Car Key Repair - How to Fix a Dead Remote
Car remotes provide a great convenience to drivers. They can unlock doors, open trunks, and even start the car. However, they can stop working at inconvenient times.
Before you visit the dealer, try some quick fixes if your key fob stops working. These tips could save you money.
Keyless Entry System
Instead of having to fiddle around with keys in your purse or pocket instead, walk to your car, push an icon on the key fob, and then open the doors and start the engine. It's a simple function that makes driving a car more enjoyable and secure. However, just like any other device, the keyless entry system could fail due to frequent use or due to other factors. If you have problems with yours, you can either go to the dealer or contact an locksmith.
Keyless entry systems operate by sending radio signals and then looking for the response signal on a key fob. If the system recognizes the signal, it will trigger to open the doors of the vehicle and activate the onboard computer. Certain systems have an additional transmitter in the trunk of the car which opens when you move a foot under it.
Each key fob has an individual digital identity code that's assigned by the manufacturer. A proprietary technical process called "programming" is used to configure the fob with the car's specific system. This usually involves turning on the ignition of the car several times in a certain sequence, and could also require pulling or pushing various levers and buttons or removing fuse.
Once the key fob has been programmed into the keyless system of your car, it transmits a digital identity code and a function code to instruct the car to (lock, unlock or open the trunk). The receiver in the car confirms that the transmitter is who it claims to be using an authentication and encryption process. The computer in the car will allow the vehicle to be opened and start the engine if it's authenticated.
There are fears that a clever criminal could intercept the code that's transmitted between the key fob and the car. This would require a device to record the transmission then retransmit it later when the system isn't expecting it. Most keyless entry systems use a rolling code method to prevent this. This ensures that each 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 an inoperative battery. remote key repairs 's an easy and cheap fix if you have an extra key fob on in your possession to replace the previous one with. Luckily, most fobs use standard watch-style batteries that are sold in hardware stores or big-box retailers for as little as $10. You can find directions to disassemble the key fob on the internet or in your car's manual.
Be careful not to harm any circuits or antennas inside the case after you've removed the battery. They're likely to hold the key fob's programming to your specific car and tampering with them will render it impossible to program (and probably not work). If you need to move key fobs, take care. Some key fobs may have fasteners which can easily open and scatter key fob pieces across your living space.
The case of the majority of key fobs has one screwdriver hole. To open it, you can make use of a pry tool. But, to start, wedge the pry tool along the outside edge of the case like you would when peeling an orange or apple. Do not apply too much pressure since the case of the key fob is usually constructed of plastic and it is prone to break or crack when you exert too excessive force.
If you're ready to replace the battery, make sure to match its size and type to the key fob. Certain fobs require two batteries, whereas others only have one. The wrong battery can quickly render your key fob remote useless.
After the new battery has been put in place, try using your key fob once more to see if it solves your problem. If this fails you'll need to determine whether your fob is suffering from something more complicated that requires a specialist diagnosis. You may need to have the key fob reset at the dealer or purchase an entirely new one.
Buttons
The buttons on your key fob may be tiny but they're loaded with electronics. So it's not too surprising that they're doomed to fail from time time. The good news is that if your car key button isn't working, there's usually something you can do to fix it yourself.
The most common reason that a car remote stop working is due to dirt or crud has gotten trapped between the buttons. To remove this obstruction remove the batteries and scrub each button by using a cotton swab, dipped in alcohol rubbing. Make sure you dry the batteries completely before reinstalling them.
It's also possible that the key fob was harmed by accident, such as being dropped on concrete or accidentally damaged by something sharp. If this is the situation, you can check your key fob's functionality by using another one.
The door lock sensor might have stopped working in your vehicle. It's a tiny metal piece that is attached to the door lock button on your key fob, and it's not common for this sensor to break after long-term use or exposure to extreme weather conditions. Press your key button a few times without locking or unlocking your doors. This resets the sensor.
If all else fails, you can always check the functioning of the spare key by attempting to lock and unlock your doors using it. If the spare key does not work, it could be necessary to locate an 24 hour locksmith that can offer car key repair to get your remote working again.
If your car key button is working, but it's still not locking or unlocking your vehicle, try reprogramming your computer system. But keep in mind that if you've had the same key fob for some time, it will have to be programmed every couple of months to ensure it is working properly with your vehicle. It's not the ideal situation but it's better than having to replace your remote entirely.