Expert Advice On Remote Key Repair From The Age Of Five
Car Remote Key Repair
Modern car remotes are convenient and useful, but can be frustrating when they stop working. There are a few easy solutions to get them working again.
First, you should replace the battery. The majority of fobs utilize lithium coin cells, which are cheap and easy to find.
Broken Electronics
The remote car key you have an internal electronic circuit board that transmits and interprets signals to your car. If the circuit board is damaged the key fob will not work correctly. Unlike battery failure, which is usually quite easy for most drivers to repair at home, damage to the transmitter or receiver of your remote key will probably require a professional locksmith or your car dealer.
Most remote key fobs are powered by a lithium-ion coin battery, which has a long shelf life. However they won't last for long. If you've been using the batteries for a long period of time, changing them will probably solve your problem. You may be surprised when you've used your remote for a while and the buttons aren't responding at all. This is the case even if the batteries are new. Since the buttons on your key fob get frequent jolts and rubbing, they may break or become unresponsive over time. If this is the case, removing the buttons and cleaning them prior to placing them back in place will usually resolve the problem.
If your remote's buttons still not working, you might need to reprogram it to match the system of your car. This is typically done by turning the ignition key a few times while the doors are shut. This will depend on the model and make of your vehicle, however you can find the instructions on the internet or ask a professional for assistance.
If the key fob has a plastic exterior it is possible to remove the cover and pull it off. Be careful not to scratch the buttons or other internal components. The best tool to accomplish this is a pair of needle-nose pliers with longer tips, which will better grasp small components. Lubricating pliers with putty melted tallow or super glue can aid in grabbing delicate components. It's recommended to have an auto locksmith perform this, as improper techniques could cause damage to the electronic components within. If you try to forcefully break the fob apart can break the plastic, and it's also possible to accidentally snap off the buttons that are connected to it.
Faulty transponder chip
If you've been able to start your car with the remote key, but it's not working ever again, it could be a sign of an issue with the transponder chip. This is because your key relies upon this tiny electronic component to communicate with the immobilizer system. It sends a signal to the system that your key is legitimate and you are able to start the engine. If remote key repairs isn't able to transmit this signal, the immobilizer will disable your vehicle.
This problem is more frequent in older cars, but it can also be found in newer vehicles. This is because the transponder chip can wear out over time. It is possible to have a car locksmith replace this part of your key, however this can be expensive.
In some cases the chip may be dead. If this is the situation, it's going to require replacement by an authorized dealer. This will be the most expensive option, but is often necessary in order to get your vehicle back on the road.
Another possibility is that the chip in your key has become corrupted, which means it no longer works properly with the immobilizer system. This could occur when the battery is replaced, or it can occur when there is physical damage to the key. A Mesa auto locksmith can solve this issue, but you may need to visit the dealer to have your key programmed.
If you're experiencing issues with your remote key the first thing you need to try is an alternative. If this does not solve the issue, you should take apart your key fob and conduct a visual inspection. It is important to ensure that there are no buttons that appear to be broken or loose. These components are frequently used and can loosen as time passes. It is recommended to have them put to the correct position by a professional if they are loose. In most cases, this will restore your key fob's functionality. This is particularly applicable to keys that were accidentally placed in the wrong ignition lock cylinder.
Damaged Battery
If you've tried a brand new battery but the key fob still won't work, there could be other issues. Fobs could be damaged by water or dropped or stepped on. Internal connections, including those that connect to battery terminals on the remote, may also be broken or disconnected. It's possible that you need to reset the key fob and it could be something you can accomplish by yourself if have a spare fob from the same model and brand.
Modern key fobs must be programmed to match the vehicle to ensure that only you can unlock the car doors. It's a crucial step to safeguard your vehicle and prevent others from using your key fob to gain access your car or cause problems with the electrical system. Certain engine error codes or even normal wear-and-tear can corrupt the programming and prevent your key fob from functioning. Professionals equipped with the right tools can reprogram your key fob properly.
It's also possible that the problem could be with the buttons themselves and this could be a less complicated solution than replacing the entire key fob. Key fobs typically have rubberized buttons that are tossed around constantly and may break or loosen. If you notice that the buttons do not appear to be damaged, you may be able to manually adjust them.
Open the fob key to look at it, but take care. Some fobs aren't equipped with an easy release mechanism, so you might need a small screwdriver or another tool to break them. Some fobs are sealed, and cannot be opened without specialized tools. You'll need to go to a dealer to have them professionally opened. You can use a spare keyfob from the same make and model to access the programming mode of your car. Based on the model of your car it could involve closing and locking the doors, switching lights and electronics on and off, and pressing a specific set of buttons in a particular order.
Failing Buttons
If your key fob has buttons that don't function or require to be pressing very hard in order to perform it could be the result of mechanical damage. Dropping the key fob onto concrete or accidentally hitting a button with a sharp object may affect how well it works. If this is the case, you'll need to take the key fob apart and carefully see if any of the buttons appear be broken or are out of place. A locksmith can repair it for you, if that's the case.
Dirt or crud can also cause buttons to fail. It is recommended to clean your keys fob using the help of a cotton swab which has been soaked in alcohol. It is also possible to clean the surface of the keys themselves. You should also try to determine if the issue is related to the locks on your vehicle or with the key fob itself. If you don't own a spare key, try using the keys of a different vehicle to see if the problem is solved.
If remote key repairs needs to be reprogrammed also depends on the condition of its battery. If your keyfob does not work after replacing the batteries the terminal contacts of the battery may be damaged. Pressing the buttons on your key fob too often when you are out of range, or disconnecting your car battery could also erase the programming of the electronic key fob.
If the key fob is still not functioning after replacing the battery, you should be able to reprogramme it with the car. This will depend on the particular model of vehicle, but generally you'll need to manually lock and unlock the doors of your car, insert the key fob into the ignition, turn it to the accessory position and then press a button on the remote. If this is working the exterior and/or interior lights will flash. You can then retest your key fob to confirm that it is programmed to the vehicle. In more rare cases keys can stop working if there is an issue with the door lock itself.