Car Key Repair - How to Fix a Dead Remote
The car remotes are a great convenience for drivers. They allow you to unlock doors, gain access to trunks and even start the engine. Remotes that work with these remotes may stop working at the most inconvenient times.
If you find that your key fob no longer working, try a few quick fixes before going to the dealership. These tips could save you money.
Keyless Entry System
Instead of having to fiddle around with keys in your purse or pocket, you can simply walk up to your car, press an icon on the key fob, and then open the doors and start the engine. It's an easy feature that makes driving a car more comfortable and safe. But, like all devices it's possible that the keyless entry system can break from repeated use or due to other reasons. If you've had issues with your keyless entry system, there are two options: Visit the dealership or call an emergency locksmith in your area.
The way that a keyless entry system works is by sending radio signals and then searching for a corresponding response signal from the key fob. If the system can recognize the signal, it triggers to unlock the vehicle doors and also activate the onboard computer. Certain systems have a second transmitter on the trunk of the car which can be opened when you put your foot beneath it.
Each key fob is assigned an individual digital identification number by the manufacturer. A proprietary technical process called "programming" is used to set the fob up with the car's specific system. This usually involves turning the ignition of the car multiple times in a particular sequence, and could also require pulling or pushing various buttons and levers or taking out fuse.
Once a key fob has been programmed to your specific vehicle's keyless entry system it transmits its digital identification code along with a function code that tells the car what to do (lock or unlock the trunk, or open the trunk). The car's receiver confirms the identity of the transmitter through an authentication and encryption process. The onboard computer will unlock the vehicle and start the engine if it is authenticated.
A skilled criminal could snoop and use the code sent between the keyfob and the vehicle. This will require an instrument that records the transmission, and then retransmits it in the event that the system doesn't want it to. The majority of keyless entry systems employ rolling codes to prevent this. This ensures that every new transmission signal received by a vehicle has a counter that differs from the previous one.
Batteries
The most frequent reason for the car remote key fob not working is a dead battery. It's an easy and cheap fix if you have an extra key fob on your desk to replace the old one with. Most fobs are powered by watch-style batteries, which can be bought at big-box stores or hardware stores for less than $10. A quick search of the internet or your car's owner manual should provide instructions on how you can disassemble your key fob and swap out the battery.
After you've removed the battery, be careful not to damage any antennas or circuits within the case. If you make a mess of them the key fob could be unprogrammable and won't function. If you have to move the key fobs, take care. Some key fobs may have fasteners which can easily open and scatter key fob pieces all over your living space.
The case of the majority of key fobs has one screwdriver hole. To open it, you can use a pry tool. But, to start by putting the tool around the outer edge of the case as you would peel an apple or orange. Do not apply too much pressure, since the case of the key fob is typically made of plastic and can break or crack if apply too excessive pressure to it.
When you're ready to replace the battery, be sure to match the size and style to your key fob. Some fobs require two batteries, while others only have one. Using the wrong battery can render your remote key fob ineffective.
If the issue persists then you can try it again with your fob's key after installing the new battery. If repair car key remote doesn't, you'll need to determine whether your device has a more complicated issue that requires a professional diagnosis and repair. If this is the case, you could need to have it reset by a dealer or purchase a new key fob altogether.
Buttons
The buttons on your key fob might be small, but they are packed with electronics. It's not surprising that they fail from time-to-time. If your car key button suddenly stops working, you'll be able to usually fix it yourself.
The most common reason that a car remote stop functioning is due to dirt or crud has gotten trapped between the buttons. To get rid of this remove the batteries and clean each button using a cotton swab that has been that has been dipped in rubbing alcohol. Make sure to dry the batteries completely before reinstalling them.
It's also possible that the key fob has been damaged somehow, perhaps dropped on concrete or unintentionally damaged by something sharp. If this is the case, using another key fob to test its functionality might reveal that it has simply been damaged and needs to be replaced.
The door lock sensor could have stopped working in your car. This sensor is a small metal part that is attached to the key fob's door lock button. It is not common for it to fail due to weather conditions or prolonged usage. To reset the sensor simply press your key fob a few times without locking or unlocking your doors to reset it.
If all else fails, you could always test the operation of a spare key by trying to lock and unlock your doors using it. If the spare key does not work, you may need to contact a locksmith on call 24 hours a day who can repair your car keys to make your remote work again.
If auto key repair near me is working, but it's still not locking or unlocking your vehicle, you can try to reprogram your computer system. If you have had the same key fob a time, it might need to be reprogrammed every few months in order to continue to work with your vehicle. It's not the most ideal solution, but it's better than buying a new remote.