How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working
If your key fob won't work, you can fix it by following some simple steps. The first step is to be sure it's not the backup remote.
If your backup remote can lock and unlock the doors of your vehicle, it is most likely that the primary remote isn't working. The most common causes for key problems with your car remote are circuitry or battery issues.
Battery
The battery in a key fob can get worn out over the course of time. It is fairly easy to change out batteries, but it is crucial to ensure you use the right type that you can refer to the owner's manual or talk to the dealer of the manufacturer to find out the kind of battery you need. It is also important to check the battery compartment, since batteries that are not working properly can release caustic chemicals that can harm the remote. If changing the batteries doesn't solve the problem it could be because there are other issues that require professional attention. For example, if buttons seem stuck or damaged It may be necessary to disassemble the remote and rebuild its components. You could also try reprogramming your vehicle to recognize the new key fob.
Buttons
Key fobs can become dirty and worn out from frequent use. It is not unusual for buttons to cease working, or to require a hard press to get them working. This can be very frustrating, especially if you are away from home and you need to start your car. Even malfunctioning or worn-out buttons are often fixable with a little time and the tools you already have at home.
First, make sure the batteries are charged correctly and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Then, carefully open the remote and examine the circuit board. Examine for indications of rust or other signs the buttons are damaged or worn out. For instance there could be conductive paint missing. Use a Q-tip dipped in alcohol to gently clean any membrane contacts that are damaged or have conductive paint missing. Avoid rubbing too hard because this could damage the conductive paint and block the button from firing when pressed.
Also, be sure to check the battery connector terminals for any loose solder connections. If this is the case, simply reconnecting them may restore functionality to the button. The same process can be used to restore functionality to any other loose connections inside the fob.
If any of the rubber buttons located at the front of the keyfob isn't functioning or require to be pressed very hard the graphite disks on the back of the button could have worn out and require replacement. You can usually do this by rubbing a pencil over the disks. broken car key repair should bring the button back to life.
If none of this is helpful, or if the button still doesn't respond to a hard push It could be the case that the circuit board itself has become damaged. It is possible to fix this with a quick clean and re-soldering, but it is best to have an extra fob available in the event this method doesn't work for you.
Circuitry
The circuit board inside your remote control could be dirty, regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob are working or not. This problem can be resolved through a thorough examination. The most common causes of dirty circuit boards are water and damaged cases. A damaged case could let water and other debris to get into the circuit board, causing it to short. Water can also damage pins and connectors on the board, which are known as via's.
If you are handy enough to open your key fob, and don't mind making some mess, we can remove the buttons from their sockets and put in new ones. It's also worth examining the battery terminal connections. They can get very dirty and if they're loose, the buttons might not work or even stay in their down position. Soldering terminals and buttons back to their original positions is often enough to return a malfunctioning fob to working.
Non-Remote transponder chips
The non-remote chips sealed in a sealed case are more durable than their remote fobs. However, they are susceptible to breaking when a hole is made into them or when a door handle for a car or lawnmowers plows over them. Most of the time non-remote transponder chips fail, and this can be blamed on a blown fuse.
If you're able to open up the sealed key fob and can tolerate the mess, you can take off the circuit board and examine the fuse with a multimeter for proper diode function. If you're unsure about doing this, visit your local hardware store or the Oreilly's and they'll usually have a RF frequency tester that will determine whether the key fob is sending a signal.
Programming
Key fobs are not indestructible and are susceptible to being damaged through a variety of causes. They can lose their pairing to the car's receiver due to shock or a low battery, which calls for them to be reprogrammed. A professional auto locksmith or a main dealer will be able to reprogram your key fob to get it functioning again. In the rarer case that resetting and repairing your key fob isn't working it may be time to replace it all over again.