How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working
If your key fob isn't working, a few easy steps can fix it. The first step is to make sure it's not the backup remote.
If the backup remote is able to lock and unlock your car doors, it is most likely an issue with the main remote. The majority of car remote key malfunctions result from circuitry or battery problems.
Battery
It is not unusual for the battery inside a key fob for cars to degrade. It is simple to replace the battery. However it is crucial that you choose the right kind. You can check your owner's guide or contact the manufacturer to determine the right kind. www.g28carkeys.co.uk is also crucial to check the battery compartment as batteries that are not working properly can release caustic chemicals which can damage the remote. If changing the batteries does not solve the issue, it may be that there are other issues that require attention from a professional. If buttons are damaged or stuck for instance it might be necessary to remove the remote and rebuild each component. You can also try reprogramming your car to recognize the new key fob.
Buttons
Through repeated use, key fobs may wear out and become dirty. This is not unusual, but it can cause buttons to stop functioning or require a long press to work. This can be a huge hassle, especially if you are away from home and you need to start your car. Fortunately, even worn out or broken buttons can usually be fixed with a little time and some of the materials you may already have around the house.
First, make sure the batteries are properly charged and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Then, carefully open up the remote and inspect the circuit board. Check for indications of rust or other signs the buttons have been damaged or worn. For instance there could be conductive paint missing. Use a Q-tip that has been dipped in rubbing alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that has become worn out or where conductive painting is missing. Do not rub too vigorously, as this could erode the conductive paint and prevent the button from firing when it is pressed.
Also, be sure to check the battery connector's terminals for any loose solder connections. If this is the case, simply soldering them back in place could restore functionality to the button. The same method can be used to restore functionality to any other loose connections within the fob.
If, for instance, any of the buttons made of rubber that are on the front of the key fob have stopped functioning or require a difficult press to function it is likely that the graphite disks that are on the back of the button are wearing down and need to be replaced. You can do this by rubbing a pen over the disks. This should bring the button to life.
If none of these solutions work or you are unable to get the button to respond when you press it hard, it is possible that the circuitry is failing. It is possible to fix the issue by cleaning and re-soldering the fob, but you should have a spare in case it does not work.
Circuitry
The circuit board inside 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. Broken and damaged cases are the most common causes of dirty boards. A damaged case could allow water and other debris to get into the circuit board, which can cause it to short out. Water can also damage pins and vias, which are small connectors on the board.
If you're handy enough to remove your key fob and aren't afraid of a little mess, we can remove the solder from the buttons and then solder new ones in their place. It's also worth checking the battery terminal connections. They can become very filthy and if they're not tight enough, the buttons might not work or may even remain in their down position. Soldering the terminals back to their proper positions is usually enough to restore a non-working fob to a working condition.
Non-Remote Transponder Chips
Sealed non-remote transponder chips are much more durable than the remote fobs that contain them but they can still be broken by a hole being that is drilled into them or over by a lawnmowers blade or car door handle. Fuse failures are usually to blame for non-remote chip failures.
If you are not comfortable opening the key fob, take the circuit board off and use a multimeter to check that the diode is operating correctly. If you don't feel comfortable with this, visit your local Oreilly or hardware store and utilize their RF frequency tester. This will tell you whether the key fob is sending signals.
Programming
Key fobs aren't indestructible and are susceptible to being damaged through a variety of causes. They can lose their pairing with the receiver inside your vehicle because of shocks or a low battery, requiring changing the program. A professional auto locksmith or a main dealer will be able to reprogram your key fob to get it functioning again. In the event that resetting and fixing your key fob isn't working it may be time to replace it entirely.