Car Key Repair - How to Fix a Dead Remote
The car remotes are a wonderful convenience for drivers. They can unlock doors, open trunks, and even start the car. But, repair car key cease to function at uninviable times.
If you discover that your key fob not working, you can try a few quick fixes before going to the dealer. These suggestions could save you money.
Keyless Entry System
Rather than needing to fumble around with keys in your pocket or purse Instead of fumbling around with keys in your purse or pocket, you can walk to your car, press an icon on the key fob and then unlock the doors and start the engine. It's a simple function that makes driving a car more comfortable and secure. The keyless entry system, as any other device, can be damaged through repeated use or by other causes. If you have problems with your system, you can either go to the dealer or contact an locksmith.
Keyless entry systems work by sending radio signals, and then looking for the response signal from a key fob. If the system is able to recognize the signal, it will trigger to unlock the vehicle doors and activate the onboard computer. Some systems have another transmitter located in the trunk of the car which can be opened when you put one foot underneath it.
Each key fob is assigned an individual digital identification number by the manufacturer. The fob is programmed with a proprietary process called "programming". This requires turning the ignition of the car several times in a specific sequence. It may also require pulling buttons or levers, or even removing the fuse.
Once a key fob has been programmed into the keyless system of your car, it transmits a digital identity code and a function code that instruct the car to (lock or unlock the trunk). The receiver on the car checks the authenticity of the transmitter by an authentication and encryption process. The onboard computer will unlock the vehicle and start the engine when it is authenticated.
A clever criminal could intercept and then use the code that is transmitted between the keyfob and the vehicle. This would require a specific device to record the transmission and then retransmit it later when the system isn't expecting it. Most keyless entry systems utilize rolling codes to prevent this. This ensures that every new transmission signal received by a vehicle has a counter that is different from the previous one.
Batteries
The most frequent reason for the car remote key fob not working is the battery is dead. It's an easy and cheap fix if you have a spare key fob on in your possession to replace the previous one with. Fortunately, most fobs utilize traditional watch-style batteries which can be purchased in hardware stores or big-box retailers for less than $10. You can find the steps to disassemble your key fob by searching the internet or in your vehicle's manual.
Be careful not to harm any antennas or circuits in the case once you've removed the battery. They're likely to be holding the key fob's programming to your particular car and any disruption to them will render it impossible to program (and most likely not work). If you need to move key fobs, take care. Certain key fobs might have fasteners that can easily open and scatter key fob pieces across your living space.
The majority of key fobs have one hole that can be used with a screwdriver or other pry tool to open the case. However, it's a good idea to put your tool on the outside of the case first, like you would peeling an apple or orange. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as the fob case is often made of plastic and can break or crack if you apply too excessive force to it.
When you're ready to replace the battery, make sure to match the size and type to your key fob. Some key fobs come with two batteries, while others only require one. A bad battery could make your remote key fob useless.
Once the new battery is in place, test your key fob again to see if it fixes your issue. If it doesn't, you'll need to determine whether your device has an issue that's more complex that requires professional diagnosis and repair. It could be necessary to have the fob reprogrammed at a dealer or buy an entirely new one.
Buttons
The tiny buttons on your key fob are pretty tiny, and packed with delicate electronic components. It's not surprising that they occasionally fail. 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 frequent reason why a car remote key stops functioning is due to dirt or crud have lodged between the button. To clear this up remove the batteries and clean each button with a cotton swab that has been dipped in rubbing alcohol. Be sure to dry them thoroughly prior to installing the batteries.
It's possible that the key fob has been damaged in some way, possibly dropped on concrete or unintentionally scratched by a sharp object. If this is the case, using a different key fob to check its functionality may reveal that yours has been damaged and has to be replaced.
The door lock sensor could have been unable to function in your vehicle. This is a tiny metal piece that is attached to the door lock button on your key fob and it's not unusual for the sensor to break after prolonged use or exposure to weather conditions. Press your key button a few times without locking or unlocking your doors. This will reset the sensor.
If all other options fail, you can always test the operation of the spare key by attempting to lock and unlock your doors using it. If the spare key does not work, you may need to contact a locksmith on call 24 hours a day who can repair your car keys to get your remote working again.
If your car key button is working, but it's still not locking or unlocking the vehicle, you may try to reprogram your computer system. If you've had the same key fob for a time, it might need to be reset every couple of months to continue to work with your vehicle. It's not the most ideal solution, but it's better than having to buy another remote.