DIY alarm keychain repair

In detail: do-it-yourself repair of alarm key fobs from a real master for the site my.housecope.com.

Unfortunately (for car enthusiasts), fortunately (for entrepreneurs), services that have a column in the list of services: repair of car alarm key fobs are flourishing, and all because they have enough customers. The installation of a security system designed to protect against theft of a vehicle, it would seem, should solve all the problems of the car owner, but no one is insured against breakdowns. And, as a rule, the most vulnerable element of the system breaks down, namely: the alarm key fob.

If the car alarm stops responding to commands from the control panel (key fob), then first you need to understand what is the reason for this development of events and only then decide what to do in this case?

There are enough reasons to either contact a company that repairs alarm key fobs, or spend time studying this issue in order to further self-repair the key fob. For an overview of the list of the most common malfunctions of key fobs and their causes:

The buttons do not respond. The problem may be due to:
- sticky buttons;
- failure of the button itself, contact or wire as a result of natural wear and tear or mechanical impact (shock);
- the absence of a sufficiently strong fastening of one of the elements of the main board (the contacts have moved away).
- Weak backlighting. The indicator LED is dim and the screen is dark. A malfunction can be triggered by:
  - insufficient charge of the power source (battery);
  - failure of the controller;
  - the departure of quartz from the processor;
  - violation of the integrity of the fastening of the contacts (often observed after the fall of the car alarm key fob).
  - There is no feedback. The system does not respond to commands sent from the remote control. Possible causes of the malfunction:
    - decoupling the keychain (violation of synchronization between the remote control and the elements installed on the car);
    - wear (breakage, damage) of the transmitter reception antenna;
    - the alarm was installed incorrectly (errors either during installation or during connection).

Video (click to play).

There are other reasons forcing the motorist to use the service: repair the alarm key fob or try to return this important element of the security system to its original characteristics with his own hands.

If the key fob is broken, it is not at all necessary to immediately buy a new control panel. In most cases, a faulty key fob can be reanimated. Some breakdowns can be repaired by yourself. In this case, you need to act in stages:

Step one (diagnostics). First, you need to identify where the failure occurred (disassemble the key fob into its component parts, ring the board contacts, the tester will point out problem areas, check the condition of the battery, carefully inspect every detail for damage or wear).
Step two (assessment of opportunities). Based on the results obtained, decide how to proceed (contact the professionals or still repair the keychain with your own hands).
The list of tasks that you can cope with on your own (if you have basic knowledge that does not imply special training) includes the following items:

replacement of parts (a car enthusiast can himself replace such elements of the keychain device as: case, display, button, but there is one "but": finding spare parts for some alarm models is quite problematic);
soldering contacts (gluing quartz with thermal paste);
reprogramming the control panel (detailed information on how to bind the key fob to the alarm, including the one already recorded in the system memory, can be found in the operating instructions).

Step three. Direct troubleshooting, performance check.

If it was not possible to repair the keychain using your own skills and abilities, it makes sense to seek help from specialists. At the same time, neither the brand of the alarm system (Starline, Sherkhan, Pandora, Tomahawk, Pharaoh and others), nor the type of security system (GSM, GPS alarm), nor its class (economy, business, premium) matters. Highly qualified craftsmen are able to restore the functionality of any alarm key fob (if possible and justified).

The list of works available to clients of such a service includes such actions as:

diagnostics of the technical condition of keyfobs (carried out using modern equipment that allows you to get accurate results within just a couple of minutes);
replacement of parts (display glass, display itself, faulty button, damaged case, metal or plastic antenna, battery cover);
restoration of the microcircuit (elimination of breaks in the circuit of the main board);
car alarm key fob coding (reprogramming - in case of successful repair of the old one, binding of a new one - in case of an unsuccessful attempt to repair or its recognition by the masters as inexpedient).

What are the advantages of a professional renovation? In 100% quality of the work performed, confirmed by warranty obligations and in a short time to solve the problem.

What is the disadvantage? The need to part with your own finances.

Summing up, I would like to say: in most cases, a car alarm key fob can be repaired. Breakage is not a sentence yet!

