Car Key Repair - How to Fix a Dead Remote
Car remotes are an excellent convenience for drivers. They can unlock doors, access trunks, and even start the engine. However, they can stop working at odd times.
Before you go to the dealer, consider some quick solutions if your key fob stops working. These suggestions could save you money.
Keyless Entry System
Rather than needing to fumble around with keys in your pocket or purse, you can simply stroll up to your car, hit a button on the key fob, then unlock the doors and start the engine. It's a simple function that makes driving a car more enjoyable and secure. The keyless entry system, as any other device, could be damaged by repeated use or by other factors. If you've experienced problems with yours, you have two options: visit the dealership or contact an emergency locksmith in your area.
Keyless entry systems operate by sending radio signals and then looking for the response signal on the key fob. If the system is able to recognize the signal, the car's doors are opened and the onboard computer activated. Certain systems have an additional transmitter in the trunk of the car that opens it when you waggle a foot under it.
Each key fob is assigned a unique digital identification code by the manufacturer. A proprietary technical process called "programming" is used to set the fob up to work with the specific car's system. This involves turning the ignition of the car repeatedly in a certain sequence, and may also require pushing or pulling buttons or levers or levers or removing fuse.
Once car remote key repair near me is programmed into your car's keyless system it transmits a digital identity code and a function code that instruct the car on what to do (lock, unlock or open the trunk). The car's receiver verifies that the transmitter is who it claims to be using an authentication and encryption process. The onboard computer will unlock the vehicle and start the engine if it is authorized.
A skilled criminal could snoop and use the code sent between the keyfob and the vehicle. This requires a device that records the transmission, and then retransmits it later when the system doesn't expect it. To combat this, most keyless entry systems rely on rolling code that ensures that every new signal from the transmitter received by the car has a different counter than the previous one.
Batteries
A dead battery is the most common reason for the car remote to not work. It's a simple and inexpensive fix if you have an extra key fob on in your possession to replace the previous one with. The majority of fobs are powered by watches-style batteries, which are available at big-box stores or hardware stores for less than $10. You can find instructions to disassemble the key fob on the internet or in your car's manual.
After you've removed the battery, be sure not to damage any antennas or circuits within the case. They're likely to hold the key fob's program to your specific car and any disruption to them will make it unprogrammable (and probably not work). If you must move the key fobs, be cautious. Some key fobs may have fasteners that can easily be removed and scatter key fob pieces all over your living space.
The case of the majority of key fobs has a single screwdriver hole. To open it, you can use a pry tool. To begin, wedge the pry tool along the outside edge of the case as you would do when peeling an apple or orange. Be careful not to apply too much pressure since the case of the key fob is typically made of plastic, and is susceptible to breaking or cracking when you apply too excessive force.
When you're ready for replacing the battery, be sure to match the size and style to your key fob. Certain fobs require two batteries, while others only have one. Using the wrong battery can quickly make your key fob remote useless.
Once the new battery is in place, test your key fob once more to see if the battery has fixed your issue. If this fails, you will have to determine if the fob is suffering from something more complicated that requires a professional diagnosis. You may need to have the key fob reprogrammed at the dealer or purchase a new one.
Buttons
The buttons on your key fob may be tiny, but they are packed with electronic components. It's not a surprise that they occasionally fail. The good thing is, when your car's key button stops functioning, there's usually something you can do to fix it yourself.
One of the main reasons why a car key remote doesn't work is due to dirt or dust that has lodged between the buttons. To get rid of this issue, take off the batteries in a careful manner and clean each button using the help of a cotton swab which is dipped in the rubbing alcohol. Make sure to dry them completely before installing the batteries.
It's possible that your key fob was damaged in any way, for example, being dropped on concrete or accidentally scratched. If this is the case using a different key fob to check its functionality may reveal that yours has been damaged and requires to be replaced.
The door lock sensor may have been unable to function in your vehicle. It's a tiny metal part that's connected to the door lock button on your key fob, and it's not unusual for the sensor to break after long-term use or exposure to weather conditions. Press your key button several times without locking or unlocking your doors. This resets the sensor.
If all else fails, you can always test the function of a spare by unlocking and locking your doors with it. If the spare key doesn't work, you may need to contact a 24-hour locksmith who provides repair of car keys to get your remote working again.
If your car's key fob does work, and it's still not locking or unlocking the vehicle, you can try to re-programme your computer system. Be aware that if you've owned the same key fob for a long time, it's going to need to be programmed each few months to ensure that it continues to work properly with your vehicle. It's not optimal, but it's better than having to purchase another remote.