The Advanced Guide To Remote Key Repair
Car Remote Key Repair Modern remotes for cars are useful and convenient, but they can be frustrating when they stop working. Fortunately, there are quick fixes that can usually bring them working again. First, you should replace the battery. key repairs are powered by lithium coin cells. They are affordable and readily available. Broken Electronics Your car key remote has an internal electronic circuit board that transmits and interprets signals to your vehicle. The key fob won't function when the board is damaged. Contrary to battery failure, which is typically fairly simple for most drivers to repair at home damage to the transmitter or receiver of the remote key will require a professional locksmith or dealer for your car. The majority of remote key fobs are powered by a lithium ion coin batteries, which have an extremely long shelf life. However they won't last forever. If you've been using the batteries for a long time replacing them is likely to solve your problem. You may be surprised if you've used your remote for a while and the buttons do not respond at all. This is the case even if the batteries are new. The buttons on your keyfob are exposed to a lot of bouncing and can break or become unresponsive with time. If this happens, removing the buttons and cleaning them before replacing them can often solve the problem. If your remote's buttons don't work, you may have to re-program it to match the system of your vehicle. This is typically done by turning the ignition key repeatedly while keeping the doors closed. This will depend on the model and make of your vehicle, however you can locate the steps on the internet or consult a professional. If the key fob is made of a plastic exterior it is possible to take off the cover and pry it off. Be careful not to damage buttons or other internal components. This can be done with needle-nosed pliers which have longer tips. They are able to grasp small components. Lubricating pliers with putty super glue or melted tallow will help them grasp delicate parts. This is something that an automotive locksmith can perform, since the wrong methods could damage the electronics. If you try to forcefully break the fob off could break the plastic, and it's possible to accidentally break any buttons attached to it. Chips in the transponder are defective. Transponder chips could fail if you've previously been able to start the car using the remote key, but are unable to do so again. This is because the key relies on a small electronic component in order to communicate with the immobilizer system. It sends the signal to the system to notify it that your key is valid, and you'll be able start your vehicle. If the chip fails to properly transmit this message, the immobilizer disables your vehicle. This issue is more prevalent in older cars, however it can also occur in more modern vehicles. The transponder chip wears down over time. It is possible to have a car locksmith replace this component of your key, however this can be expensive. In some cases the chip in your key may be completely dead. If this is the case, it will require replacement by an auto dealer. This is the most expensive but essential option to get your vehicle back on the road. Another possibility is that the chip in your key has been damaged that means it no longer communicates properly with the immobilizer system. This could occur when the battery is replaced, or in the event of physical damage to the key. A Mesa car locksmith can sometimes repair this, however it might be necessary to go to the dealership in order to have your key programmed again. If you're having issues with your remote key, you must first attempt to backup your device. If this doesn't solve the issue, you should disassemble the key fob to perform a visual examination. Make sure that no button appears to be loose or broken. These parts are used a lot and can loosen as time passes. If they're loose it is recommended to have them soldered back in place by a professional. In a lot of instances, this will restore your key fob to full functionality. This is particularly true for keys that were accidentally placed in the wrong ignition lock. Damaged Battery If you've tried a brand new battery, but the key fob is still unable to work, there could be other issues. Fobs can be damaged by water, dropping them or stepping over them, and internal connections, such as the ones that connect the battery terminals within the remote, may be broken or disconnected. You may have to reprogram your key fob if you do not have a spare that is the same type and model. Modern key fobs should be programmed to match your vehicle and ensure that only you are able to unlock the car's doors. This is an essential step to secure your vehicle and to prevent other people from using your key fob to gain access to your car or cause electrical system issues. Some engine error codes or even normal wear and tear, can cause problems with the programming of your key fob. It is essential to get your key fob reprogrammed correctly by a professional with the proper equipment. It's also possible that the problem could be with the buttons themselves and this could be a simpler fix 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 don't appear to be damaged, you may be able to manually adjust them. It's best to open up the fob that you're using to look at it, but be cautious. Certain key fobs don't have a simple release mechanism. You may need an instrument or screwdriver to remove them. Some are sealed and cannot be opened without specialized tools, so you'll likely have to go to a dealership to have it professionally opened. If you have an extra key fob from the same model and make, try using it to access the mode of programming for your car. Based on the model of your car it could involve closing and locking the doors, turning the lights and electronics on and off by pressing a particular set of buttons in a particular sequence. Failing Buttons If your key fob has buttons that do not work or require being press very hard to perform, it could be the result of mechanical damage. The key fob's functionality can be damaged by dropping it onto concrete or accidentally hitting the button with a sharp object. You'll have to dismantle the key fob and look over it to determine whether there are any buttons that appear to be damaged. If that is the case, a locksmith can fix it. Dirt and crud can cause buttons to fail. It is important to clean your keys frequently using a cotton swab soaked in alcohol. It is possible to clean the surface of the keys. You should also determine if the problem is with your car locks or the key fob. If you don't have an additional key fob to test, you might consider using the keys in a different vehicle to determine if they work similarly. The condition of the battery will also determine whether or not you should reprogram the key fob. If your key fob is unable to operate after you replace the batteries, it probably means that the battery terminal contacts are damaged. Pressing the buttons on your key fob repeatedly when you are out of range, or disconnecting your car battery can also cause the deprogramming of an electronic key fob. If your key fob doesn't work after replacing the battery you should have it reprogrammed to the car. It will depend on the specific vehicle model, but you'll generally require locking and unlocking the doors manually. Simply insert the key into the ignition, set it to accessory, then hit the wireless remote. If this is successful then the interior and exterior 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 may be inoperable if there's an issue with the door locks themselves.