The car alarm system is a complex electronic mechanism that can sometimes malfunction. Most often, problems arise due to malfunctions of alarm key fobs. If the security system is under warranty, in the event of a malfunction, it is better to contact the service or the installer; in other cases, the problem can be correctly identified and try to fix it yourself.

If there are problems with the power supply, the key fob buttons may not respond to pressing or perform independent actions, for example, opening-closing without pressing the button. As practice shows, in 90% of cases, a faulty battery is to blame. A malfunction of the latter is also indicated by a dim glow of the power LED of the key fob or a complete absence of a signal. To check, you should use a tester. At this stage, it is better to replace the battery with a new one, perhaps the problem will be solved by itself.

On some models of car alarms (StarLine, Pantera, etc.), after replacing the battery in the key fob, it is necessary to program it. As a rule, this process is described in detail in the instructions for use. Under the sound of a screaming siren, you need to find the Vallet service button. With the help of it there is an emergency shutdown of the alarm and automatic synchronization of the system with memorization of various functions and key fobs.

Sometimes the key fob can freeze even with a working battery. This happens when the alarm is in the range of radio transmitters, the so-called car alarm jammers. In addition, the operation of the key fob also depends on the state of charge of the car's battery. In the first case, it is necessary to perform an emergency unlocking of the car alarm and leave the range of the transmitters, in the second, to replace the battery and reconnect the wiring.

On some cars, connecting the alarm system involves supplying a separate positive lead from the battery and output to a separate fuse for the system.Then the tester checks that the fuse is working properly. At the same time, it is recommended to check other car fuses that can affect the signal malfunction (dimensions, sound signal, etc.). In some cases, it is necessary to reboot the security system power supply, that is, remove the connector from the contact, remove the terminal from the battery, wait a few minutes and connect everything in the reverse order. After that, a sound signal will work, and the key fob can “come to life” and work normally. Otherwise, the problem lies in the microcircuit and the contacts of the key fob itself.

Let's consider the do-it-yourself repair process using the example of the popular StarLine alarm key fob. Such a keychain is a small device with a color display, which also often fails. Image - DIY alarm keychain repair

In order to disassemble the Starline key fob, you need to remove the battery, unscrew one screw on the left with a screwdriver, the rest of the case is held by latches. After that, we completely disassemble the keychain into its component parts. To do this, you need to disconnect the transmitter and the graphite ribbon from the main board. Next, you need a multimeter that you need to dial; a one on the screen and a sound signal on the device indicate a working electrical circuit.

Often one of the main buttons in a key fob fails, for example, an open and close button or a program button. After opening the key fob with the tester, we call all the contacts, including the button contacts, they should close together, which will indicate serviceability.

If the tester does not respond well, the buttons may stick. In this case, use a toothbrush and a solution to go over the surface of the buttons on the board, while trying not to damage the display. If the tester does not respond at all, then the button or other wire or contact is dead and must be replaced. You can buy a button in a store or find a "donor" button, for example, in an old player or radio with a similar microcircuit from where it can be removed.

At this stage, you should also check the fastening of all elements on the main board of the key fob. Quartz (a fragile part on two legs under the display) can often come off the processor after the keychain has been dropped; it can be glued with thermal paste. In place of the old button, solder paste (flux) is applied and cleaned with a copper braid. Next, a new button is installed, and all contacts are carefully sealed. We remove the soldering paste with anti-flux and remove carbon deposits and other “industrial” dirt with a toothbrush using a cotton swab dipped in alcohol solution. Some old key fobs have special "trimming" capacitors, so it is not recommended to wash the entire board with an alcohol solution in this case.

The display on the key fob also changes with your own hands, you will need a new display and soldering tools, as well as a multimeter, screwdrivers and other tools. If the malfunction cannot be solved by soldering and replacing structural elements with your own hands, it is advisable to purchase a new key fob, since repairs can be even more expensive.

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STO lomat big money for simple computer diagnostics

To find out the error, you need to go to the specialists

Simple wrenches work in the services, but you can't find a good specialist

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During the operation of the car, it becomes necessary to repair its systems and assemblies. The security system in this regard is no exception. To save money, you can do it yourself. In this article, you will learn how to repair car alarms and key fob with your own hands.

All alarm faults can be conditionally divided into the following types:

nutritional problems;
wiring problems;
software failure;
false positives;
malfunction in the key fob.

