Car Remote Key Repair
Modern remotes for cars are useful and convenient, however they can be frustrating when they stop functioning. There are a few quick solutions to get them working again.
The first step is to replace the battery. Most fobs use lithium coin cells, which are affordable and easily accessible.
Broken Electronics
Your car key remote has an electronic circuit board inside that transmits and interprets signals to your vehicle. If the circuit board is damaged, the key fob won't work correctly. Damage to the receiver or transmitter will require an auto-locksmith professional or your car dealer.
The majority of remote key fobs are powered by a lithium-ion coin batteries, which have a long shelf life. However they won't last for a long time. The change of the batteries is likely to solve your issue, especially when they've been in use for a long time. You might be shocked if you have been using your remote for a long time and the buttons don't respond in any way. This can happen even when the batteries are brand new. The buttons on your keyfob are exposed to a lot jostling and may break or become unresponsive with time. In this instance, removing and cleaning the buttons is usually enough to solve the issue.
If repair key on your remote aren't responding, you may need to reprogramme it to work with the car's system. This is typically accomplished by turning the ignition key a few times while the doors are closed. The process will vary depending on your car's model and make however, you should be able to find instructions online or ask an expert for assistance.
If the key fob is made of plastic you can remove the cover by pulling it off. But be careful not to damage buttons or other internal components. This is best done using needle-nosed pliers which have longer tips. They are able to easily grasp small components. Lubricating pliers with putty super glue or melted tallow will help them grasp delicate components. It's also a good idea to have an auto locksmith perform this, as improper techniques could cause damage to the electronics inside. The plastic may break if you try to remove the fob with force. It's also possible that the buttons that are connected to it could break off accidentally if you forcefully pry it apart.
Chips in the transponder are defective.
Transponder chips could malfunction if you have previously successfully started the car with the remote key, but you haven't been able to do it again. This is because your key relies upon this tiny electronic component to communicate with the immobilizer system. It sends a signal to the system to notify it that your key is valid, and you'll be able begin the vehicle. If car key repair company fails to transmit this signal it will cause the immobilizer to disable the vehicle.
This problem is more frequent in older vehicles, but it can also occur in newer vehicles. This is due to the transponder chip may wear out over time. It is possible to hire a car locksmith replace this portion of your key, but this can be expensive.
In some instances, the chip in your key could be dead. In this instance the dealer will need to replace it. This is the most expensive but essential option to get your vehicle 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 car locksmith can sometimes fix this, but it might be necessary to visit a dealership for your key programmed again.
If you are having problems with your remote key, you must first attempt to backup your device. If this doesn't resolve the issue, take apart your key fob and conduct a visual inspection. Verify that nothing on the buttons are loose or damaged. These parts are often used and may become loose as time passes. It is recommended to have them welded to the correct position by a professional in case they're loose. This can often make your key fob. This is especially true for keys that were accidentally placed in the wrong ignition lock cylinder.
Damaged Battery
If the key fob is still not working even after you've tried a new one it could be due to a variety of other issues. Fobs can be damaged by water, dropping them, or stepping on them, and internal connections, such as the ones that connect the battery terminals within the remote, could be damaged or disconnected. It is possible to change the programming of the key fob, and it could be something you can accomplish by yourself if have a spare fob of the same model and brand.
Modern key fobs must be programmed to match the car to ensure that only you can unlock the doors of your car. This is an essential step to protect your vehicle and prevent other people from using your key fob to gain access to your car or cause electrical system malfunctions. Certain engine error codes or even normal wear-and-tear can corrupt the programming and stop your key fob from working. It is essential to get your key fob reprogrammed professionally by a professional with the proper equipment.
It's possible that the issue could be with the buttons themselves and this could be a less complicated fix than replacing the entire key fob. Most key fobs feature rubberized buttons that get jostled around constantly and can break or become loose. If you can see that the buttons aren't damaged, you might try manually adjusting them.
Open the key fob to inspect it, but be cautious. Some key fobs do not have a simple release mechanism. You might require a small tool or screwdriver to pry them apart. Certain fobs are sealed and cannot be opened without the use of specialized tools. You'll have to go to a dealer to get them professionally opened. You can use a spare keyfob from the same model and make to enter the programming mode of your vehicle. Based on the model of your car it could involve closing and locking the doors, switching the lights and electronic devices on and off and pressing a certain set of buttons in a certain sequence.
Failing Buttons
If your key fob has buttons that do not work or require being pressing very hard in order to perform it could be the result of mechanical damage. The key fob's function could be affected by dropping it on concrete or accidentally hitting an item with a sharp item. It is necessary to remove the key fob, then look at it to determine if there are any buttons that look damaged. A locksmith can repair it for you if that's the case.
Failure of buttons could be caused by dirt or debris that has accumulated between the buttons. Clean your key fob with a cotton swab that has been immersed in alcohol. You may need to clean the surface on the keys. It is also important to determine if the problem is with the locks of your car or with the key fob itself. If you don't have a spare key fob to test, think about trying the keys on another vehicle to determine if they work similarly.
The decision of whether or not the key fob needs to be reprogrammed also depends on the condition of its battery. If your key fob fails to operate after you replace the batteries, it likely indicates that the battery terminal contacts are damaged. Pressing the buttons on your key fob too many times while out of range or disconnecting your car battery can also deprogram the electronic key fob.
If your key fob isn't working after replacing the battery, you need to re-programme it to your car. It will depend on your specific car model, but you'll generally have to lock and unlock the doors manually, insert the key into the ignition, turn it to accessory, then hit the remote that is wireless. If this works, the exterior and/or interior lights should light up. You can test the key fob in order to confirm that it was successfully programmed. In rarer cases the key fob could be inoperable due to an issue with the door locks.