Car Key Repair - How to Fix a Dead Remote
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 moments.
If you notice that your key fob is no longer working, try a few quick fixes before going to the dealer. These tips could save you money.
Keyless Entry System
Rather than needing to fumble around with keys in your pocket or purse instead, stroll up to your car, press a button on the key fob, then unlock the doors and start the engine. It's a useful feature that has made the experience of car driving more enjoyable and safer. The keyless entry system, as any other device, may be damaged through repeated use or by other causes. If you've experienced problems with yours, there are two options: Visit the dealer or contact a local locksmith.
Keyless entry systems operate by sending radio signals and then searching for the response signal on a key fob. If the system recognizes the signal, it's triggered to unlock the car doors and also activate the computer onboard. Some systems include an additional receiver in the trunk of the car, which opens it automatically when you put your foot on it.
Each key fob comes with an individual digital identification code that is issued by the manufacturer. A specific process of technology called "programming" is used to set the fob up with the car's specific system. This involves turning the ignition of the vehicle several times in a specific sequence. It may also require pushing or pulling buttons or levers, or even removing the fuse.
Once a key fob has been programmed into your car's keyless system it transmits a digital identity code and a function code to tell the car what to (lock, unlock or open the trunk). The receiver on the car checks the authenticity of the transmitter by an authentication and encryption process. If it's authorized, the computer on board unlocks the vehicle and then starts the engine.
There are concerns that a clever criminal could intercept the code transmitted between the key fob and the car. This would require a device to record the transmission then transmit it again in the event that the system doesn't anticipate it. Most keyless entry systems utilize a rolling code method to combat this. This ensures that each new transmitter signal received by a car has a counter value that differs from the previous one.
Batteries
The most frequent reason for a car remote key fob not working is the battery is dead. It's a cheap and easy fix if you have another key fob at in your possession to replace the previous one with. Fortunately, the majority of fobs have regular watch-style batteries that can be purchased at big-box stores or hardware retailers for less than $10. key car repair can find directions to disassemble your key fob on the web or in your vehicle's manual.
After you've removed the battery, be careful not to damage any circuits or antennas inside the case. If you do this the key fob could be unprogrammable and won't function. If you must move them, do so very gently because some key fobs have fasteners that are able to open and scatter key fob components across your living room.
Most key fobs come with one hole that can be used with the screwdriver or another pry tool to open the case. However, it's best to use your tool to wedge it around the outside of the case first, like you were peeling an apple or orange. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as the case of the key fob is typically made of plastic, and can crack or break when you apply too the force.
Be sure to ensure that the size and type of battery to the key fob when replacing it. Some key fobs come with two batteries while others only need one. The wrong battery could render your remote keyfob useless.
If the problem persists it is possible to try again with your key fob after installing the new battery. If not it, you'll have to determine whether your device has an issue that's more complex that requires a professional diagnosis and repair. If this is the case, you may require it to be reset by a dealer or you may need to purchase a replacement key fob entirely.
Buttons
The buttons on your key fob are pretty small, and are packed with delicate electronics. So it's not too surprising that they're doomed to fail from time to time. The good news is that when your car's key button isn't working, there's usually something you can do to fix it yourself.
One of the most common reasons why a car key remote doesn't work is that dirt or crud has lodged between the buttons. To get rid of this take care to remove both batteries and clean each button using a cotton swab that has been dipped in alcohol rubbing. Make sure you dry the buttons completely before reinstalling them.
It's also possible that the key fob was damaged somehow, perhaps dropped on concrete, or perhaps scratched by a sharp object. If this is the case, you can test the functionality of your key fob by using a different one.
The door lock sensor could have stopped working in your vehicle. It's a tiny metal component that's attached to the door lock button on your key fob, and it's not unusual for the sensor to break after long-term usage or exposure to harsh weather conditions. Press your key button several times without locking or unlocking your doors. This will reset the sensor.
If nothing else works, you can test the capabilities of a spare key by unlocking and locking your doors with it. If the spare key does not work, it could be necessary to find an emergency locksmith who can provide car key repair to get your remote working again.
You can reprogram your computer if your car key fob works, but it still does not lock or unlock the vehicle. If you've used the same key fob a time, it might need to be reprogrammed every few months in order to continue working with your vehicle. It's not ideal, but it is better than having to purchase another remote.