Read also: DIY sprut pump repair

The best way to test your car alarm is to use it as directed. Arming the car and try to open doors, trunk or hit the car. You should hit the wheels, hood and windows, gradually increasing the force of the impact. After checking the sensitivity setting of the sensors, open the car door with the key and try to start it, also using the key. The alarm should go off. Check the rest of the functionality, depending on the specific model, the functionality will be very different, we suggested how to check the basic and general alarm functions.

Most of the problems associated with the operation of car alarms can be eliminated by hand. It is better to entrust the repair of the control unit and other complex electronics to specialists. If, after following the above recommendations, the breakdown is not eliminated, then you need to contact a car service.To continue driving with a broken alarm, you need to master the process of turning it off with a secret button, which you can read about in the instructions for the car alarm.

It would seem that what is easier - to take and replace the battery in the alarm key fob. The owner himself will be able to perform this action without errors. Only now, after the replacement, the connection between the key fobs and the signaling is somehow lost. In fact, there is a loss of synchronization, and the consequences of this "loss" can be corrected according to the text of the manual supplied by the manufacturer. Here it is considered what actions should not be allowed when repairing car alarms, as well as immobilizers and key fobs.

A key fob with feedback, or the so-called pager, contains several elements in its design. The display is connected to the printed circuit board via a ribbon cable. But it is difficult to solder this part (loop) in practice. This is precisely why the replacement operation has an increased cost.

Nevertheless, you can do the indicated replacement with your own hands. What is proven in the video.

Having disassembled and opened the plastic case, you will notice an important detail covered with a metal shell. The cylinder is a watch quartz, and you need something similar.

Let's say the pager display shows that there is no connection. In this case, the repair of the alarm key fob is done as follows:

Solder the junction with the antenna, perform assembly, check;
If the defect remains, change the main quartz.

In general, the repair of car alarm key fobs does not involve searching for defects using special equipment. More often they are guided by logic, changing "suspicious" nodes and details. They also strive to eliminate mechanical defects: they replace button modules, restore contacts. The main thing is to remove all power supply elements before soldering. And wait 20 seconds.

Do-it-yourself keychain repair is a painstaking and difficult job. Having removed any battery, it will be necessary to restore the synchronization. But the equipment working with the dialog code does not lose synchronization.

Any modern car has a module that automatically blocks the engine. Such modules are called "immobilizers", and their malfunctions are characterized as follows:

The starter cannot be started even with your own (standard) keys;
Commands from the remote control buttons (key) are not perceived in any way.

It happens that the malfunction lies in the electronics of the console. But hardly anyone will undertake to repair it.

Here, it is considered how to repair the immobilizer, more precisely, the antenna and the main unit. The unit itself, at least, can be disassembled by hand, without using special equipment.

The standard equipment of the MAZDA GF-626 car is an immobilizer, in which the main communication frequency is set by a ceramic resonator. The specified detail looks like this.

Over time, the parameters of the parts change. Therefore, the repair of the immobilizer will consist of the following: we solder the "bad" resonator, install a new quartz in its place. The frequency of the quartz resonator can be selected experimentally (here the numbers 2.4576 are indicated on the case).

Let's make a digression regarding the choice of resonators. Having bought a replacement quartz with the corresponding numbers, a good result can not always be obtained. The reason is the following:

Low thermal stability;
Frequency jitter.

In general, a new part is selected as one of several. What you need to know when repairing an immobilizer, key fob and even an alarm. Who said it would be easy?

The immobilizer reads the data from the key, establishing communication with the latter by radio. For standard car systems, the following is characteristic: an inductive antenna is wound around the ignition lock. For example, you cannot start the starter even with your own keys, stitched in the memory of the main unit. Then the immobilizer repair begins with checking the antenna, completely disconnecting it from the connector.

The external view of the antenna module is shown in the figure above.It may turn out that the resistance between the black and white wire is equal to infinity (open circuit).

No one will be able to wind a similar coil with their hands. But you can do the following:

A soldering iron without solder is installed between the turns, and each turn goes through this way until the ohmmeter shows 5-10 ohms;
The gap is eliminated, even with the appearance of short-circuited turns.

