If your key fob doesn't work There are a few simple steps that can be taken to fix it. First, ensure that it's not the backup remote.
If the backup remote is able to lock and unlock your car door, it is most likely an issue with the main remote. The most common causes for key problems with your car remote are circuitry or battery issues.
Battery
The battery in the key fob may wear out over time. It is relatively easy to replace batteries, but it is essential to make sure that you select the correct one; you can look in the owner's manual or talk to the dealer of the manufacturer to find out what kind of battery you require. It's also a good idea to inspect the battery compartment carefully since dead batteries may leak harmful chemicals that can harm the remote. If changing the battery doesn't solve the issue there may be additional issues that require professional attention. If buttons are damaged or stuck, for example it might be necessary to disassemble the remote and rework each component. You could also try reprogramming your car to recognize the new key fob.
Buttons
Key fobs may become dirty and worn-out from repeated use. It is not uncommon for buttons to cease functioning, or require a hard press to make them work. This can be a hassle especially when you're away from home and need to start your car. Even malfunctioning or worn-out buttons can be fixed with a little time and materials you already have at home.
First, verify that the batteries are properly installed and that the indentation at the back of the button has been filled. Take the remote apart and look over the circuit board. Examine for signs of rust or other signs that buttons are worn out or damaged, like missing conductive paint. Then, using a Q-tip dipped in alcohol to gently clean any membrane contacts that have become worn or have conductive paint missing. Be careful not to rub too hard, since this could cause damage to the conductive painting and prevent 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 may restore functionality to the button. You can use the same process to restore functionality to any other loose connection within the fob.
If any of the rubber buttons at the front of the keyfob are not functioning or require to be pressed extremely hard the graphite disks on the back of the button may have worn out and need to replaced. This can usually be done by rubbing a pencil on the disks. key fob repairs should bring the button back to its original state.
If none of this is useful or if the button doesn't respond to a hard press, then it may be because the circuit board has become damaged. This can sometimes be repaired with a quick clean and refitting, but it's recommended to have an additional fob in case this method doesn't work for you.
Circuitry
The circuit board inside your remote control may be dirty, regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob function or not. The issue can be solved by a thorough inspection. Water and broken cases are the most frequent causes of dirty boards. A damaged case could allow water and other debris into the circuit board, causing it to short out. Water can also eat through pins and vias, which are tiny connectors 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 then solder new ones in their place. It's also worth examining the battery terminal connections. If they're loose, the buttons could not function or get stuck in their down position. Soldering the terminals and buttons to their original positions is often enough to return a malfunctioning fob back to working.
Non-Remote transponder chips
Sealed non-remote transponder chip are more durable than the remote fobs that contain them but they can be damaged by a hole that is drilled into them or run over by a lawnmowers or door handle for a car. Most of the time, non-remote transponder chips fail, and this can be attributed to blowing fuses.
If you are not comfortable opening the key fob, you can take the circuit board off and use a multimeter to determine if the diode is operating correctly. If you're not comfortable with this, visit your local Oreilly or hardware store and use their RF frequency tester. This will inform you whether the key fob is sending a signal.
Programming
Key fobs are not indestructible and can be damaged by a lot of things. They may lose their connection to the receiver in your car because of shock or a low battery, requiring them to be reprogrammed. A professional auto locksmith or main dealer can reprogram the key fob and get it back up and running again. In the event that resetting and fixing your key fob fails it could be the time to replace it completely.
