front of the key fob aren't working or require a very long press to function it is likely the graphite disks on the back of the button are wearing down and need to be replaced. You can usually do this by rubbing a pen over the disks. This should bring the button back to life.
If none of these solutions work or you cannot get the button to respond when you press it hard, it is possible that the circuitry is failing. It is possible to fix this by cleaning and re-soldering the button but you should also have a spare in case it doesn't work.
Circuitry
Whether or not the keys fob buttons are functioning the circuit board that is inside your remote may be dirty. The issue can be solved by a thorough inspection. The most common causes for dirty circuit boards are water and broken cases. A damaged case allows water and other debris to pass through and short out the electronics. Water can also eat through pins and vias, which are the tiny connectors that are found on the board.
If you're handy enough to open up your key fob, and you're not afraid of making a mess, we can take off the buttons and put new ones in their place. It's also worth checking the connections between battery terminals. They can become extremely dirty and if they're loose, the buttons may not work or may even remain in their down position. Soldering the terminals, and putting the button back into place is typically all it takes to restore a non-working key fob to working condition.
Non-Remote transponder chips
Sealed non-remote transponder chips are more durable than the remote fobs that have them but they can still be cracked by a hole that is drilled into them or over by a lawnmowers blade or car door handle. The majority of non-remote transponder chips fail, and this can be attributed to a blown fuse.
If you are not comfortable opening the key fob, you can remove the circuitboard and use a multimeter to check that the diode is operating properly. If you don't feel comfortable with this, go to your local Oreilly or hardware store and use their RF frequency tester. auto key repair near me will inform you whether the key fob sends an RF signal.
Programming
Key fobs aren't indestructible and are susceptible to damage through a variety of causes. They can lose their pairing to the car's receiver due to shock or low battery, which requires them to be reprogrammed. A professional auto locksmith or main dealer will be able to reprogram your key fob to get it functioning again. If resetting or replacing your keyfob does not work it may be necessary to replace it.