Car Remote Key Repair
Modern car remote keys are very useful and convenient, however they can be frustrating when they stop working. Fortunately, there are quick fixes that will usually get them back up and running.
Replace the battery first. Most fobs use lithium coin cells, which are cheap and easily accessible.
Broken Electronics
The electronic circuit board that is in the remote car key transmits and interprets signals for your vehicle. The key fob will stop working when the board is damaged. Damage to the receiver or transmitter will require an auto-locksmith who is a professional or a dealer in your car.
The majority of remotes that use key fobs have lithium ion coin batteries which have a reasonably long shelf life but will not last for a long time. If you've used the batteries for a long time replacing them could solve the issue. If you've been using your remote fob for a long period of time you may be shocked to find that the buttons aren't responding in any way, even if the batteries are fresh. Since the buttons on your key fob undergo frequent jolts, they can sometimes break or become unresponsive over time. In this instance, removing and cleaning the buttons is usually enough to fix the problem.
If the buttons on your remote aren't working, you might require reprogramming it to match the system of your car. This is usually done by turning the ignition key several times while the doors are shut. This will depend on the model and make of your car, but you can find the instructions on the internet 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 off. Be careful not to scratch the buttons or internal components. The best tool to use to accomplish this is pliers with needle-nose tips with longer tips, which can better grasp small components. Lubricating the pliers using super glue, melted tallow, or putty can help them grip delicate components. It's recommended to hire an automotive locksmith take care of this, as improper methods could damage the electronic components inside. Trying to forcefully pry the fob apart could damage the plastic, and it's possible to accidentally cut off any buttons attached to it.
Faulty Transponder Chip
If you've been able to start your car successfully using the remote key, but not ever again, it could be a sign of a problem with the transponder chip. This is because the key relies on the small electronic component in order to communicate with the immobilizer system. It sends a signal to the system to notify it that your key is valid and you should be able start your vehicle. If the chip isn't able to transmit this signal the immobilizer will shut down your vehicle.
This issue is frequent in older cars however, it can happen in newer ones as well. This is because the transponder chip can wear out over time. The chip can be repaired by a car locksmith however, it can be costly.
In some instances the chip in your key may be completely dead. If this is the situation, it's going to require replacement by a dealer. This will be the most expensive option but it is usually required to get your car back on the road.
The other possibility is that the chip in your key has become corrupted, which means it no longer works properly with the immobilizer system. This could happen if the battery is replaced or if the key has been physically damaged. A Mesa auto locksmith can solve this problem, but you may need to go to the dealership to have your key programmed.
If you're having issues with your remote key, the first thing you need to consider is an alternative. If this doesn't solve the issue, disassemble your key fob to conduct a visual inspection. You should make sure that there are no buttons that appear to be damaged or loose. These parts see a lot of use and can easily be jostled loose over time. If they're loose it's a good idea to have them reattached by a professional. This will often bring back the functionality of your key fob. This is especially the case for keys that have been accidentally inserted into the wrong ignition lock.
Damaged Battery
If the key fob is still not working after you've tried a different one, it could be due to a variety of other issues. Fobs are damaged by water, dropping them, or stepping on them, and the internal connections, such as the ones that connect the battery terminals within the remote, may be damaged or broken. You may have to reprogram your key fob if don't have a spare similar kind and model.
Modern key fobs must be programmed to match the vehicle to ensure that only you can unlock the doors of your car. This is an essential step to safeguard 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 prevent your key fob from functioning. Professionals equipped with the right tools can reprogram your key fob correctly.
It's also possible that the problem could be with the buttons themselves and this could be a more straightforward fix than replacing the entire key fob. Often, key fobs have rubberized buttons that are tossed around all the time, and can break or become loose. If you notice that the buttons don't appear to be damaged, you may want to adjust them manually.
It is best to open the key fob and take a look at it, but be careful. Certain key fobs do not have an easy release mechanism. You may need an instrument or screwdriver to pry them apart. 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 an extra key fob from the same model and manufacturer, try using it to start the mode of programming for your car. Based on the model of your car, this may involve closing and locking the doors, switching the lights and electronics on and off and pressing a certain set of buttons in a particular order.
Failing Buttons
Mechanical damage could be to blame when the buttons on your key fob aren't working or require you to press them hard. The key fob being dropped on concrete or accidentally hitting one of the buttons with a sharp object could impact the way it functions. If this is the case, you'll need to disassemble the key fob and inspect it thoroughly to see if any buttons appear to be damaged or are out of the right place. If that is the situation, a locksmith will fix it for you.
Failure of buttons could also be the result of dirt or crud that is trapped between the buttons. It is recommended to clean your keys fob with the help of a cotton swab which has been immersed in alcohol. It may also be necessary to clean the surface of the keys themselves. It is also important to determine if the issue is related to your car lock or the key fob. If car key remote repair don't have an extra key, try the keys in another vehicle to see if it works.
The condition of the battery will also determine whether or not you have to reprogram the key fob. If your key fob fails to operate after you replace the batteries, it most likely means that the battery terminal contacts are damaged. Pressing the buttons on your key fob too many times while you're out of range or disconnecting your car battery could also cause the deprogramming of an electronic key fob.
If the key fob is not working after replacing the battery, have it reprogrammed by the car. It will depend on the particular vehicle model however, generally you'll need to manually lock and unlock the car's doors by inserting the key fob into the ignition, rotate it to the accessory position, and push the remote button. Usually, the exterior and interior lights will flash if this has worked. You can test the key fob to confirm that it has been successfully programmed. In rare cases the key fob might stop working due to a problem with the door lock.