This Week's Most Popular Stories About Remote Key Repair Remote Key Repair Car Remote Key Repair

Modern car remote keys are useful and convenient, however they can be a hassle when they stop working. Thankfully, there are some quick fixes that will usually bring them working again.

First, try replacing the battery. The majority of fobs utilize lithium coin cells, which are affordable and easily accessible.


Broken Electronics

The electronic circuit board in your car key remote transmits and interprets signals for your car. If this board is damaged the key fob won't work correctly. Unlike battery failure, which is usually quite easy for most drivers to fix at home, damage to the receiver or transmitter of your remote key will require a professional locksmith or your dealer in the car.

Most remote key fobs use lithium ion coin batteries which have a decent time-to-life, but won't last for a long time. If you've been using the batteries for a long period of time, changing them will probably solve your problem. 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 new. Since the buttons on your key fob get a lot of jostling, they can sometimes break or become inactive over time. In this situation, taking off and cleaning the buttons is usually enough to fix the problem.

If the buttons on your remote don't work, you may have to program it again to match the system of your vehicle. This is typically done by turning the key in the ignition several times with the doors closed. The process will vary depending on your car's model and make, but you can find instructions online or consult an expert for assistance.

If the key fob is made of plastic you can take off the cover by tearing it open. Be careful not to scratch the buttons or other internal components. The best tool to use for this is pliers with needle-nose tips with longer tips, which will more easily grasp small pieces. Lubricating the pliers using super glue, melted tallow or putty can assist them to grip delicate components. It's also a good idea to hire an auto locksmith perform this, since improper techniques could cause damage to the electronic components inside. The plastic can be broken when you attempt to take the fob apart with force. It's also possible the buttons connected to it could be ripped off accidentally if forcefully pull it apart.

Faulty transponder chip

If you've managed to start your car successfully using the remote key, but it's not working ever again, it could be a sign of a problem with the transponder chip. This is because your key relies on this tiny electronic component to communicate with the immobilizer system. It transmits a signal to the system that your key is legitimate and that you are able to start the engine. If the chip fails to correctly transmit this message the immobilizer will disable your vehicle.

This issue is most common in older vehicles, but can also happen in modern vehicles as well. The transponder chip wears out over time. It is possible to hire a car locksmith replace this portion of your key, however this could be costly.

In some cases the chip in your key may be completely dead. If this is the scenario, the chip will need to be replaced by a dealer. This is the most expensive option, but it is usually required to get your vehicle back on the road.

Another possibility is that your key's chip is damaged. This means that it will not communicate with the immobilizer. This can occur when the battery is replaced or in the event of physical damage to the key. A Mesa auto locksmith can solve this issue, however you may have to visit the dealer to get your key programmed.

If you're experiencing issues with your remote key the first thing you should consider is backup. If this doesn't solve the issue, disassemble the key fob to examine it visually. It is important to ensure that none of the buttons appear to be damaged or loose. These components are frequently used and can become loose over time. It is recommended to have them welded in place by a professional if they are loose. In most cases, this will restore your key fob's functionality. This is particularly applicable to keys that were accidentally placed in the wrong ignition lock cylinder.

Damaged Battery

If the key fob is still not working even after you have tried a new one it could be due to a variety of other issues. Fobs could be damaged by water or dropped or dropped on. Internal connections, including ones that connect to battery terminals of the remote, could also be damaged or disconnected. It's possible that you need to reset the key fob and it could be something you can do on your own if you have a spare fob from the same model and make.

Modern key fobs must be programmed to match the car to ensure that only you are able to unlock the car's doors. It's a must to safeguard your car and to prevent other people from using your key fob to access your vehicle or cause problems with its electrical system. Some engine error codes, or even normal wear and tear, can corrupt the programming of your key fob. see this site to have your key fob reprogrammed correctly by a professional who is equipped with the right equipment.

It's possible that the problem is in the buttons, which is a much 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 do not appear to be damaged, you may be able to manually adjust them.

Open the key fob to inspect it, but take care. Certain fobs do not have an easy release mechanism, and you may require a small screwdriver or some other tool to break them. Some are sealed and can't be opened with special tools, so you'll likely have to take it to a dealership to have it opened professionally. You can use a spare keyfob that is the same model and brand to start the programming mode of your car. This may require you to close and lock the doors, turn on and off the lights and electronic devices, and then use a set of buttons in an order specific to your car.

Failing Buttons

Mechanical damage could be the cause when the buttons on your key fob don't function or require you to press them very in a very forceful manner. The key fob being dropped on concrete or accidentally hitting a button with a sharp object could impact the way it performs. It is necessary to remove the key fob and look over it to determine whether there are any buttons that appear to be damaged. If this is the situation, a locksmith will fix it.

Dirt and crud can cause buttons to fail. You should clean your key fob with the help of a cotton swab which has been submerged in alcohol. It may also be necessary to clean the surfaces of the keys. You should also try to determine if the problem is related to the locks on your vehicle or the key fob itself. If you don't have an additional key fob to test, consider trying the keys on another vehicle to see if they function also.

Whether or not the key fob needs to be reprogrammed is also dependent on the condition of the battery. If the key fob you have is not able to work after replacing the batteries the terminal contacts of the battery may be damaged. You can also deprogram your electric key fob by pressing the buttons too many times when you are out of range or disconnecting the battery in your car.

If the key fob does not work after replacing the battery, you must have it reprogrammed for the car. It will depend on your particular vehicle model, but you'll typically require locking and unlocking the doors manually, insert the key into the ignition, set it to accessory, then hit the remote that is wireless. Usually the exterior and interior lights will flash if this is successful. It is then possible to test your key fob to confirm that it is successfully programmed to the vehicle. In rare instances the key fob may be inoperable if there's an issue with the door locks themselves.