Car Key Repair - How to Fix a Dead Remote
Car remotes are a wonderful convenience for drivers. They allow you to unlock doors, gain access to trunks, and even start the engine. But, these remotes sometimes stop working at inconvenient times.
If you notice that your key fob is not working, try a few quick fixes before heading to the dealership. These steps may save you money.
Keyless Entry System
Rather than needing to fumble around with keys in your pocket or purse Instead of fumbling around with keys in your purse or pocket, you can walk up to your car, press a button on the key fob and then unlock the doors and start the engine. It's a useful feature that has made the world of driving a car more enjoyable and safer. The keyless entry system, just like any other device, could be damaged through repeated use or by other factors. If you are having issues with your system, you can either visit the dealer or phone an locksmith.
The way a keyless entry system functions is by sending radio signals and then searching for a corresponding response from the key fob. If the system recognizes the signal, it's triggered to unlock the vehicle doors and also activate the onboard computer. Some systems have another transmitter located in the trunk of the car that opens when you move one foot underneath it.
Each key fob comes with a unique digital identification code that is assigned by the manufacturer. A proprietary technical process called "programming" is used to configure the fob to work with the specific car's system. This typically involves turning the ignition of the vehicle repeatedly in a specific sequence, and could include pulling or pushing various buttons and levers or taking out fuse.
Once a key fob has been programmed to your specific car's keyless entry system, it transmits its digital identity code, along with an operation code that tells the car what to do (lock, unlock, or open the trunk). The car's receiver verifies the transmitter's identity through an authentication and encryption process. If it is 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 special device to record the transmission then transmit it again in the event that the system doesn't anticipate it. To combat this issue, the majority of keyless entry systems use the rolling code method that ensures that every new signal from the transmitter received by the vehicle has a different counter than the previous one.
Batteries
The most frequent reason for the car remote key fob not working is a dead battery. It's a cheap and easy fix if you have another key fob at hand to replace the old one with. Fortunately, most fobs utilize standard watch-style batteries that are available at hardware stores or big-box retailers for less than $10. A quick search of the internet or your car's owner manual should provide instructions on how to take apart your key fob and replace the battery.
Be cautious not to damage any antennas or circuits in the case after you have removed the battery. If you do this, the key fob will become unprogrammable and will not function. If you must move the key fobs, be careful. Some key fobs may have fasteners that can easily pop out and scatter key fob pieces all over your living space.
The case of the majority of key fobs is equipped with a single screwdriver hole. To open it, you can make use of a pry tool. To begin, wedge the pry tool around the outer edge of the case as you would peel an apple or orange. Do not apply too much pressure, since the fob case is often constructed of plastic and could break or crack if apply too much pressure to it.
When you're ready for replacing the battery, make sure to match its size and style to your key fob. Some key fobs require two batteries, while others have only one, and the wrong battery can render your key fob remote useless.
After the new battery is in place, test your key fob again to see if it fixes the issue. If remote car key repairs doesn't, you'll need to determine if your fob has an issue that is more complex and requires a professional diagnosis and repair. It could be necessary to have the fob reprogrammed by the dealer or purchase another one.
Buttons
The little buttons on your key fob are pretty small, and are packed with delicate electronics. Therefore, it's not surprising that they're doomed to fail from time to time. The good thing is, in the event that your car's keypad isn't working, there's usually something you can do to fix it yourself.
The most common reason a car remote key stops functioning is due to dirt or crud has been stuck between the button. To clear this up, carefully remove both the batteries and clean each button using a cotton swab that has been dipped in alcohol rubbing. Make sure to dry them completely before replacing the batteries.
It's also possible that the key fob was damaged somehow, perhaps dropped on concrete, or perhaps scratched by something sharp. If this is the situation, you can check the functionality of your key fob by using another one.
Another possibility is that the door lock sensor in your vehicle isn't working anymore. It's a tiny metal component attached to the key fob's door lock button. It's not unusual for it to break due to weather conditions or prolonged use. To reset the sensor, simply try pressing your key button several times without locking or unlocking your doors to reset it.
If nothing else works, you can test the capabilities of a spare key by opening and locking your doors with it. If the spare key does not work, you might need to contact a locksmith on call 24 hours a day who offers automobile key repair to get your remote working again.
You can reprogram your computer if your car's key button is working, but it still does not lock or unlock the vehicle. But keep in mind that if you've used the same key fob for some time, it's likely to need to be programmed every couple of months to ensure it remains in sync with your vehicle. It's not the most ideal solution, but it's better than having to buy an entirely new remote.