13 Things About Remote Key Repair You May Not Have Known
Car Remote Key Repair Modern car remote keys are useful and convenient, but they can be frustrating when they stop working. Fortunately, there are quick fixes that can usually get them working again. Replace the battery first. Most fobs are equipped with lithium coin cells, which are cheap and readily available. Broken Electronics The electronic circuit board that is in the remote car key transmits and interprets signals to your vehicle. The key fob will cease to function when the board is damaged. Damage to the receiver or transmitter will require a professional auto-locksmith or your car dealer. Most remote key fobs use lithium ion coin batteries that have a long shelf life but will not last forever. If you've been using batteries for a long time replacing them could solve the issue. You may be surprised if you've been using your remote for some time and the buttons don't respond in any way. This can happen even when the batteries are brand new. Because the buttons on your key fob get frequent jolts, they can sometimes break or become unresponsive over time. In this instance, removing and cleaning the buttons will usually solve the issue. If the buttons on your remote aren't responding, you may need to reprogramme it to match your car's system. This is usually done by turning the ignition key several times while the doors are shut. The process will vary depending on the car's make and model, but you should be able to find instructions online or ask a professional for assistance. If the key fob has an exterior made of plastic it is possible to remove the cover and then pry it apart. Be careful not to damage the buttons or internal components. This can be done with needle-nosed pliers that have longer tips. They are able to easily grasp small components. Lubricating the pliers with super glue, melted tallow, or putty can assist them to hold delicate parts. This is something that locksmiths in the automotive industry can perform, since the wrong methods could damage the electronics. The plastic could be damaged if you try to take the fob apart with force. It is also possible that any buttons attached to it will break off accidentally if you forcefully pull it apart. Faulty Transponder Chip Transponder chips can malfunction if you have previously had the ability to start your car with the remote key, but you cannot do it again. 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 legitimate and you should be in a position to start the engine. If the chip fails to correctly transmit this message the immobilizer disables your vehicle. This issue is more prevalent in older vehicles, but it is also a problem in modern vehicles. The transponder chip wears down over time. It is possible to get a locksmith for your car replace this component of your key, but this could be costly. In repair key may be dead. If this is the situation, it's going to require replacement by a dealer. This is the most expensive option, but is often required to get your car back on the road. The other possibility is that the chip inside the key has become damaged, which means it no longer works properly with the immobilizer system. Read Even more could happen when the battery is changed or if the key has been physically damaged. A Mesa car locksmith can sometimes repair this, however it is possible to visit a dealership for your key programmed again. If you're having problems with your remote key, the first thing to consider is an alternative. If this doesn't fix the problem, you should take apart the key fob and perform a visual examination. Verify that nothing on the buttons appear to be broken or damaged. These parts see frequent use and are easily lost over time. It is best to have them welded in place by an expert in case they're loose. In a lot of instances, this will restore your key fob to full functionality. This is particularly the case for keys that have been accidentally put in the wrong ignition lock cylinder. Damaged Battery If the key fob not working after you've tried a different one it could be due to a variety of other issues. Fobs may be damaged by water or dropped or dropped on. Internal connections, including those that connect to battery terminals of the remote, may also be damaged or disconnected. It's possible to reprogram the key fob, and this may be something you can do by yourself if have a spare fob from the same model and make. Modern key fobs should be programmed to match the car to ensure that only you can unlock the car doors. It's a necessary step to safeguard your car and keep others from using your key fob to gain access to your vehicle or cause problems with the electrical system. Some engine error codes or even normal wear and tear, can cause problems with the programming of your key fob. It's important to have your key fob reprogrammed professionally by a professional who has the right equipment. It's possible that the issue is with the buttons and is an simpler fix than replacing the entire key fob. Key fobs often come with rubberized buttons that could be damaged or lose their elasticity over time. If you notice that the buttons don't appear to be damaged, you may want to adjust them manually. Open the key fob to inspect it, but be careful. Some key fobs do not have a simple release mechanism. You may need an instrument or screwdriver to break them. Some are sealed and cannot be opened without special tools, so you'll likely need to bring it to a dealer to have it professionally opened. You can utilize a spare keyfob of the same model and make to access the programming mode of your vehicle. Depending on your car it could involve closing and locking the doors, switching the lights and electronic devices on and off and pressing a certain set of buttons in a particular order. Failing Buttons If your key fob has buttons that don't function or require to be pressed very hard to perform, it could be because of mechanical damage. The key fob's functionality can be affected by dropping it on concrete or accidentally hitting an item with a sharp object. You'll need take apart the key fob and carefully look over it to determine whether there are any buttons that look damaged. If that is the case, a locksmith could fix it. Failure of buttons could be caused by dirt or crud trapped between the buttons. It is essential to clean your key fob regularly with a cotton swab soaked in alcohol. It may also be necessary to clean the surfaces of the keys. It is also important to determine if the problem is with your car locks or the key fob. If you don't have a spare key, try the keys in another vehicle to see if it works. If the key fob needs to be reprogrammed is also dependent on the condition of its battery. If your key fob is unable to function after replacing the batteries, it probably indicates that the battery terminal contacts are damaged. You can also reset your electric key fob by pressing the buttons too many times when you are not in range, or by disconnecting the battery in your car. If the key fob still not working after replacing the battery, get it reprogrammed with the car. It will depend on your particular car model, but generally you'll require locking and unlocking the doors manually. Insert the key into the ignition, set it to accessory, then press the remote that is wireless. Usually the interior and exterior lights will flash when this has worked. It is possible to test the key fob in order to verify that it was successfully programmed. In rare instances, a key fob can not function if there is an issue with the door lock itself.