Car Remote Key Repair
Modern car remotes are convenient and useful, but can be frustrating if they stop working. There are a few easy fixes to get them working again.
Replace the battery first. The majority of fobs are powered by lithium coin cells. These are cheap and easy to locate.
Broken Electronics
The electronic circuit board in your car key remote transmits and interprets signals for your car. The key fob won't function in the event that this board is damaged. Damage to the transmitter or receiver will require an auto-locksmith who is a professional or a dealer in your car.
The majority of remotes that use key fobs have lithium ion coin batteries, that have a long time-to-life, but won't last for long. Changing the batteries will likely solve your problem, especially those who have had them for a while. You might be shocked if you have been using your remote for some time and the buttons don't respond in any way. This is the case even in the case of batteries that are new. Since the buttons on your key fob undergo a lot of jostling and rubbing, they may break or become inactive over time. In this case, removing and cleaning the buttons can fix the problem.
If the buttons on your remote aren't working, you might have to re-program it to work with the system in your car. This is typically done by turning the key in the ignition several times with the doors closed. key fob repairs will vary based on the model and make however, you can find instructions online or contact an expert for assistance.
If the key fob has a plastic exterior it is possible to take off the cover and pull it apart. Be careful not to damage any buttons or internal components. The best tool to accomplish this is a pair of needle-nose pliers with longer tips, which will more easily grasp small pieces. Lubricating the pliers with super glue, melted tallow, or putty can assist them to grasp delicate components. It's also a good idea to employ an automotive locksmith take care of this, since improper techniques could cause damage to the electronic components within. Trying to forcefully pry the fob off could break the plastic, and it's possible to accidentally break any buttons that are attached to it.
Faulty Transponder Chip
If you've been able start your car using the remote key, but it's not working the next time, it could indicate a problem with the transponder chip. This is because your key relies on this small electronic component to communicate with the immobilizer system. It transmits a signal to the system that your key is valid and that you are in a position to start the engine. If the chip fails to correctly transmit this message, 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 may wear out over time. It is possible to have a car locksmith replace this portion of your key, however this could be costly.
In certain situations your chip could be dead. If this is the case, it will need to be replaced by a dealer. This is the most costly but necessary way to get your car back on the road.
Another possibility is that your key's chip has become corrupted. This means that it can no longer communicate with the immobilizer. This can happen when the battery is replaced or when there is physical damage to the key. A Mesa auto locksmith can resolve this issue, but you may have to visit the dealership to have your key programmed.
If you're having issues with your remote key the first thing to do is to create a backup. If this doesn't fix the problem, you should take apart the key fob and conduct an inspection. Verify that nothing on the buttons appear to be broken or damaged. These parts see frequent use and are easily jostled loose over time. It's best to have them welded to the correct position by a professional if they are loose. This is often a way to make your key fob. This is especially applicable to keys that were accidentally placed into the wrong ignition lock.
Damaged Battery
If you've tried a new battery and the key fob doesn't work, there may be other issues. Fobs can be damaged by water or dropped or dropped on. Internal connections, such as those that connect to battery terminals in the remote, may also be broken or disconnected. You may need to reprogram your key fob if you don't have a replacement that is the same model and type.
Modern key fobs should be programmed to match the car to ensure that only you are able to unlock the car doors. It's a crucial step to safeguard your car and prevent others from being able to use your key fob to access your vehicle or cause issues with its electrical system. Certain engine error codes or wear and tear from normal wear and tear could corrupt the programming and stop your key fob from working. Professionals equipped with the right tools can reprogram your key fob in a proper manner.
It's possible that the issue is with the buttons and this could be a more straightforward solution than replacing the entire key fob. Most key fobs feature rubberized buttons that get jostled around all the time and can break or become loose. If you can see that the buttons aren't damaged, you could try adjusting them manually.
Open the key fob to inspect it, but take care. Some key fobs do not have an easy release mechanism. You may need an instrument or screwdriver to pry them apart. Some fobs are sealed, and are not openable without special tools. You'll need to go to a professional to have them professionally opened. If you have an extra key fob for the same model and manufacturer, try using it to enter your car's programming mode. This could require you to close and lock the doors, switch on and off lights and electronic devices, and then press a series of buttons in a sequence that is specific to your vehicle.
Failing Buttons
If your key fob has buttons that do not function or require to be pressing very hard in order to function it could be because of mechanical damage. The key fob's function could be affected by a fall on concrete or accidentally hitting the button with a sharp object. You'll need take apart the key fob and carefully look at it to determine whether there are any buttons that look damaged. A locksmith will fix it for you if that's the case.
Dirt or crud can also cause buttons to fail. You should clean your key fob with the help of a cotton swab which has been soaked in alcohol. It is also possible to clean the surface of the keys. It is also important 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, you can try the keys in a different vehicle to see if it works.
Whether or not the key fob should be reprogrammed is also dependent on the condition of the battery. If your key fob fails to operate after you replace the batteries, it likely indicates that the battery's terminal contacts are damaged. You can also deprogram your electronic key fob by pressing the buttons too often when you are not in range, or by disconnecting your car's battery.
If the key fob isn't working after replacing the battery, you need to re-programme it to your car. This will be dependent on the particular model of vehicle and the type of key fob you have, but generally, you'll need to manually lock and unlock the car's doors and then insert the key fob into the ignition, turn it to the accessory position and push the remote button. Usually, the exterior and interior lights will light up if this method has worked. You can then retest your key fob to confirm that it has been successfully programmed to the vehicle. In more rare cases the key fob may be inoperable if there's an issue with the door locks themselves.