Car Remote Key Repair
Modern car remotes are useful and convenient but they can be frustrating when they stop working. Fortunately, there are quick fixes that will usually bring them working again.
Replace the battery first. The majority of fobs are powered with lithium coin cells. They are affordable and easily accessible.
Broken Electronics
Your remote car key has an electronic circuit board inside that transmits and interprets signals to your vehicle. The key fob will stop working when the board is damaged. Contrary to battery failure, which is usually fairly simple for most drivers to fix at home Damage to the transmitter or receiver of your remote key will probably require a professional locksmith or your dealer in the car.
The majority of remotes that use key fobs have lithium ion coin batteries which have a decent lifespan, but they won't last for long. Change the batteries could solve your issue, especially if you've had them for a long time. If you've been using your remote fob for a long period of time you may be shocked to find that the buttons don't respond even though the batteries are in good condition. Because the buttons on your key fob get frequent jolts and can fail or cease to function over time. If this happens, removing the buttons and cleaning them prior to placing them back in place will usually resolve the problem.
If the buttons on your remote don't work, you may have to program it again to match the system in your vehicle. This is typically accomplished by turning the ignition key several times while the doors are shut. The procedure will differ based on the car's model and make, but you should be able to find instructions online or ask a professional for help.
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 internal components. The best tool to use to accomplish this is needle-nose pliers with longer tips that can better grasp small components. Lubricating pliers with putty super glue or melted tallow will help them grasp delicate parts. It's also a good idea to employ an automotive locksmith take care of this, since improper techniques could damage the electronics inside. The plastic may break in the event that you forcefully pry apart the fob. It's also possible the buttons that are attached to it will snap off accidentally if you try to forcefully break it.
Chips in the transponder are defective.
If you've been able 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 the key relies upon the tiny electronic component to communicate with the immobilizer system. It transmits the signal to the system to notify it that your key is valid, and you should be able start the vehicle. If the chip is unable to correctly transmit this message the immobilizer is disabled for your vehicle.
This issue is most common in older vehicles, but can also happen in modern vehicles too. This is due to the transponder chip can wear out over time. This part can be replaced by a car locksmith, but it is expensive.
In certain cases, the chip in your key could be dead. In this case, the dealer will have to replace it. This will be the most expensive option, however, it is often necessary in order to get your vehicle back on the road.
The other possibility is that the chip in your key has been damaged and it is unable to longer communicates properly with the immobilizer system. This can happen when the battery is replaced, or it can occur in the event of physical damage to the key. A Mesa auto locksmith can solve this issue, but you may have to visit the dealer to have your key programmed.
If you're experiencing issues with your remote key you must first try a backup. If this doesn't fix the issue, disassemble your key fob and perform an examination. Make sure that no buttons are loose or damaged. These components see frequent use and may be jostled loose over time. If they're loose it is recommended to have them reattached by a professional. In a lot of instances, this will restore your key fob's functionality. This is especially the case for keys that have been accidentally placed in the wrong ignition lock.
Damaged Battery
If the key fob is not working after you've tried a new one, it could be due to a variety of other issues. Fobs may 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, may be damaged or disconnected. It's possible to reprogram the key fob, and this is something you can accomplish yourself if you have a spare fob from the same model and manufacturer.
Modern key fobs should be programmed to match the vehicle and ensure that only you are able to unlock the car's doors. It's a crucial step to safeguard your car 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, could cause a problem with the programming of your key fob. Professionals equipped with the right tools can reprogramme your key fob in a proper manner.
It's possible that the problem lies with the buttons and is an more straightforward fix than replacing the whole key fob. car key repair cost fobs usually have rubberized buttons which can be damaged or loosen over time. If you notice that the buttons don't appear to be damaged, you might be able to manually adjust them.
It's best to open up the key fob and look at it, but be careful. Some fobs aren't equipped with an easy release mechanism, and you may require a small screwdriver or another tool to break them. Some fobs are sealed and are not openable without special tools. You'll have to bring them to a dealer to have them professionally opened. If you have a spare key fob of the same model and manufacturer, try using it to access the mode of programming for your car. This may require you to shut and lock the doors, turn on and off lights and electronic devices, and then press a set of buttons in an order specific to your car.
Failing Buttons
If your key fob has buttons that do not work or need to be pressed very hard to work it could be the result of mechanical damage. The key fob's functionality can be affected by a fall on concrete or accidentally hitting a button by using a sharp object. You'll need take apart the key fob and carefully look over it to determine if there are any buttons that look damaged. If this is the case, a locksmith could repair it for you.
Dirt and crud can cause buttons to fail. Clean your key fob with a cotton swab that has been submerged in alcohol. It is also possible to clean the surface of the keys themselves. It is also important to determine if the issue is related to the locks on your vehicle or the key fob itself. If you don't have a spare key fob to test, consider trying the keys on another vehicle to see if they function as well.
Whether or not the key fob should be reprogrammed is also dependent on the condition of its battery. If your key fob doesn't function after replacing the batteries, the terminal contacts of the battery could be damaged. Pressing the buttons on your key fob too often while you're out of range or disconnecting your car battery can also cause the deprogramming of an electronic key fob.
If the key fob still not working after replacing the battery, you should be able to reprogramme it with the car. This will depend on the specific model of vehicle however, generally you'll need to manually lock and unlock the car's doors, insert the key fob into the ignition, rotate it to the accessory position, and push the button on the remote. Usually the interior and exterior lights will flash if this method has worked. You can then retest your key fob to ensure that it is successfully programmed with your vehicle. In rare instances the key fob may stop working if there is an issue with the door lock itself.