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. These remotes are prone to malfunction at the most inconvenient of instances.
If you discover that your key fob is not working, you can try a few simple fixes before going to the dealership. These suggestions could save you money.
Keyless Entry System
Rather than needing to fumble around with keys in your purse or pocket, you can simply walk up to your car, hit an icon on the key fob, then unlock the doors and start the engine. It's an easy feature that makes driving a car more relaxing and safe. But, like all devices it's possible that the keyless entry system may fail due to repeated use or because of 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 releasing radio signals and then searching for a corresponding response from 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 another transmitter located in the trunk of the car that opens it when you waggle one foot underneath it.
Each key fob comes with a unique digital identification code, which is assigned by the manufacturer. The fob is programmed with an exclusive process known as "programming". This involves turning on the ignition of the vehicle repeatedly in a predetermined sequence, and could require pushing or pulling buttons or levers, or removing fuse.
Once a key fob has been programmed into your car's keyless system it transmits a digital identity code and a function code that instruct the car to (lock the trunk, unlock it or open the trunk). The receiver on the car checks the authenticity of the transmitter by an authentication and encryption process. If it's authorized, the onboard computer unlocks vehicle and starts the engine.
A savvy criminal could steal and use the code transmitted between the keyfob's and the vehicle. This would require a special device to record the transmission and then transmit it again when the system isn't expecting it. To prevent this from happening, most keyless entry systems rely on rolling code, which ensures that each new transmitter signal received by the vehicle has a different counter than the previous one.
Batteries
A dead battery is the main reason for the car remote to not function. It's an easy and cheap fix when you have a spare key fob on hand to replace the old one with. Fortunately, the majority of fobs have regular watch-style batteries that are sold at hardware stores or big-box retailers for $10 or less. You can find the steps to disassemble the key fob on the internet or in your vehicle's manual.
Be careful not to harm any circuits or antennas inside the case after you've removed the battery. If you make a mess of them, the key fob will be unprogrammable and won't work. If you need to move key fobs, be careful. Some key fobs may have fasteners that can easily open and scatter key fob pieces across your living space.
The case of most key fobs has a single screwdriver hole. To open it, make use of a pry tool. But, to start, wedge the pry tool along the outside edge of the case as you would do when peeling an apple or orange. car remote key repair apply too much pressure, as the fob case is often constructed of plastic and could break or crack if apply too much force to it.
When you're ready to replace the battery, make sure to match its size and type to your key fob. Some key fobs come with two batteries while others only need one. The wrong battery could make your remote key fob useless.
After the new battery has been put in place, test your key fob again to see if it solves your issue. If it doesn't then you'll need to figure out whether your device has an issue that is more complex and requires professional diagnosis and repair. If this is the case, you may require it to be changed by a dealer or purchase a replacement key fob completely.
Buttons
The buttons on your key fob may be tiny however they're packed with electronics. It's not surprising that they'll fail from time-to-time. The good news is that if your car key button stops functioning, there's usually something you can do to fix it yourself.
One of the most frequent reasons that a car key remote fails to function is because dirt or grit has accumulated between the buttons. To fix this, remove the batteries in a careful manner and clean each button using a cotton swab that has been submerged in rubbing alcohol. Be sure to dry them completely before replacing the batteries.
It's possible that your key fob is damaged in some way, such as being dropped on concrete or accidentally scratched. If that's the case, using an alternative key fob to test its functionality may reveal that yours has been damaged and requires to be replaced.
The door lock sensor could have stopped working in your car. This is 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 during long use or exposure to weather conditions. Press your key button several times without locking or unlocking your doors. This will reset the sensor.
If all else fails you can always test the function of a spare key by opening and locking your doors with it. If the spare key doesn't work, you may have to contact a 24-hour locksmith who offers automobile key repair to get your remote working again.
If the car key button is working, but it's still not locking or unlocking your vehicle, you may try to re-programme your computer system. If you have had the same key fob a time, it may need to be reset every few months to continue to work with your vehicle. It's not optimal, but it's better than having to buy a new remote.