Car Key Repair - How to Fix a Dead Remote
Car remotes are a great convenience to drivers. They can unlock doors, open trunks and even start the car. Remotes that work with these remotes may stop working at the most inconvenient of moments.
Before you head to the dealer, try some quick fixes when your key fob stops functioning. 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 a button on your key fob and then unlock the doors and start the engine. It's a practical feature that has made the experience of car driving more enjoyable and safer. The keyless entry system, like any other device, could be damaged through repeated use or by other elements. If you're having problems with your system, you can either visit the dealer or phone an locksmith.
Keyless entry systems work by sending radio signals, and then scouring for the response signal on a key fob. If the system detects the signal, the vehicle's doors are not locked and the computer on board is activated. Certain systems have an additional receiver in the trunk of the car, which opens it automatically when you waggle your foot under it.
Each key fob is given an individual digital identification number by the manufacturer. The fob is programmed using an exclusive process known as "programming". This usually involves turning the ignition of the vehicle repeatedly in a specific sequence, and could also involve pushing or pulling various buttons and levers or taking out fuses.
Once a key fob is 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 or unlock the trunk or open the trunk). The car's receiver verifies the transmitter's identity through an authentication and encryption process. If it is authorized, the onboard computer 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 retransmit it when the system isn't expecting it. Most keyless entry systems use a rolling code method to stop this. This ensures that every new transmission signal received by a vehicle has a counter value that differs from the previous one.
Batteries
A dead battery is the most frequent reason for the car remote to not work. It's a simple and inexpensive fix when you have a spare key fob on hand to replace the old one with. Fortunately, the majority of fobs have traditional watch-style batteries which are available at hardware stores or big-box retailers for $10 or less. A quick search of the internet or your vehicle's owner manual should provide instructions on how to take apart your key fob and swap out the battery.
Be careful not to harm any antennas or circuits in the case after you have removed your battery. They're likely to hold the key fob's program to your specific car and any disruption to them can cause it to become unprogrammable (and most likely not work). If you need to move key fobs, be careful. Certain key fobs might have fasteners that can easily pop out and scatter key fob pieces across your living space.
The case of the majority of key fobs has one screwdriver hole. To open it, make use of a pry tool. To begin by putting the tool around the outer edge of the case as you would peel an orange or apple. Do not apply too much pressure since the case of the key fob is generally made of plastic, and it is prone to break or crack when you apply too excessive force.
Be sure to match the size and type of battery to your key fob when replacing it. Some key fobs require two batteries, whereas others have just one. Using the wrong battery can quickly make your remote key fob useless.
After the new battery is installed, test your key fob once more to see if it solves the issue. If not it, you'll have to determine if your fob has a more complicated issue that requires a professional diagnosis and repair. You may have to have the fob reprogrammed at a dealer or buy another one.
Buttons
The buttons on your key fob might be small but they're loaded with electronics. It's not a surprise that they will malfunction 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 frequent reasons a car key remote stops working is due to dirt or dust that has lodged between the buttons. To fix this, remove the batteries in a careful manner and clean each button using a cotton swab that is dipped in rubbing alcohol. Make sure you dry the batteries completely before reinstalling them.
It's possible that the key fob was damaged somehow, perhaps dropped on concrete or unintentionally damaged 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 sensor for your car's lock has stopped working. This sensor is a small metal component attached to the key fob's door lock button. It is not unusual for it to break due to weather conditions or long 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 can always test the functionality of a spare key by opening and locking your doors with it. If the spare key does not work, it may be necessary to locate an 24 hour locksmith that can offer car key repair to get your remote working again.
You can change the settings on your computer if your car's key button is working, but it still doesn't lock or unlock the vehicle. Be aware that if you've had the same key fob for a period of time, it will have to be programmed every couple of months to ensure that it remains in sync with your vehicle. It's not the ideal situation, but it's better than having to replace your remote entirely.