Car Remote Key Repair

Modern car keys repair remotes are convenient and useful however, they can be a pain if they stop working. There are some quick solutions to get them back in operation.

Replace the battery first. The majority of fobs are powered with lithium coin cells. These are cheap and easily accessible.

Broken Electronics

The electronic circuit board in the remote car key transmits and interprets signals for your car. If this board is damaged, the key fob won't function properly. Damage to the receiver or transmitter will require a professional auto-locksmith or your car dealer.

The majority of remotes that use key fobs have lithium ion coin batteries, which have a decent shelf life but will not last for a long time. If you've been using the batteries for a long time replacing them is likely to solve your problem. You may be surprised when you have been using your remote for a long time and the buttons don't respond at all. This can happen even if the batteries are new. The buttons on your keyfob are exposed to a lot of bouncing and may break or become unresponsive over time. If this happens taking them off, cleaning them, and reseating them will often resolve your issue.

If the buttons on your remote don't work, you may need to reprogram it to work with the system in your car. This is typically done by turning the key in the ignition repeatedly while keeping the doors shut. This will depend on the model and make of your vehicle, but you can find the instructions on the internet or consult a professional.

If the key fob is made of plastic you can take off the cover by prying it off. Be careful not to scratch the buttons or internal components. This is best done using needle-nosed pliers that have longer tips. They are able to grasp small parts. Lubricating pliers using putty, super glue or melted tallow can help them grasp delicate parts. It's also a good idea to have an auto locksmith perform this, as improper methods could cause damage to the electronics inside. The plastic could be damaged if you try to forcefully pry apart the fob. It's also possible that any buttons attached to it will break off accidentally if you forcefully pry it apart.

Faulty Transponder Chip

If you've managed to start your car using the remote key, but it's not working 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 let it know that your key is valid, and you'll be able begin the vehicle. If the chip fails to correctly transmit this message the immobilizer disables your vehicle.

This issue is frequent in older cars, but can also happen in modern vehicles as well. This is because the transponder chip can wear out over time. This part can be replaced by a car locksmith, but it is expensive.

In some instances, your chip may be dead. In this situation, the dealer will have to replace it. This is the most costly but necessary option to get your vehicle back on the road.

The other possibility is that the chip inside your key has become corrupted 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 auto locksmith can solve this issue, but you may need to go to the dealer to have your key programmed.

If you are having problems with your remote key you should first try a backup. If this doesn't resolve the issue, take apart your key fob and conduct a visual examination. It is important to ensure that there are no buttons that appear to be broken key repair or loose. These parts see frequent use and are easily moved around over time. It is recommended to have them put in place by an expert when they're loose. This will often bring back the functionality of your key fob. This is especially the case for keys that are accidentally put into the wrong ignition lock cylinder.

Damaged Battery

If the key fob is not working after you've tried a new one, it could be due to other problems. Fobs may be damaged by water or dropped or stepped on. Internal connections, such as ones that connect to battery terminals in the remote, can also be damaged or disconnected. It is possible to reset the key fob and this is something you can do by yourself if have a spare fob from the same model and make.

Modern key fobs should be programmed to work with the vehicle to ensure that only you are able to unlock the car doors. This is a vital step to secure your vehicle and stop others from using your key fob to gain access to your car or cause electrical system malfunctions. Certain engine error codes or wear and tear from normal wear and tear could corrupt the programming and stop your key fob from functioning. Professionals equipped with the right tools can reprogramme your key fob correctly.

It's possible that the issue is with the buttons and this could be a more straightforward solution than replacing the entire key fob. Often, key fobs have rubberized buttons that get jostled around all the time and can break or become loose. If you notice that the buttons do not appear to be damaged, you may be able to manually adjust them.

It is best to open the key fob and take a look at it, but be aware. Certain fobs do not have an easy release mechanism, which means you may need a screwdriver or other device to open them. Others are sealed and can't be opened with specialized tools, so you'll likely have to take it to a dealership to have it 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 close and lock the doors, switch on and off the lights and electronics, and press a series of buttons in an order that is unique to your car.

Failing Buttons

If your key fob has buttons that do not function or require to be pressing very hard in order to work it could be the result of mechanical damage. The functionality of the key fob could be damaged by dropping it onto concrete or accidentally hitting the button by using a sharp object. If this happens you'll need to disassemble the key fob and examine it carefully to check if any of the buttons appear be broken or are out of their place. If that is the case, a locksmith can repair car key remote it for you.

Failure of buttons could be caused by dirt or crud trapped between the buttons. Clean your key fob using the help of a cotton swab which has been submerged in alcohol. You may have to scrub the surface of the keys. You should also try to determine if the issue is related to the locks on your vehicle or the key fob itself. If you don't have an additional key fob to test, think about using the keys in a different vehicle to see if they function similarly.

Whether or not the key fob should be reprogrammed is also dependent on the condition of the battery. If your keyfob does not function after replacing the batteries, the terminal contacts of the battery may be damaged. You can also reset your electric key fob by pressing the buttons too many times when you're out of range or disconnecting the battery in your car.

If the key fob is still not functioning after replacing the battery, have it reprogrammed by the car. This will depend on the particular vehicle model however, generally you'll need to manually lock and unlock the doors of your car and then insert the key fob into the ignition, turn it to the accessory position and then push the button on the remote. If this is working, the exterior and/or interior lights should flash. It is possible to test the key fob in order to verify that it was successfully programmed. In rare instances the key fob might be inoperable due to problems with the door locks.