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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. First, ensure that it's not the backup remote.
If your backup remote can unlock and lock the doors of your car, it is most likely that the primary remote isn't working. The most common causes for key malfunctions for car remotes are battery or circuitry issues.
Battery
It is not unusual for the battery in a key fob for cars to wear out. It is quite simple to change out a battery, although it is crucial to make sure that you choose the correct type that you can refer to your owner's manual or contact the dealer for the manufacturer to find out the kind of battery you require. It's recommended to examine the battery compartment with care because dead batteries can leak harmful chemicals that can cause damage to the remote. If changing the batteries does not solve the problem it could be that there are other issues that require attention from a professional. For instance, if buttons seem to be stuck or damaged It may be necessary to take the remote apart and rework its parts. You could also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new key fob.
Buttons
Through repeated use, key fobs can wear out and become dirty. car fob repairs near me is not unusual, but it can cause buttons to stop functioning or require a long press to function. This can be extremely frustrating, especially if you are away from home and need to start your car. Fortunately, even worn-out or broken buttons can usually be fixed with just a bit of time and a few materials you have in the home.
First, make sure the batteries are properly charged and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Then, carefully open the remote and examine the circuit board. Look for evidence of rust, or other signs the buttons are worn or damaged. For instance there could be conductive paint missing. Use a Q-tip dipped into rubbing alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that has become worn-out or where conductive paint is missing. Avoid rubbing too hard as this can erode the conductive paint and stop the button from firing when it is it is pressed.
Also, carefully check the battery connector's terminals for a loose solder connection. Soldering them back into place will restore the button's functionality If this is the situation. The same procedure can be used to restore function to any loose connections within the fob.
If, for instance, any of the buttons made of rubber that are on the front of the key fob have stopped working or require a very difficult press to function it is likely the graphite disks at the back of the button are deteriorating and require replacement. This can be done by rubbing a pencil on the disks. This should bring the button back to its original state.
If none of this is useful or if the button still doesn't respond to a firm press It could be that the circuit board has become damaged. It is possible to fix the issue by cleaning and re-soldering the fob, but you should have an extra in case it does not work.
Circuitry
The circuit board inside 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. The most common causes for dirty circuit boards are water and damaged cases. A damaged case allows water and other debris to pass through and short out the electronics. Water can also get through pins and vias, which are the tiny connectors that are found on the board.
If you're handy enough to remove your key fob and don't mind a little mess, we can take off the buttons and solder new ones in their place. It's also worth checking the connections between the battery terminals. They can become very filthy and if they're not tight enough, the buttons might not function or even stick in their down position. Soldering the terminals and buttons to their original positions is often enough to restore a non-working fob back to working.
Non-Remote Transponder Chips
The non-remote chips that are sealed are more durable than their remote fobs, but they can be cracked in the event of a hole being drilled into them or when a door handle for a car or lawnmower runs over them. The majority of non-remote transponder chips fail, and this can be attributed to blowing fuses.
If you're not comfortable opening the key fob, you can take the circuit board off and use a multimeter to verify that the diode is operating correctly. If you're unsure about doing this, visit your local hardware store or the Oreilly's and they'll usually have a radio frequency tester that can determine if the key fob is sending a signal.
Programming
Key fobs endure lots of abuse and aren't completely indestructible. They may lose their connection with the receiver inside your vehicle due to shocks or a low-battery, which requires changing the program. A professional auto locksmith or main dealer will be able to reprogram your key fob to get it working again. If resetting or fixing your keyfob does not work it may be necessary to replace it.