Car Remote Key Repair

Modern car remote keys are useful and convenient, but they can be frustrating when they stop functioning. There are a few easy solutions to get them working again.

Replace the battery first. Most fobs are equipped with lithium coin cells, which are affordable and easily accessible.

Broken Electronics

The remote car key you have an internal electronic circuit board that transmits and interprets signals to your car. If the board is damaged the key fob will not function properly. Contrary to battery failure, which is usually fairly simple for most drivers to repair at home, damage to the receiver or transmitter of the remote key will require a professional locksmith or your car dealer.

Most remote key fobs use lithium ion coin batteries, that have a long time-to-life, but won't last for long. Changing the batteries will likely solve your problem, especially those who have had them for a while. 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 working at all, even when the batteries are in good condition. The buttons on your keyfob will be subjected to a lot of bouncing and may break or become inactive with time. In this situation, taking off and cleaning the buttons can fix the problem.

If your remote's buttons not working, you might have to program it again to match the system of your vehicle. This is usually done by turning the ignition key several times while the doors are closed. This will depend on the model and make of your vehicle, however you can find instructions online or seek professional help.

If the key fob is made of plastic you can take off the cover by tearing it open. But be careful not to scratch the buttons or other internal components. This can be done with a pair needle-nosed pliers that have longer tips. They can easily grasp small parts. Lubricating pliers with putty melted tallow or super glue can aid in grabbing delicate components. This is something locksmiths in the automotive industry can perform, since the wrong techniques could damage the electronics. The attempt to forcefully pull the fob apart could break the plastic, and it's possible to accidentally cut off any buttons that are connected to it.

Chips in the transponder are defective.

Transponder chips can malfunction if you've previously had the ability to start your car with the remote key, but you haven't been able to do it again. This is because your key relies upon this tiny electronic component to communicate with the immobilizer system. It signals the system that your key is valid and that you should be in a position to start the engine. If the chip does not correctly transmit this message, the immobilizer is disabled for your vehicle.

This problem is more frequent in older vehicles, but it is also a problem in newer vehicles. This is due to the transponder chip may wear out over time. This component can be repaired by a mobile car key repair locksmith however it is costly.

In certain cases, the chip incess to your vehicle or cause electrical system problems. Certain engine error codes or wear and tear from normal wear and tear could corrupt the programming and stop your key fob from functioning. It's important to have your key fob reprogrammed professionally by a professional with the proper equipment.

It's possible that the issue is with the buttons that are a much easier fix than replacing the entire key fob. Key fobs usually come with rubberized buttons that could be damaged or loosen over time. If you can see that the buttons aren't damaged you might try manually adjusting them.

Open the fob that you are using to examine it, but be careful. Certain key fobs do not have a simple release mechanism. You may require an instrument or screwdriver to break them. Others are sealed and can't be opened at all without special tools, so you'll likely have to bring it to a dealer to have it opened professionally. If you have an extra key fob from the same model and brand you want to use it, try using it to access the programming mode of your car. Depending on your car it could involve closing and locking the doors, switching lights and other electronics off and on, and pressing a specific set of buttons in a specific 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 very in a very forceful manner. Dropping the key fob onto concrete or accidentally hitting a button with a sharp object could alter the way it performs. If this is the case, you'll need to disassemble the key fob and carefully determine whether any of the buttons appear be damaged or are out of the right place. A locksmith will fix it for you if that's the case.

The accumulation of crud or dirt can cause buttons to fail. You should clean your key fob with a cotton swab that has been submerged in alcohol. It may also be necessary to clean the surface 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 have a spare key repair shops near me fob to test, consider trying the keys on another vehicle to see if they function similarly.

The decision of whether or not the key fob should be reprogrammed depends on the condition of its battery. If your keyfob does not function after replacing the batteries, the terminal contacts of the battery could be damaged. Pressing the buttons on your key fob too many times while out of range or disconnecting your car battery could also cause the deprogramming of an electric key repair shop near me fob.

If your key fob still isn't working after replacing the battery you must have it reprogrammed for your car. It will depend on your particular car model, but you'll typically need to lock and Remote Key Repair unlock the doors manually. Simply insert the key into the ignition, turn it to accessory, and press a button on the wireless remote. Usually, the exterior and interior lights will flash if this method 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 problems with the door locks.