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How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working
If your key fob isn't functioning, a few easy steps can fix it. The first step is to make sure that it's not your 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. Most problems with car remote keys result from circuitry or battery issues.
Battery
The battery in a key fob can wear out over time. It is quite simple to change out batteries, but it is essential to make sure that you select the correct one and you can consult the owner's manual or talk to the dealer for the manufacturer to find out what kind of battery you require. It is also important to check the battery compartment, since dead batteries can leak toxic chemicals that could damage the remote. If replacing the battery does not fix the issue there could be other issues that require professional attention. If simply click the following site are broken or stuck for instance it might be necessary to take the remote apart and rework each component. You could also try reprogramming your car to recognize the new key fob.
Buttons
From repeated use, key fobs could get dirty and worn. This is not atypical however it can cause buttons to stop working or require a difficult press to get them to function. This can be a hassle, especially when you are away from home and you need to switch on your car. Even malfunctioning or worn-out buttons can be fixed with a bit of time and materials you already have at home.
First, check that the batteries are correctly inserted and that the indentation on the back of the button has been filled. Open the remote carefully and examine the circuit board. Examine for signs of rust or other indications that the buttons are worn or damaged, like missing the conductive paint. Then, using a Q-tip dipped in alcohol, gently clean any membrane contacts that have become worn or have conductive paint missing. Avoid rubbing too hard since this could cause damage to the conductive painting and prevent the button from firing when it is the button is pressed.
Also, be sure to check the battery connector terminals for a loose solder connection. Soldering them back in place will allow the button to function again If this is the situation. The same process can be used to restore functionality to any other loose connections within the fob.
If any of the rubber buttons on the front of the keyfob aren't working or need to be pressing extremely hard the graphite disks at the back of the button could have worn out and require replacement. You can usually do this by rubbing a pen over the disks. This will bring the button back to life.
If none of this is useful, or if the button still doesn't respond to a hard push It could be because the circuit board itself has gone bad. It is possible to fix the issue by cleaning and re-soldering the fob however, you should have another spare in case it does not work.
Circuitry
The circuit board in 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 is 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 small connectors that are found on the board.
If you're handy enough to open your key fob, and you're not afraid of making a mess, we can take off the buttons and then solder new ones in their place. Also, it's 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 button's back in their place is generally all that's required to return 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 be cracked by a hole that is drilled into them or over by a lawnmowers or door handle for a car. Fuse failures are usually to blame for non-remote chips failures.
If you're able to remove a sealed non-remote key fob and can tolerate the mess, you can easily remove the circuit board and examine the fuse with an instrument to verify diode function. If you're not comfortable doing this, visit your local hardware store or Oreilly's, and they will usually have a RF frequency tester that will tell you if the key fob is transmitting a signal.
Programming
Key fobs endure many abuses and aren't indestructible. They can lose their pairing to the car's receiver due to shock or a low battery, requiring the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or dealer can reprogram your key fob to get it working again. If resetting or fixing the keyfob is not working it is possible to replace it.