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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, make sure that it's not your backup remote.
If your backup remote cannot lock and unlock the doors of your vehicle, it is most likely that the primary remote is not working. Most problems with car remote keys are caused by battery or circuitry problems.
Battery
It is not uncommon for the battery in a key fob for cars to wear out. It is simple to replace batteries. However, it is important to select the right type. You can refer to your owner's guide or contact the manufacturer to determine the right type. It's also a good idea to examine the battery compartment with care because dead batteries can leak caustic chemicals that can cause damage to the remote. If replacing the batteries doesn't solve the problem it could be that there are other issues that require attention by a professional. If the buttons are damaged or stuck for instance, it may be necessary disassemble the remote and rework each component. It is also possible to reprogramme the vehicle to recognize the new remote.
Buttons
Key fobs may become dirty and worn-out from frequent use. This is not uncommon however it can cause buttons to stop working or require a very hard press for them to work. This can be very frustrating especially if you're away from home and you need to start your car. Even malfunctioning or worn-out buttons are often fixable with a bit of time and the tools you already have at home.
First, ensure that the batteries are charged correctly and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Open the remote carefully and examine the circuit board. Check for signs of corrosion or other indications that the buttons are worn out or damaged, such as missing paint that is conductive. Use a Q-tip that has been dipped in rubbing alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that is worn out or has conductive paint missing. Be careful not to rub too hard, because this could damage the conductive paint and block the button from firing when it is it 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 case. The same procedure can be used to restore function to any loose connections in the fob.
If, for instance, any of the buttons made of rubber that are on the front of the key fob stop functioning or require a hard press to work it is likely the graphite disks at the back of the button are wearing down and need to be replaced. You can do this by rubbing a pen across the disks. This will bring the button back to life.
If all of this doesn't help, or if the button does not respond to a hard push, then it may be because the circuit board has become damaged. It is possible to fix this issue by cleaning and re-soldering the fob, but you should have an extra in case it doesn't work.
Circuitry
The circuit board of your remote control could be dirty, regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob are working or not. The issue can be solved by a thorough inspection. The most common causes for dirty circuit boards are water and broken cases. A broken case allows water and other debris to get in and short circuit the electronics. g28carkeys.co.uk can also eat through pins and vias, which are small connectors that are found on the board.
If you're able to open your key fob, and you're not afraid of a little mess, we can de-solder the buttons and put new ones in their place. Also, it's worth checking the connections between the battery terminals. They can become very dirty and if they're loose the buttons might not function or even stick in their down position. Soldering the terminals, and putting the button back into place is typically all that's needed to return keys that are not in working order.
Non-Remote transponder chips
Sealed non-remote transponder chips are much more durable than the remote fobs that contain them but they can be broken by a hole being that is drilled into them or over by a lawnmower or car door handle. Most of the time non-remote transponder chips fail, and this could be attributed to a blown fuse.
If you're able to remove a key fob that is sealed and can tolerate the mess, you can remove the circuit board and test the fuse using a multimeter to ensure that it is functioning as intended. function. If you're not confident doing this, go to your local hardware store or Oreilly's and they will usually have a radio frequency tester that can tell you if the key fob is transmitting a signal.
Programming
Key fobs take lots of abuse and aren't impervious to damage. They can break their connection with the receiver inside your vehicle because of shocks or a low battery, requiring the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith, or a dealer in the main can reprogram your key fob and get it back functioning again. If resetting or repairing the keyfob is not working it is possible to replace it.