{"id":238728,"date":"2023-09-16T11:25:53","date_gmt":"2023-09-16T11:25:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/automotobuzz.com\/?p=238728"},"modified":"2023-09-16T11:25:53","modified_gmt":"2023-09-16T11:25:53","slug":"honda-citys-key-stopped-working-after-7-yrs-decided-to-fix-it-myself","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/automotobuzz.com\/news-features\/honda-citys-key-stopped-working-after-7-yrs-decided-to-fix-it-myself\/","title":{"rendered":"Honda City’s key stopped working after 7 yrs: Decided to fix it myself"},"content":{"rendered":"
BHPian ezhil0707<\/strong> recently shared this with other enthusiasts.<\/p>\n I own a 2016 Honda City iVTEC V MT. I am super happy with the ownership experience so far. I never faced a technical issue in 7 years until the day I found my keys to keep the red light frozen and didn\u2019t lock\/unlock the doors.<\/p>\n I assumed it\u2019s the battery which has aged 7 years since the date of purchase. I visited the nearest A.S.S in Coimbatore and as expected the SA blindly said that my key had to be replaced which is around 5k or I had the option to use my spare key.<\/p>\n I decided to fix this issue myself experimenting by going through a lot of forums and YT videos.<\/p>\n Things I purchased include a set of precision screwdrivers (you need a +1.5x25mm size for most of the keys) with a pry tool (FYI: the SA opened my keys with a screwdriver and a coin and damaged the plastic and the alignment. I wonder how A.S.S doesn\u2019t equip them with these minor tools).<\/p>\n <\/p>\n I strongly recommend using a prying tool to save your key\u2019s plastic alignment. I opened my key fob and I wanted to try my first luck which is WD-40 spray which will help in cleaning the contacts on the board, if at all present which was posted in many of the videos\/forums.<\/p>\n So I tried to take out the board and sprayed a very minimum quantity, cleaned the surface and allowed it to dry for a day. I reassembled it and to my surprise, I got my key back in action.<\/p>\n I am really not sure of what fixed this, but sharing the experience of how investing in a set of tools which cost me roughly Rs 400 Rs for a set of precision screwdrivers and a pry tool can save you with a blind key replacement of 5k.<\/p>\n Is there anybody who has faced this issue and can someone educate us on this with exact data pointers?<\/p>\n Thanks in Advance.<\/p>\n Here’s what BHPian Jeroen<\/strong> had to say about the matter:<\/p>\n There are a couple of things that can fail on a FOB and do so.<\/p>\n Obviously, the first one is the battery, it runs out and just requires replacing. Make sure the battery fits snugly onto the two contacts. One underneath, one on the side.<\/p>\n The second problem can be the failure of the microswitches. Sometimes just dirt and then a good cleaning with a good electro cleaner might do the trick.<\/p>\n Sometimes the microswitches are actually broken. They can be replaced, but you need to find a good replacement.<\/p>\n It is very rare for the actual electronic components to go bad. I have seen one case where some of the soldering was done poorly and came undone.<\/p>\n When cleaning the electrical bits off, it is best to use a proper electro cleaner. WD40 is fine as is not conductive, but it will leave some sticky residue behind.<\/p>\n Whereas fixing a FOB tends to be relatively easy, reprogramming it might not. The more fancy the car, the more complex the reprogramming procedure will be, sometimes requiring special equipment.<\/p>\n Check your owner’s manual. Replacing the FOB battery should be described, including on how to open the FOB. It will also state if any reprogramming needs to be done.<\/p>\n Here you see me fixing my Jeep\u2019s FOB very similar to how you did yours.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Here’s what BHPian KHegde<\/strong> had to say about the matter:<\/p>\n As Jeroen has pointed out, one of the reasons for a FOB Key not functioning could be the requirement of a battery replacement. You would need to refer to your car’s owner’s manual for detailed instructions.<\/p>\n I can vouch for the above from personal experience. I have replaced the key FOB batteries twice on our 2013 Global Ford Fiesta which came with only 1 key FOB and 1 regular key and once on our 2019 Maruti Suzuki Ertiga for both key FOBs.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Here’s what BHPian arnieshwartz<\/strong> had to say about the matter:<\/p>\n We encountered the exact same problem with the key fob for the 2017 Honda WRV (has the same key as in the original post).<\/p>\n Opened it up, cleaned the circuit board generously using rubbing alcohol and Q-tips and even changed the battery for good measure. Put it all back together and it started working okay again.<\/p>\n I’m not sure what caused it to stop working in the first place. The original battery wasn’t exactly weak when checked using a multi-meter so it must’ve been something else that thankfully went away.<\/p>\n I even saw a YouTube video that involved shorting some IC pins but without any mention of exactly which pins. Needless to say, I did not have to try that method.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.<\/p>\n\n
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