When carrying out alarm repairs, you will not encounter the problem discussed here. The antennas are located there in a separate module, and their appearance inspires respect.

Consider the diagram of the main module of a homemade alarm.

The value of all resistors sometimes has to be selected so that the operation is stable. This must be remembered when repairing an immobilizer or signaling that does not have electromagnetic relays in its circuit.

Alarm repair is a difficult task, and special training is needed to solve it. But the block design provides for the replacement of blocks. This property should not be neglected in practice. The choice between the speed of repair and the cost due to the price of a block or module will be made by the owner.

There are many publications on how to fix a car's electrical equipment with your own hands. These publications provide advice: you need to disconnect the negative terminal of the battery. Probably, no one should neglect this recommendation. We wish you success.

The anti-theft complex control panel is the main control device. If it breaks down, the consumer will be able to use the main signaling options - enabling and disabling the protection mode, but other functions will be unavailable. Repair of the car alarm key fob can be done by hand.

If there are problems in the operation of the power supply, the remote control buttons will stop responding to commands, and the transmission of signals will be malfunctioning.Sometimes the communicators of the Alligator, Sherkhan and other models alarms randomly send commands to unlock or lock the door locks. In most cases, the reason for this is a faulty power source, this will also be reported by a weak glow of the diode lamp on the device body or the absence of a signal. To make a diagnosis, you can use a multimeter, but it is better to immediately change the battery.In some models of Pandora, Starline, Panther and other signaling devices, after changing the power source, reprogramming the device is required in order for the device to work. The binding procedure is always described in detail in the technical manual. To carry out this process, you will need to find the Jack or Override service button, which is used for emergency shutdown of the complex. Depending on the model, the button must be pressed several times with the ignition switched off or activated; check the exact number of clicks in the service book.The Telemaster Korolyov channel tells about the reasons for the failure of the Starline key fob button and its repair.It happens that the car alarm key fob freezes with a working power source. This problem usually manifests itself if the car is located within the range of anti-theft jammers or other sources of interference. The solution consists in emergency shutdown of the protection mode, after which the car owner must leave the interference zone. The operation of the communicator largely depends on the amount of charge of the machine battery, so if the battery runs out, it must be charged or replaced.Sometimes the problem can be solved by rebooting the processor module, for this you need to remove the plug from the connector, disconnect the battery and turn it on again after a few minutes. A sound signal may sound, the pager will restore its work, if this did not happen, then the malfunction should be looked for in the operation of the board and contact elements.You can repair a broken communicator yourself, we will analyze the repair process using the example of a pager from a Tomahawk 9010 signaling system. Practice shows that the control devices of these models fail more often than others.AlanMorfreeman told about the repair of the pager.You need to repair the device after disassembling the case:After diagnosing the board, the fasteners are checked on the diagram:

If the pager fell, the quartz element could be disconnected from the main processing unit. This part is rather fragile, it is fixed on two contact elements under the screen. In case of minor damage, quartz is glued to the board with thermal paste.

Instead of the old key, a flux is applied to the circuit, stripping is performed by means of a copper braid.

A new key is being installed, all contact elements are securely soldered, this requires a soldering iron with a thin tip.

Solder paste residues are removed from the board using a toothbrush and anti-flux. Remnants of carbon deposits and dust are removed. To do this, take a cotton swab and treat it with alcohol. It is not recommended to completely process the circuit with liquid; trimming capacitor devices can be used in older communicator models. Exposure to alcohol will cause damage.

You can change the screen on the device yourself, for this you need a new display. Work is performed using a tester, screwdrivers, soldering iron and other tools. Before installing a new screen, all remnants of cracked glass are removed from the board.

Anton Baitov spoke about how to repair the keys of the transceiver.If you cannot repair the car alarm key fob by soldering, it makes sense to buy a new communicator.In large cities, there are dozens of specialized service centers that offer services not only for repairs, in such workshops you can find used keys with key fobs from different models of signaling devices. Pager repairs are often done by qualified electricians. You can find specialists without leaving your home by looking at advertisements on the Internet.Many service centers today offer communicator repair services:

replacement of screens on consoles;

replacement of pager cases, protective glasses, contacts, etc .;

full restoration or reconstruction of devices, flashing of devices.

