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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 be taken to fix it. First, make sure that it's not your backup remote.
If the backup is able to lock and unlock your car door, it is most likely an issue with the main remote. The most common causes for car remote key failure are battery or circuitry issues.
Battery
It is not unusual for the battery in the car key fob to degrade. It is simple to replace a battery. However, it is important to select the right kind. You can consult the owner's manual or contact the manufacturer to find out the right type. It is also important to examine the battery compartment as dead batteries can leak toxic chemicals that could damage the remote. If changing the batteries doesn't solve the problem, it may be that there are other issues that require attention from a professional. For instance, if buttons seem stuck or broken it could be necessary to take the remote apart and rework its parts. It is also possible to reprogramme the vehicle to recognize the new fob.
Buttons
From frequent use, key fobs could get dirty and worn. This is not uncommon however it can cause buttons to stop functioning or require a long press to work. This can be a hassle, especially when you are away from your 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, make sure that the batteries are properly inserted and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Take visit the following web site and examine the circuit board. Examine for signs of rust or other indications that the buttons are worn out or damaged, such as missing conductive paint. Use a Q-tip that has been dipped in alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that is damaged or where conductive paint is missing. Avoid rubbing too hard, because this could damage the conductive painting and prevent the button from firing when it is pressed.
Also, be sure to check the battery connector's terminals to ensure any loose solder connections. If this is the case, reconnecting them may restore function to the button. You can follow the same procedure to restore functionality to any other loose connection inside the fob.
Finally, if any of the buttons made of rubber on the front of the key fob stop functioning or require a long press to function it is likely the graphite disks that are on the back of the button are wearing down and need to be replaced. This can usually be done by rubbing a pencil on the disks, which should bring the button back to life.
If none of this is helpful or if the button doesn't respond to a hard push, then it may be because the circuit board is damaged. It is possible to fix this with a quick clean and re-soldering, but it is recommended to have an additional fob on hand in the event that this method fails for you.
Circuitry
Whether or not the key fob buttons function, the circuit board inside your remote might be dirty. This issue can be fixed through a thorough examination. The most common causes of dirty circuit boards are water and broken cases. A damaged case could allow water and other debris to enter the circuit board, which can cause it to short out. Water can also eat away at pins and small connectors on the board called via's.
If you're able to open up your key fob and aren't afraid of a little mess, we can take off the buttons and then solder new ones in their place. Also, you should check the connections between battery terminals. If they are loose, the buttons might not work or even become stuck in their down position. Soldering the terminals and button's back in place is usually all that's needed to return the key fob that is not working to functioning condition.
Non-Remote transponder chips
Sealed non-remote transponder chips are more durable than the remote fobs that contain them however they are still susceptible to being cracked by a hole made in them or pushed over by a lawnmower or car door handle. Failures of the fuse are typically the cause of non-remote chip failures.
If you are not comfortable opening the key fob, remove the circuitboard and use a multimeter to determine if the diode is functioning correctly. If you're not comfortable doing this, head to your local hardware store or the Oreilly's and they will usually have an RFID frequency tester that can let you know whether the key fob transmitting a signal.
Programming
Key fobs are subject to lots of abuse and aren't indestructible. They may lose their connection with the receiver inside your vehicle due to shocks or a low battery, which calls for reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or dealer will be able to reprogram your key fob and get it functioning again. If resetting or replacing your keyfob does not work it is possible to replace it.