How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working If your key fob isn't functioning A few easy steps can fix it. First, check to make sure it's not your backup remote. If the backup is able to lock and unlock your car doors then there's a likely issue with the primary remote. The most common causes of key problems with your car remote are battery or circuitry issues. Battery It is not uncommon for the battery in a key fob for cars to wear out. It is fairly easy to change out a battery, although it is crucial to make sure that you select the correct one that you can refer to the owner's manual or talk to the dealer of the manufacturer to find out what kind of battery you require. It is also a good idea to inspect the battery compartment with care since dead batteries may leak caustic chemicals that can harm the remote. If changing the battery doesn't solve the issue there could be other issues that require professional attention. For instance, if buttons seem stuck or damaged, it may be necessary to take the remote apart and rework its components. It is also possible to reprogramme the vehicle to recognize the new device. Buttons Due to repeated use, key fobs may become worn and dirty. It is not uncommon for buttons to cease working, or to require a hard press to make them work. This can be very frustrating, especially if you are away from home and need to start your vehicle. Fortunately, even worn out or broken buttons can usually be fixed with a bit of time and a few materials you may already have around the home. First, ensure that the batteries are charged correctly and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Take the remote apart and look over the circuit board. Examine for evidence of rust, or other signs the buttons have been worn or damaged. For example there could be conductive paint missing. Use a Q-tip that has been dipped in rubbing alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that is worn-out or where conductive paint is missing. Do not rub too vigorously, as this could erode the conductive paint and prevent the button from firing when pressed. Check the battery connector's terminals carefully for any loose solder connections. Soldering them back in place will restore the button's functionality in the event that this is the situation. The same method can be used to restore function to any other loose connections in the fob. If any of the rubber buttons at the front of the keyfob aren't working or require being pressed extremely hard the graphite disks on the back of the button could have worn out and require replacement. It is usually done by rubbing a pen across the disks. This should bring the button to life. If none of this is helpful or if the button still doesn't respond to a hard press, then it may be because the circuit board itself is damaged. It is possible to fix the issue by cleaning and re-soldering the button, but you should have another spare in case it does not work. Circuitry The circuit board inside the remote control could be dirty, regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob function or not. This problem can be resolved through a thorough examination. The most common causes for dirty circuit boards is 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 eat away at pins and connectors on the board, which are known as via's. If you're able to open your key fob, and you don't mind making a mess, we can take the buttons out of their sockets and solder in new ones. key car repair 's also worth checking the battery terminal connections. They can become extremely dirty and if they're loose the buttons might not work or even stay in their down position. Soldering the terminals and buttons into place is usually enough to restore a non-working fob to a working condition. Non-Remote Transponder Chips The non-remote chips sealed in a sealed case are more durable than remote fobs, but they are susceptible to cracking in the event of a hole being drilled in them or if a car door handle or lawnmower runs over them. Most of the time non-remote transponder chip failures can be attributed to blowing fuses. If you are not comfortable opening the key fob, remove the circuitboard and use a multimeter to verify that the diode is working correctly. If you're unsure about doing this, go to your local hardware store or Oreilly's and they usually have a RF frequency tester that will let you know whether the key fob is sending signals. Programming Key fobs are not indestructible and are susceptible to damage by a lot of things. They can break their connection with the receiver in your vehicle due to shocks or a low-battery, which requires reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or a main dealer can reprogram your key fob and get it functioning again. If resetting or repairing the keyfob is not working it is possible to replace it.
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