Car Key Repair - How to Fix a Dead Remote
Car remotes provide a wonderful convenience for drivers. They can unlock doors, open trunks and even start the car. But, these remotes sometimes cease to function at uninviable times.
If you notice that your key fob is not working, you can try a few simple fixes before going to the dealer. These suggestions could save you money.
Keyless Entry System
Instead of fumbling around with keys in your pocket or purse instead, walk up to your car, push an icon on the key fob, then unlock the doors and start the engine. It's a useful feature that has made the experience of car driving more comfortable and more secure. The keyless entry system, as any other device, may be damaged through repeated use or by other causes. If you are having issues with yours, you can either go to the dealer or contact an locksmith.
The way that a keyless entry system operates is by sending out radio signals, and then searching for a response signal from the key fob. If the system is able to recognize the signal, it triggers to open the doors of the vehicle and activate the onboard computer. Some systems have an additional transmitter in the trunk of the car that opens it when you waggle one foot underneath it.
Each key fob has an individual digital identity code that's issued by the manufacturer. A proprietary technical process called "programming" is used to make sure that the fob is set up to work with the specific car's system. This involves turning on the ignition of the car repeatedly in a predetermined sequence, and may also require pulling levers or buttons or removing fuse.
Once the key fob is programmed into the keyless system of your car, it transmits a digital identification code and a function code to instruct the car to (lock or unlock the trunk). The receiver in the car verifies that the transmitter is the person it claims to be using an authentication and encryption process. If it's authorized, the onboard computer unlocks vehicle and begins the engine.
There are fears that a clever criminal could intercept the code transmitted between the key fob and the car. This will require an instrument that records the transmission, and then retransmits it later when the system doesn't anticipate it. To combat this, most keyless entry systems use rolling code, which ensures that each new transmitter signal received by the car has a different counter value than the previous one.
Batteries
The most frequent cause of the car remote key fob not working is a dead battery. It's an easy and cheap fix in the event that you have an extra key fob on in your possession to replace the previous one with. Fortunately, car remote key repair of fobs have regular watch-style batteries that are sold at big-box stores or hardware retailers for $10 or less. You can find the steps to disassemble the key fob on the web or in your vehicle's manual.
Once you've removed the battery, be careful not to damage any of the circuits or antennas in the case. They're likely to hold the key fob's programming to your specific car and any disruption to them will make it unprogrammable (and likely to fail). If you must move the key fobs, be cautious. Certain key fobs could have fasteners which can easily be removed and scatter key fob pieces all over your living space.
The majority of key fobs have one hole that can be used with a screwdriver or other pry tool to pop open the case, but it's best to use your tool to wedge it around the outside of the case first, as if you were peeling an apple or orange. Do not apply too much pressure since the case of the key fob is usually composed of plastic and is susceptible to breaking or cracking when you apply too excessive force.
Be sure to match the size and type of the battery to the key fob when you replace it. Some key fobs have two batteries while others only require one. The wrong battery could cause your remote to become useless.
Once the new battery is installed, test your key fob once more to see if it fixes your problem. If not then you'll need to figure out if your fob has an issue that's more complex that requires a professional diagnosis and repair. If this is the case, you could require it to be reset by a dealer or purchase a replacement key fob entirely.
Buttons
The buttons on your key fob are pretty tiny, and packed with delicate electronics. It's not surprising that they fail from time-to-time. The good thing is, 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 functioning is due to dirt or crud has gotten trapped between the buttons. To clear this up remove the batteries and clean each button with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Be sure to dry them thoroughly prior to reinstalling the batteries.
It's possible that your key fob is damaged in some way, like being dropped on concrete or accidentally scratched. If this is the scenario, you can test your key fob's functionality by using a different one.
The door lock sensor might have stopped working in your vehicle. It's a tiny metal component that's attached to the door lock button on your key fob, and it's not uncommon for this sensor to break after long use or exposure to extreme weather conditions. To activate the sensor again, simply try pressing your key button a few times without locking or unlocking your doors to reset it.
If all else fails you can always test the function of a spare key by unlocking and locking your doors with it. If the spare key doesn't work, you may have to contact a locksmith on call 24 hours a day who provides repair of car keys to make your remote work again.
If your car key button is working but still not locking or unlocking your vehicle, you can try to reprogram your computer system. If you've used the same key fob for a while, it may need to be reset every few months in order to continue to work with your vehicle. It's not the most ideal solution, but it's better than having to purchase a new remote.