Car Remote Key Repair
Modern car remotes are convenient and useful but they can be frustrating when they stop functioning. There are a few quick solutions to get them back in operation.
Replace the battery first. Most fobs are powered by lithium coin cells. They are affordable and readily available.
Broken Electronics
The electronic circuit board in the remote car key transmits and interprets signals to your vehicle. If the circuit board is damaged the key fob won't function properly. Damage to the receiver or transmitter will require an auto-locksmith who is a professional or a car dealer.
Most remote key fobs are powered by a lithium ion coin batteries, which have a long shelf life. However, they will not last for long. Change the batteries could solve the issue, particularly if you've had them for a while. You may be surprised when you have been using your remote for a long time and the buttons do not respond at all. This is true even when the batteries are brand new. The buttons on your keyfob will be subjected to a lot jostling and can break or become unresponsive over time. In this instance, removing and cleaning the buttons is usually enough to fix the problem.
If the buttons on your remote still aren't working, you might 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 shut. This will depend on the model and make of your car, but you can find the instructions on the internet or consult a professional.
If the key fob is made of plastic, you can remove the cover by tearing it open. Be careful not to damage the buttons or other internal components. This is best done with needle-nosed pliers that have longer tips. They are able to grasp small components. Lubricating pliers with putty melted tallow or super glue can aid in grabbing delicate parts. This is something that an automotive locksmith can do, as incorrect techniques could damage the electronics. If you try to forcefully break the fob apart can cause damage to the plastic, and it's possible to accidentally snap off any buttons that are attached to it.
A defective transponder chip
Transponder chips could malfunction if you have previously had the ability to start your car with the remote key but are unable to do so again. This is because your key relies upon this tiny electronic component to communicate with the immobilizer system. It sends the signal to the system to inform it that your key is valid and you'll be able to start the vehicle. If the chip is unable to correctly transmit this message the immobilizer is disabled for your vehicle.
This problem is more frequent in older cars, but can also happen in modern vehicles as well. The transponder chip wears down over time. It is possible to have a car locksmith replace this portion of your key, however this could be costly.
In some cases your chip could be dead. If this is the scenario, the chip will require replacement by an authorized dealer. This is the most expensive option, but it is usually required to get your car back on the road.
Another possibility is that the chip in your key has become corrupted, which means it no longer communicates properly with the immobilizer system. This can happen when the battery is replaced, or when there is physical damage to the key. A Mesa car locksmith can sometimes solve this issue, but it may be necessary to go to the dealership in order to have your key reprogrammed.
If you're experiencing issues with your remote key the first thing to try is backup. If this doesn't resolve the issue, take apart the key fob and perform a visual inspection. Make sure that no button appears to be loose or damaged. These components see frequent use and can easily be lost over time. If they are loose, it's a good idea to have them re-soldered by a professional. This will often make your key fob. This is especially the case for keys that have been accidentally placed in the wrong ignition lock cylinder.
Damaged Battery
If the key fob is still not working even after you have tried a new one, it could be due to other issues. Fobs could be damaged by water or dropped or dropped or stepped on. Internal connections, including ones that connect to battery terminals on the remote, could also be damaged or disconnected. It is possible to reprogramme your key fob if do not have a spare that is the same model and type.
Modern key fobs need to be programmed to work with the vehicle to ensure that only you can unlock the doors of your car. It's a crucial step to safeguard your vehicle and keep others from being able to use your key fob to gain access your vehicle or cause issues with its electrical system. Some engine error codes or even normal wear and tear can corrupt the programming of your key fob. It is essential to have your key fob reprogrammed professionally by a professional with the proper equipment.
It's possible that the problem is with the buttons that are a much simpler fix than replacing the entire key fob. Key fobs often come with rubberized buttons that could be damaged or loosen up over time. If repair car key remote see that the buttons don't appear to be damaged, you might want to adjust them manually.
It's best to open up the key fob and look at it, but be cautious. Some fobs aren't equipped with an easy release mechanism, and you might need a small screwdriver or some other device to open them. Some fobs are sealed and cannot be opened without the use of specialized tools. You'll need to bring them to a professional to have them professionally opened. If you have a spare key fob of the same model and brand use of it to enter the programming mode of your car. Depending on your car this could mean closing and locking the doors, switching lights and other electronics off and on, and pressing a specific set of buttons in a certain order.
Failing Buttons
If your key fob has buttons that do not function or require to be pressing very hard in order to perform it could be because of mechanical damage. Dropping the key fob on concrete or accidentally hitting one of the buttons with a sharp object may alter the way it functions. If this happens, you'll need to take the key fob apart and carefully check whether any of the buttons appear be damaged or are out of their place. If this is the situation, a locksmith will fix it for you.
The failure of buttons can be caused by dirt or crud trapped between the buttons. You should clean your key fob with the help of a cotton swab which has been submerged in alcohol. You may need to clean the surface on the keys. You should also try to determine if the problem is with your car's locks or with the key fob itself. If you don't have an extra key fob to test, you might consider using the keys in a different vehicle to determine if they work also.
The decision of whether or not the key fob needs to be reprogrammed depends on the condition of the battery. If your key fob fails to operate after you replace the batteries, it probably indicates that the battery terminal contacts are damaged. Pressing the buttons on your key fob repeatedly when you are out of range, or disconnecting your car battery can also cause the deprogramming of an electric key fob.
If the key fob still not functioning after replacing the battery, you should be able to reprogramme it with your vehicle. It will depend on the specific model of vehicle, but generally, you'll need to manually lock and unlock the doors of your car and then insert the key fob into the ignition, rotate it to the accessory position, and then push the button on the remote. If this is successful the exterior and/or interior lights will flash. Then, you can test your key fob to verify that it is successfully programmed with your vehicle. In rare instances the key fob might not function due to an issue with the door lock.