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How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working
If your key fob isn't working, a few easy steps can fix it. The first step is to be sure that it's not the backup remote.
If the backup remote is able to lock and unlock your car doors then there's a likely issue with the primary remote. The majority of car remote key malfunctions are caused by battery or circuitry problems.
Battery
It is not uncommon to find a battery on a key fob for cars to degrade. It is relatively easy to replace batteries, but it is crucial to make sure that you use the right type; you can look in the owner's manual or talk to the manufacturer's dealer to determine the type of battery you require. It is recommended to inspect the battery compartment carefully because dead batteries can release caustic chemicals that could harm the remote. If replacing the battery does not solve the issue, there may be other issues requiring professional attention. If buttons are stuck or broken, for example it could be necessary to remove the remote and rebuild each component. You could also try reprogramming your vehicle to recognize the new key fob.
Buttons
From frequent use, key fobs can wear out and become dirty. This is not uncommon however it can cause buttons to stop working or require a hard press for them to work. This can be very frustrating especially when you're away from home and you need to start your car. Fortunately, even worn out or damaged buttons can be fixed with a little time and some of the materials you have in the house.
First, ensure that the batteries are up correctly and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Take the remote apart and inspect the circuit board. Check for evidence of rust, or other signs the buttons are damaged or worn out. For instance the paint that conducts electricity could be missing. Use a Q-tip, dipped in alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that has worn out or where conductive painting is missing. Do not rub too vigorously in order to damage the conductive paint and prevent the button from firing when it is pressed.
Check the battery connector terminals for loose solder connections. Soldering them back in place can restore the button's functionality If this is the case. You can use the same method to restore functionality to any other loose connection in the fob.
In the end, if any of the buttons made of rubber that are on the front of the key fob have stopped working or require a long press to function, it is likely that the graphite disks that are on the back of the button are deteriorating and require replacement. It is usually done by rubbing a pencil over the disks. This should bring the button to life.
If none of this is useful, or if the button does not respond to a hard push, then it may be that the circuit board has gone bad. This can be fixed 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 keys fob buttons are functioning the circuit board that is inside your remote may be dirty. electronic key repair near me can be fixed by a thorough inspection. The most frequent causes of dirty circuit boards are water and broken cases. A damaged case allows water and other debris to get in and short circuit the electronics. Water can also damage pins and small connectors on the board, referred to as via's.
If you're able to open your key fob and aren't afraid of some mess, we can de-solder the buttons and then solder new ones in their place. It's also worth checking the battery terminal connections. 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 back into place is usually enough to return a malfunctioning fob to working.
Non-Remote transponder chips
Sealed non-remote transponder chips are much more durable than the remote fobs that contain them but they can still be broken by a hole being made in them or pushed over by a lawnmowers blade or door handle for a car. Failures of the fuse are typically to blame for non-remote chip failures.
If you are not comfortable opening the key fob, you can take the circuit board off and use a multimeter to check that the diode is operating correctly. If you're not comfortable doing this, head to your local hardware store or the Oreilly's and they usually have an radio frequency tester that can let you know whether the key fob is sending signals.
Programming
Key fobs take a lot of abuse and aren't impervious to damage. They can break their connection with the receiver in your vehicle because of shocks or a low-battery, which requires changing the program. A professional auto locksmith or a dealer in the main can reprogram the key fob and get it back up and running again. In the event that resetting and fixing your key fob fails, it could be time to replace it completely.