The cost of the service depends on the nature of the breakdown. The minimum repair price will be at least 250 rubles, the region of residence and the alarm model play a role in determining the cost. To repair communicators of modern complexes, you will have to pay a higher amount. Button replacement services are less expensive than repairing a board or changing a display.The cost of repairing an alarm key fob depends on the type of malfunction.Eugene Irimia clearly showed the procedure for repairing keys on the DaVinci car alarm pager.In order to protect the car, StarLine alarms are often used. Security systems are functional and reliable in operation. However, with prolonged use, car owners find that the Starline complex does not work. Car alarm key fobs are mainly faced with breakdowns, the repair of which can be done independently. First, you should find out the cause of the breakdown and choose the best way to eliminate it.ATTENTION! Found a completely simple way to reduce fuel consumption! Don't believe me? An auto mechanic with 15 years of experience also did not believe until he tried it. And now he saves 35,000 rubles a year on gasoline! Read more"

The StarLine alarm key fob most often encounters the following malfunctions:

Battery failure. A sign of a low battery will be the lack of reaction of the car alarm to any action, the LED light deteriorates and the range of feedback decreases.Installing a new battery takes a minimum of time.

Damage to the display. Occurs due to mechanical stress. In some situations, even the cover does not protect against damage. Replacing the screen is time-consuming and should therefore be used with care.

Damage to the case. If dropped or bumped, the case may be scratched or completely broken. The StarLine keychain body has low strength and cannot withstand high loads. If it breaks down, it will have to be completely replaced. The likelihood of damage will be reduced when using the case.

Broken buttons. If pressed firmly, they can sink in, damaging internal components. The button may look good, but it will not respond when pressed. For repairs, you will have to disassemble the device completely, check the boards, dismantle the old one and install a new element. The complexity of the procedure lies in the need to work with a thin-tip soldering iron. Inaccuracy will lead to damage to the buttons and the board and the need to purchase a new Starline key fob.

It is quite difficult to acquire new parts, as most stores offer to buy a new car alarm device. If the key fob works fine and has some faults, it is advisable to repair them. In the absence of a case, screen, cover or buttons at points of sale, it is worth finding components for an alarm key fob on the Internet. You can purchase spare parts at a low cost.

Starline alarm key fob can be easily disassembled. The fasteners are removed with a screwdriver, after which the case and buttons are removed. The device is fully functional, but it shows signs of damage to the display. For the convenience of repair, you need to remove the board from the antenna.

The display can be removed completely by detaching it from the backlight pad. For this, a flexible graphite cable is carefully torn off from the contact pads.

The contact pads of the alarm key fob are cleaned. The new screen must be tried on and checked for compliance.

Then the repair of the Starline car alarm keychain becomes more complicated. Experts recommend to build up special wire needles on the legs and solder them. This method does not always work, as the points are quickly unsoldered. For the alarm keychain, it is worth using a soldering iron with a thin tip and tin to obtain a kind of "bridges". If the device has a thick tip, copper wire can be connected to it. Having connected the screen to the platform, it is worth proceeding to the next stage of work.

Since the screen of the alarm key fob was completely removed, it should also be attached to the case. It is worth working carefully so that the device does not break down again and is not immersed in the glue. The adhesive base should be located only on the sides of the glass and connect it to the frame. If glue gets on the glass, it will take a long time to clean it.

The next step is to install the board into the car alarm case. Basically, the part slides into place with ease. It can be difficult to install a new case and cover. If there are unnecessary pins in the new case, they must be cut off with a clerical knife. Then fasteners are installed on the car alarm panel using a screwdriver.Then you can put on the protective cover for the keychain. The display has a special protective film. It can be eliminated at the time of assembly of the device.

It is important to check the functionality of the key fob. The display must show all the necessary details, it must respond to pressing buttons and all alarm functions must be performed when necessary. If the device is fully functional, you can start operating the car security system.

Video (click to play).

Starline car alarm key fob often encounters malfunctions. To prevent them, you will need to install the cover and be careful during use. Spare parts for the device are inexpensive and easy to install. Do-it-yourself keychain repair is available, subject to the recommendations of specialists and following the proposed instructions. With a minimum of effort, the car owner will be able to use the car's security complex again.

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