How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working
If your key fob doesn't work A few easy steps can fix it. First, make sure that it's not your backup remote.
If the backup can lock and unlock your car doors, then there's a likely issue with the main remote. The most common causes for key malfunctions for car remotes are battery or circuitry 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 important to ensure that you select the correct one that you can refer to your owner's manual, or contact the dealer of the manufacturer to find out what kind of battery you need. visit the up coming internet page 's recommended to examine the battery compartment with care because dead batteries can leak harmful chemicals that can harm the remote. If changing the battery doesn't fix the issue there may be additional issues that require attention from a professional. For instance, if the buttons seem stuck or damaged it could be necessary to disassemble the remote and rework its parts. You can also try reprogramming your car to recognize the new key fob.
Buttons
From frequent use, key fobs could get dirty and worn. This is not uncommon however, it can cause buttons to cease working or require a very long press to function. This can be very frustrating, especially when you are away from your home and have to start your car. Even worn-out or malfunctioning buttons can be fixed with a bit of time 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, carefully open up the remote and look at the circuit board. Look for evidence of rust, or other indications that the buttons are worn or damaged. 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 become worn-out or where conductive painting is missing. Don't rub too hard in order to damage the conductive paint, and block 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 could restore functionality to the button. The same procedure can be used to restore function to any other loose connections within the fob.
If any of the rubber buttons on the front of the keyfob aren't working or require being pressing extremely hard, the graphite disks at the back of the button could have worn out and will need to replaced. It is usually done by rubbing a pen across the disks. This should bring the button to life.
If none of these solutions work or you are unable to get the button to respond when you press it hard, it is possible that the circuitry has failed. It is possible to fix the issue by cleaning and re-soldering the button but you should also have an extra in case it doesn't work.
Circuitry
The circuit board inside the remote control could be dirty regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob are working or not. A thorough inspection will usually resolve this issue. Water and broken cases are the most common causes of boards that are dirty. A damaged case can allow water and other debris to enter the circuit board, which can cause it to short out. Water can also destroy pins and small connectors on the board, referred to as via's.
If you are handy enough to open your key fob, and you don't mind making some mess, we can remove the buttons from their sockets and then solder new ones. It's also worth checking the connections between the battery terminals. If they are loose, the buttons might not work or even become stuck in their down position. Soldering the terminals back into place is usually enough to restore a non-working fob to a working condition.
Non-Remote Transponder Chips
The sealed non-remote chips are more durable than their remote fobs, but they can be cracked when a hole is made in them, or when a door handle for a car or lawnmowers is pushed over them. Most of the time non-remote transponder chip malfunctions can be attributed to a blown fuse.
If you're not comfortable opening the key fob, take the circuit board off and use a multimeter to verify that the diode is functioning properly. If you're unsure about doing this, visit your local hardware store or the Oreilly's and they will usually have an radio frequency tester that can let you know if the key fob is transmitting a signal.
Programming
Key fobs aren't indestructible and are susceptible to being damaged by a lot of things. They may lose their connection to the receiver in your car due to shock or a low battery, requiring them to be reprogrammed. A professional auto locksmith or a main dealer will be able to reprogram your key fob to get it working again. If resetting or replacing the keyfob is not working, you may need to replace it.