13 Things You Should Know About Remote Key Repair That You Might Not Have Considered
Car Remote Key Repair Modern car remotes are useful and convenient, but can be frustrating if they stop functioning. Fortunately, there are simple fixes that are able to get them back up and running. The first step is to replace the battery. Most fobs are equipped with lithium coin cells, which are affordable and readily available. Broken Electronics The remote car key you have an electronic circuit board inside that transmits and interprets signals to your car. If the circuit board is damaged the key fob will not perform as it should. Contrary to battery failure, which is typically very simple for most drivers to fix at home damage to the receiver or transmitter of the remote key will require a professional locksmith or your car dealer. The majority of remote key fobs are powered by a lithium ion coin battery, which has an extended shelf life. However they will not last for long. The change of the batteries is likely to solve the issue, particularly if you've had them for a long time. If you've been using your remote fob for a long time and you're surprised to find that the buttons aren't working even though the batteries are new. Since the buttons on your key fob get a lot of jostling, they can sometimes break or become inactive over time. In this case, removing and cleaning the buttons will usually solve the issue. If the buttons on your remote don't respond, you may need to reprogramme it to work with the car's system. This is usually done by turning the key in the ignition repeatedly while keeping the doors shut. The method will vary based on the make and model however, you can find instructions online or ask a professional for help. If the key fob has a plastic exterior it is possible to remove the cover and then pry it apart. However, be careful not to damage buttons or other internal components. The best tool to use to accomplish this is a pair of needle-nose pliers with longer tips, which can more easily grasp small parts. Lubricating pliers with putty super glue or melted tallow can aid in grabbing delicate parts. It's also a good idea to have an automotive locksmith do this, as improper techniques can damage the electronics inside. The plastic could be damaged when you attempt to take the fob apart with force. It's also possible the buttons connected to it could be ripped off accidentally if try to forcefully break it. Faulty transponder chip If you've been able to start your car successfully using the remote key, but not the next time, it could indicate a problem with the transponder chip. This is because your key relies on this tiny electronic component to communicate with the immobilizer system. It sends a signal to the system that your key is valid and you should be able 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 vehicles, but it is also a problem in newer vehicles. The transponder chip wears out over time. This part can be replaced by a locksmith for cars, but it is expensive. In certain cases the chip inside your key could be dead. In this case the dealer will have to replace it. This is the most costly but essential option to get your car back on the road. The other possibility is that the chip in your key has been damaged that means it no is able to communicate with the immobilizer system. This could happen if the battery is changed or if the key has been physically damaged. A Mesa locksmith for cars can fix this, but it is possible to go to the dealership in order to have your key reprogrammed. If you're having issues with your remote key, you should first try a backup. If this does not solve the issue, you can disassemble the key fob to examine it visually. Verify that nothing on the buttons are loose or broken. These parts get frequent use and can easily be moved around over time. If they are loose it's recommended to have them re-soldered by a professional. In keys repair , this will restore your key fob to full functionality. This is particularly applicable to keys that were accidentally inserted into the wrong ignition lock. Damaged Battery If the key fob is still not working even after you've tried a new one, it could be due to other issues. Fobs may be damaged by water, or dropped or stepped on. Internal connections, like ones that connect to battery terminals of the remote, can be damaged or broken. You may need to reprogram your key fob in case you don't have a spare similar model and type. Modern key fobs need to be programmed to match the car and ensure that only you are able to open the doors of your car. It's a must to protect your car and to prevent other people from using your key fob to access your car or cause problems with its electrical system. Some engine error codes or even normal wear and tear could cause a problem with the programming of your key fob. Professionals with the right equipment can reprogramme your key fob correctly. It's possible that the problem is in the buttons and is an easier fix than replacing the whole 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 may need to adjust them manually. It is best to open the fob that you're using to look at it, but be cautious. Certain key fobs don't have a simple release mechanism. You might require an instrument or screwdriver to remove them. Some fobs are sealed, and cannot be opened without specialized tools. You'll have to take them to a dealer to get them professionally opened. You can use a spare keyfob from the same model and brand to start the programming mode of your vehicle. This could require you to shut and lock the doors, switch on and off lights and electronic devices, and then press a series of buttons in a sequence that is unique to your car. Failing Buttons Mechanical damage could be to blame if your key fob's buttons aren't working or require pressing them extremely in a very forceful manner. Dropping the key fob on concrete or accidentally hitting one of the buttons with a sharp object may affect how well it performs. If this is the case you'll need to disassemble the key fob and inspect it thoroughly to determine whether any of the buttons appear to be damaged or are out of their place. A locksmith can fix it for you if this is the case. Failing buttons can be caused by dirt or crud trapped between the buttons. Clean your key fob with an swab of cotton that has been soaked in alcohol. You may also need to clean the surface of the keys. It is also important to determine if the problem is with the locks of your car or the key fob itself. If you don't have an additional key fob to test, consider trying the keys on another vehicle to determine if they work also. The decision of whether or not the key fob requires to be reprogrammed is also dependent on the condition of its battery. If your keyfob does not function after replacing the batteries the terminal contacts of the battery could be damaged. You can also reset your electric key fob by pressing the buttons too many times when you're out of range, or by disconnecting your car's battery. If your key fob still doesn't work after replacing the battery you need to re-programme it to your vehicle. This will depend on the particular model 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, rotate it to the accessory position and then push the remote button. If this is working then the interior and exterior lights will flash. You can test the key fob to confirm that it has been successfully programmed. In rarer cases the key fob might stop working due to a problem with the door locks.