Car Remote Key Repair
Modern car remotes are convenient and useful but they can be frustrating if they stop functioning. Fortunately, there are car key repair company that can usually bring them back up and running.
First, try replacing the battery. Most fobs use lithium coin cells, which are affordable and readily available.
Broken Electronics
Your car key remote has an internal electronic circuit board that transmits and interprets signals to your car. If this board is damaged, the key fob won't function properly. Damage to the receiver or transmitter will require an auto-locksmith who is a professional or a car dealer.
Most remote key fobs use lithium ion coin batteries which have a decent shelf life but will not last for a long time. If you've used the batteries for a long period of time replacing them is likely to solve your issue. If you've been using your remote fob for a long period of time and you're surprised to discover that the buttons don't respond in any way, even if the batteries are fresh. Since the buttons on your key fob get a lot of jostling, they can sometimes fail or cease to function over time. In this instance, removing and cleaning the buttons will usually solve the issue.
If the buttons on your remote still don't respond, you may need to reprogramme it to work with the car's system. This is usually done by turning the ignition key several times while the doors are closed. The procedure will differ based on the make and model however, you should be able to find instructions online or consult an expert for assistance.
If the key fob is made of plastic you can remove the cover by pulling it apart. But be careful not to damage buttons or other internal components. The best tool to use for this is needle-nose pliers with longer tips, which can better grasp small components. Lubricating pliers using putty, melted tallow or super glue can aid in grabbing delicate parts. This is something an automotive locksmith can perform, since the wrong methods could damage the electronic components. The plastic can be broken when you attempt to take the fob apart with force. It is also possible that the buttons that are attached to it may be ripped off accidentally if forcefully pull it apart.
Chips in the transponder are defective.
If you've been able to start your car successfully using the remote key, but not again, it could indicate an issue with the transponder chip. This is because your key relies on this small electronic component to communicate with the immobilizer system. It sends a signal to the system to inform it that your key is in good condition, and you'll be able start the vehicle. If the chip isn't able to transmit this signal the immobilizer will shut down your vehicle.
This problem is more frequent in older vehicles however, it can happen in newer ones too. This is because the transponder chip can wear out over time. The chip can be repaired by a car locksmith however it is costly.
In some cases the chip inside your key could be dead. In this case the dealer will have to replace it. This is the most costly but necessary option to get your car back on the road.
Another possibility is that your key's chip has been damaged. This means that it can not communicate with the immobilizer. This can happen if the battery is replaced or if the key is physically damaged. A Mesa auto locksmith can resolve this problem, but you may have to visit the dealership to have your key programmed.
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 can disassemble your key fob to perform a visual examination. Make sure there are no buttons that appear to be broken or loose. These parts see a lot of use and can easily be lost over time. If they are loose, it's best to get them re-soldered by a professional. This will often bring back the functionality of your key fob. This is particularly applicable to keys that were accidentally placed in the wrong ignition lock.
Damaged Battery
If you've tried a new battery but the key fob is still unable to work, there may be other issues. Fobs could be damaged by water, or dropped or dropped or stepped on. Internal connections, like those that connect to the battery terminals in the remote, could also be broken or disconnected. You may have to reprogram your key fob in case you don't have a spare of the same type and model.
Modern key fobs should be programmed to match your vehicle, and ensure that only you have the ability to unlock the car's doors. It's a must to protect your car and prevent others from being able to use your key fob to gain access to your car or cause problems with the electrical system. Certain engine error codes, or even normal wear and tear, can cause problems with the programming of your key fob. Professionals equipped with the right tools can reprogram your key fob properly.
It's possible that the problem is in the buttons and is an more straightforward fix than replacing the entire key fob. Key fobs typically come with rubberized buttons that could be damaged or lose their elasticity over time. If you're able to determine that the buttons aren't damaged, you could try adjusting them manually.
Open the fob that you are using to examine it, but take care. Some key fobs do not have an easy release mechanism. You may require a small tool or screwdriver to break them. Some are sealed and can't be opened at all without special tools, so you'll likely need to bring it to a dealer to have it professionally opened. You can use a spare keyfob from the same model and make to start the programming mode of your car. Depending on the car you drive this could mean closing and locking the doors, switching lights and other electronics off and on and pressing a certain set of buttons in a particular order.
Failing Buttons
If your key fob has buttons that do not work or need to be pressing very hard in order to function it could be because of mechanical damage. The functionality of the key fob could be affected by a fall on concrete or accidentally hitting a button with a sharp object. If this happens you'll need to remove the key fob and examine it carefully to check whether any of the buttons appear be broken or are out of place. A locksmith will fix it for you, if that's the case.
Failure of buttons could be caused by dirt or crud that is trapped between the buttons. You should clean your key fob using the help of a cotton swab which has been submerged in alcohol. You may also need to clean the surfaces of the keys. You should also try to determine if the issue is with your car's locks or with the key fob itself. If you don't own a spare key, you can try using the keys of a different vehicle to see if the problem is solved.
The decision of whether or not the key fob requires to be reprogrammed depends on the condition of the battery. If your key fob is not able to operate after you replace the batteries, it probably means that the battery terminal contacts are damaged. Pressing lowest price on your key fob repeatedly while you're out of range or disconnecting your car battery could also erase the programming of an electronic key fob.
If your key fob still isn't working after replacing the battery you must have it reprogrammed for your vehicle. It will depend on the specific car model, but generally you'll have to lock and unlock the doors manually. Simply insert the key into the ignition, change it to accessory, then press a button on the wireless remote. If this works, the exterior and/or interior lights will flash. You can retest the key fob in order to confirm that it was successfully programmed. In rarer cases the key fob could be inoperable due to an issue with the door locks.