Don't Buy Into These "Trends" Concerning Remote Key Repair
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How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working
If your key fob isn't working There are a few simple steps that can fix it. The first step is to be sure that it's not your backup remote.
If your backup remote is unable to unlock and lock the doors of your car, then it is most likely that the primary remote isn't functioning. Most car remote key failures are caused by circuitry or battery problems.
Battery
The battery in the key fob could be worn out over time. It is easy to replace a battery. However it is essential to select the right kind. You can consult your owner's guide or contact the manufacturer to determine the right kind. It is also a good idea to examine the battery compartment carefully, as dead batteries sometimes release caustic chemicals that could damage the remote. If replacing the batteries doesn't solve the problem, it may be that there are other issues that require attention by a professional. For instance, if buttons seem to be stuck or damaged it could be necessary to take the remote apart and rework its parts. You can also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new remote.
Buttons
Due to frequent use, key fobs may become worn and dirty. This is not atypical, but it can cause buttons to stop working or require a hard press for them to work. This can be very frustrating, especially if you are out of town and need to start your vehicle. Even malfunctioning or worn-out buttons are often fixable with a little time and the tools you already have at home.
First, check that the batteries are correctly inserted and that the indentation at the back of the button has been filled. Then, open the remote with care and inspect the circuit board. Look for signs of corrosion or other indications that the buttons are worn or damaged, such as missing conductive paint. Utilizing a Q-tip dipped in alcohol, gently clean any membrane contacts that are damaged or where conductive paint is missing. Do not rub too vigorously as this can damage the conductive paint and stop the button from firing when pressed.
Check the battery connector terminals for loose solder connections. Soldering them back to their original position will allow the button to function again if this is the case. You can use the same procedure to restore functionality to any other loose connection within the fob.
In the end, if any of the buttons made of rubber that are on the front of the key fob aren't working or require a very difficult press to function it is website likely the graphite disks that are on the back of the button are wearing down and require read more replacement. This can be done by rubbing a pencil across the disks, which should bring the button back to working.
If none of these solutions work, or if you still are unable to get the button to respond when pressed hard, it is possible that the here circuitry has failed. It is possible to fix this by cleaning and re-soldering the button but you should also have a 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 are working or not. The issue can be solved through a thorough examination. The most common causes of dirty circuit boards are water and broken cases. A website damaged case could let water and other debris to enter the circuit board, which can cause it to short out. Water can also get through pins and vias, which are the tiny connectors on the board.
If you're able to open your key fob and don't mind a little 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 filthy and if here they're not tight enough, the buttons might not work or may even remain in their down position. Soldering the terminals and buttons back in place is usually all that's required to return a non-working key fob to working order.
Non-Remote transponder chips
The non-remote chips that are sealed are more durable than their remote fobs, but they are susceptible to breaking when a hole is made in them or when a door handle for a car or lawnmower runs over them. Fuse failures are usually to blame for non-remote chip failures.
If you're handy enough to remove a sealed non-remote key fob and can tolerate the mess, you can take off the circuit board and test the fuse with a multimeter for proper diode function. If you're not confident doing this, head to your local hardware store or the Oreilly's and they'll usually have a radio frequency tester that can determine whether the key fob is sending a signal.
Programming
Key fobs are subject to many abuses and aren't completely indestructible. They may lose their connection to the car's receiver because of shock or a low battery, requiring them to be reprogrammed. A professional auto locksmith or a main dealer will be able to reprogram your key fob and get it working again. In the rarer case that resetting or repairing your key fob isn't working it may be time to replace it entirely.