Car Remote Key Repair
Modern car remotes are convenient and useful however, they can be a pain when they stop functioning. Fortunately, there are quick fixes that can usually bring them back up and running.
The first step is to replace the battery. Most fobs are powered by lithium coin cells. These are cheap and easily accessible.
Broken Electronics
The remote car key you have an internal electronic circuit board that transmits and interprets signals to your car. The key fob will stop working 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 which have a decent lifespan, but they won't last forever. If you've been using batteries for a long time, changing them will probably solve the issue. If you've been using your remote fob for a long time, you might be surprised to discover that the buttons aren't working at all, even when the batteries are in good condition. Because the buttons on your key fob get lots of rubbing and can break or become inactive over time. If this happens, removing the buttons and cleaning them before placing them back in place will usually resolve the issue.
If your remote's buttons still aren't working, you might need to reprogram it to match the system of your vehicle. 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 instructions online or seek professional help.
If the key fob has a plastic exterior it is possible to take off the cover and pull it off. However, be careful not to scratch the buttons or other internal components. The best tool to use to accomplish this is pliers with needle-nose tips with longer tips, which can better grasp small components. Lubricating the pliers with super glue, melted tallow or putty will help them hold delicate parts. It's also a good idea to hire an automotive locksmith take care of this, as improper methods could damage the electronic components inside. Trying to forcefully pry the fob apart could damage the plastic, and it's also possible to accidentally cut off any buttons that are attached to it.
Chips in the transponder are defective.
If key repairs 've been able start your car with the remote key, but not the next time, it could indicate that there is a problem with your transponder chip. This is because your key relies on 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 begin the vehicle. If the chip doesn't correctly transmit this signal, the immobilizer will disable your vehicle.
This issue is more prevalent in older cars, but it can also occur in more modern vehicles. The transponder chip wears down over time. It is possible to hire a car locksmith replace this component of your key, however this can be expensive.
In certain situations your chip could be dead. In this case the dealer will need to replace it. This is the most costly but essential option to get your vehicle back on the road.
Another possibility is that the key's chip has become corrupted. This means that it can no longer communicate with the immobilizer. This can happen if the battery is replaced or if the key has been physically damaged. A Mesa locksmith for cars can fix this, but it may be necessary to visit a dealership for your key programmed once more.
If you are having problems with your remote key you must first try a backup. If this does not solve the issue, disassemble the key fob to perform a visual examination. Verify that nothing on the buttons appear to be broken or broken. These parts are used a lot and can loosen over time. It is recommended to have them put in place by a professional when they're loose. This can often restore the functionality of your key fob. This is particularly true for keys that are accidentally put into the wrong ignition lock.
Damaged Battery
If you've tried a brand new battery, but the key fob still won't function, there could be other issues. Fobs may be damaged by water, dropping them or stepping on them, and internal connections, like those that connect the battery terminals inside the remote, may also be damaged or broken. It is possible to reprogramme your key fob if you do not have a spare of the same model and type.
Modern key fobs must be programmed to match your car and ensure that only you can unlock the car's doors. It's a must to protect your car and to prevent other people from using your key fob to access your vehicle or cause issues with its electrical system. Some engine error codes, or even normal wear and tear, can cause problems with the programming of your key fob. Professionals equipped with the right tools can reprogramme your key fob correctly.
It's possible that the issue could be with the buttons themselves, which can be a less complicated fix than replacing the entire key fob. Key fobs often have rubberized buttons which can be damaged or loosen up over time. If you see that the buttons do not appear to be damaged, you might be able to manually adjust them.
Open the fob that you are using to examine it, but be careful. Certain key fobs do not have a simple release mechanism. You may require an instrument or screwdriver to remove them. Others are sealed and can't be opened at all without the use of specialized tools. You'll likely need to bring it to a dealer to have it opened professionally. You can use a spare keyfob from the same model and make to start the programming mode of your vehicle. Based on the model of your car this could mean closing and locking the doors, switching the lights and electronic devices on and off by pressing a particular set of buttons in a particular sequence.
Failing Buttons
If your key fob has buttons that don't work or require being pressed very hard to perform it could be the result of mechanical damage. Dropping the key fob on concrete or accidentally hitting a button with a sharp object can alter the way it performs. If this happens you'll need to disassemble the key fob and examine it carefully to check whether any buttons appear to be damaged or are out of place. A locksmith will fix it for you, if that's the case.
The failure of buttons can also be due to dirt or debris that has accumulated between the buttons. It is recommended to clean your keys fob with an swab of cotton that has been soaked in alcohol. It is possible to clean the surface on the keys. It is also important to determine if the issue is related to your car lock or the key fob. If you don't have an additional key fob to test, consider using the keys on a different vehicle to see if they work as well.
If the key fob requires to be reprogrammed also depends on the condition of the battery. If your key fob is not able to function after replacing the batteries, it most likely means that the battery terminal contacts are damaged. You can also deprogram your electronic key fob by pressing the buttons too frequently when you are out of range or disconnecting the battery in your car.
If the key fob still not functioning after replacing the battery, have it reprogrammed by the car. This will be dependent on the type of vehicle and the type of key fob you have, but generally, you'll have to manually lock and unlock the doors of your car, insert the key fob into the ignition, turn it to the accessory position and push a button on the remote. Usually the exterior and interior lights will flash if this has worked. You can test the key fob in order to confirm that it has been successfully programmed. In rare instances the key fob might stop working due to problems with the door locks.