Car Key Repair - How to Fix a Dead Remote
Car remotes are an excellent convenience for drivers. They can unlock doors, open trunks and even start the car. However, they can stop working at inconvenient times.
Before you head to the dealer, consider some quick solutions when your key fob stops working. These steps may save you money.
Keyless Entry System
Instead of fumbling around with keys in your purse or pocket Instead of fumbling around with keys in your purse or pocket, you can walk up to your car, hit an icon on the key fob, 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 more secure. But, like all devices that has a keyless entry system, the keyless entry system may break from repeated use or due to other reasons. If you're having problems with yours, you may either visit the dealer or phone an locksmith.
Keyless entry systems work by sending radio signals, and then searching for the response signal on the key fob. If the system is able to recognize the signal, it's triggered to unlock the car doors and activate the computer onboard. Certain systems have a second receiver on the trunk of the car that opens automatically when you waggle your foot underneath it.
Each key fob has an unique 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 multiple times in a particular sequence. It could also require pulling or pushing various levers and buttons or the removal of fuse.
Once the key fob has been programmed into your car's keyless system, it transmits a digital identification code and a function code that instruct the car on what to do (lock the trunk, unlock it or open the trunk). The receiver on the car confirms the identity of the transmitter through an authentication and encryption process. If it's authorized the computer on board unlocks the vehicle and begins the engine.
There are fears that a skilled criminal could intercept the code that's transmitted between the key fob and the car. This would require a device to record the transmission and then retransmit it later in the event that the system doesn't anticipate it. To prevent this from happening, most keyless entry systems rely on rolling code, which ensures that each new signal from the transmitter received by the vehicle has a different counter value than the previous one.
Batteries
A dead battery is the most common reason for the car remote to not function. It's a simple and inexpensive fix when you have another key fob at hand to replace the old one with. Most fobs are powered with watch-style batteries, which can be purchased at hardware stores or big-box stores for less than $10. A quick search on the internet or your car's owner's manual should give you instructions on how to take apart the fob that you have been using and replace the battery.
Be cautious not to damage any of the circuits or antennas within the case once you've removed your battery. They're likely to be holding the key fob's program to your particular car and any disruption to them will render it unprogrammable (and likely to fail). If you need to move key fobs, be cautious. Some key fobs may have fasteners that can easily pop out and scatter key fob pieces across your living space.
The majority of key fobs have one hole that allows an screwdriver or similar tool to pop open the case, but it's a good idea use your tool to wedge it around the outside of the case first, like you were peeling an orange or apple. Do not apply too much pressure since the case of the key fob is generally composed of plastic and can crack or break when you apply too excessive force.
Make sure you ensure that the size and type of the battery to your key fob when you replace it. Some key fobs come with two batteries while others need one. The wrong battery could cause your remote to become useless.
Once the new battery is installed, test your key fob again to see if the battery has fixed your problem. If it doesn't then you'll need to figure out if your fob has an issue that's more complex that requires a professional diagnosis and repair. You may need to have your key fob reprogrammed by a dealer or buy a new one.
Buttons
The buttons on your key fob are pretty tiny, and packed with delicate electronics. Therefore, it's not surprising that they're doomed to fail from time time. The good news is, when your car's key button stops functioning, there's usually something you can do to fix it yourself.
car key repair service that a car remote stop functioning is due to dirt or crud has been lodged between the buttons. To get rid of this issue, take off the batteries with care and scrub each button with an abrasive that has been submerged in the rubbing alcohol. Be sure to dry them completely before reinstalling batteries.
It's possible that the key fob was harmed somehow, perhaps dropped on concrete or unintentionally scratched by a sharp object. If that's the case, using another key fob to verify its function may reveal that yours has been damaged and has to be replaced.
The door lock sensor could have stopped working in your car. The sensor is a tiny metal piece that is connected to the key fob's door lock button. It's not common for it to fail due to weather conditions or prolonged use. To activate the sensor again, simply try pressing your key fob a few times without locking or unlocking your doors to reset it.
If all other options fail, you can always check the functioning of a spare key by trying to open and close your doors with it. If the spare key does not work, it may be necessary to locate a 24-hour locksmith that offers car key repair to get your remote operating again.
If your car key button is working, but it's still not locking or unlocking your vehicle, try reprogramming your computer system. If you have had the same key fob for a time, it may require reprogramming every couple of months to continue working with your vehicle. It's not the ideal situation however it's much better than having to replace the remote completely.