How to Fix car key and repair That isn't Working
If your key fob isn't functioning There are a few simple steps that can be taken to fix it. The first step is to be sure that it's not your backup remote.
If your backup remote can lock and unlock the doors of your car, it is likely that the main remote isn't working. The majority of car remote key malfunctions are caused by circuitry or battery problems.
Battery
It is not uncommon for the battery in a key fob for cars to degrade. It is fairly easy to change out a battery, although it is essential to ensure you select the correct one; you can look in your owner's manual, or contact the dealer for the manufacturer to find out what kind of battery you need. It is recommended to inspect the battery compartment with care because dead batteries can release caustic chemicals that could cause damage to the remote. If changing the battery doesn't fix the problem there may be additional issues that require attention from a professional. If the buttons are broken or stuck, for example it could be necessary to take the remote apart and rework each component. It is also possible to reprogramme the vehicle to recognize the new device.
Buttons
From repeated use, key fobs may wear out and become dirty. It is not uncommon to have buttons stop functioning, or require a hard press to get them working. This can be frustrating particularly when you're away from your home and you need to turn on 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 correctly placed and that the indentation at the back of the button has been filled. Open the remote carefully and look over the circuit board. Check for signs of rust or other indications that the buttons have been damaged or worn. For example, conductive paint may be missing. Then, using the Q-tip, dipped in rubbing alcohol, gently clean any membrane contacts that are worn or have conductive paint missing. Be careful not to rub too hard, as this can erode the conductive paint and block the button from firing when pressed.
Check the battery connector terminals carefully for any loose solder connections. Soldering them back to their original position will restore the button's functionality in the event that this is the situation. The same procedure can be used to restore function to any other loose connections inside the fob.
Finally, if any of the buttons made of rubber that are on the front of the key fob have stopped working or require a very hard press to work it is likely that the graphite disks on the back of the button are wearing out 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 none of this is useful or if the button still does not respond to a hard press, then it may be because the circuit board has gone bad. This can sometimes be repaired by a quick clean and re-soldering, but it is ideal to have a spare fob on hand in the event that this method does not work for you.
Circuitry
If the keys fob buttons are functioning the circuit board in your remote might be dirty. A very thorough inspection is usually enough to fix this problem. The most frequent causes of dirty circuit boards is water and broken cases. A damaged case can allow water and other debris to enter and short circuit the electronic components. Water can also eat away at pins and connectors that are small on the board, which are known as via's.
If you're able to open your key fob and you don't mind making some mess, we can take the buttons out of their sockets and solder in new ones. Also, you should check the connections between battery terminals. They can become extremely filthy and if they're not tight enough, the buttons might not function or even stay in their down position. Soldering the terminals back to their original positions is often enough to return a malfunctioning fob to a working condition.
Non-Remote Transponder Chips
The sealed non-remote chips are more durable than remote fobs, but they are susceptible to breaking 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 malfunctions can be blamed on an exploded fuse.
If you're able to remove a sealed non-remote key fob and can tolerate the mess, you can easily remove the circuit board and check the fuse with an instrument to verify diode function. If you're not comfortable with this, you can visit your local Oreilly or hardware store and utilize their RF frequency tester. This will inform you whether the key fob transmits a signal.
Programming
Key fobs are subject to lots of abuse and aren't indestructible. They can lose their pairing to the receiver in your car due to shock or a low battery, which calls for them to be reprogrammed. A professional auto locksmith, or a dealer in the main, can reprogram your keyfob to get it working again. In the event that resetting and repairing your key fob isn't working, it could be time to replace it all over again.