Car Key Repair - How to Fix a Dead Remote
The car remotes are a great 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 times.
Before you visit the dealer, consider some quick fixes when your key fob stops working. These suggestions could save you money.
Keyless Entry System
Instead of fumbling around with keys in your pocket or purse, you can simply stroll up to your car, hit an icon on the key fob and then unlock the doors and start the engine. It's an easy feature that makes driving a car more enjoyable and secure. The keyless entry system, like any other device, may be damaged through repeated use or by other factors. If you've had issues with yours, there are two options: visit the dealership or contact the local locksmith.
The way that a keyless entry system functions is by releasing radio signals and then searching for a response signal from the key fob. If the system is able to recognize the signal, the car's doors are not locked and the computer on board is activated. Some systems have a second receiver on the car's trunk that opens automatically when you move your foot under it.
Each key fob is equipped with an individual digital identification code that is issued by the manufacturer. The fob is programmed using a unique process called "programming". This usually involves turning the ignition of the car several times in a certain sequence. It could also require pulling or pushing various levers and buttons or taking out fuse.
When a key fob is programmed to your vehicle's keyless entry system it transmits its digital identity code as well as a function code that tells the car what to do (lock, unlock, or open the trunk). The car's receiver confirms that the transmitter is who it claims to be using an authentication and encryption process. The computer in the car will allow the vehicle to be opened and start the engine if it is authorized.
There are fears that a criminal with a sly approach could intercept the code transmitted between the key fob and the car. This would require a device to record the transmission and then transmit it again when the system isn't expecting it. The majority of keyless entry systems employ rolling codes to stop this. This ensures that every new transmission signal received by a car has a counter that is different from the previous one.
Batteries
A dead battery is the main reason for a car remote to not function. It's a cheap and easy fix if you have a spare key fob on in your possession to replace the previous one with. Most fobs are powered by watches-style batteries, which are available at big-box stores or hardware stores for less than $10. You can find instructions to disassemble the key fob on the internet or in your vehicle's manual.
Be cautious not to damage any of the circuits or antennas within the case after you have removed your battery. They're likely to hold the key fob's programming to your specific car and tampering with them will make it unprogrammable (and likely to fail). If you have to move them, do so very gently as some key fobs come with fasteners that are able to pop open and scatter key fob components throughout your living space.
The case of the majority of key fobs has a single screwdriver hole. To open it, you'll need to make use of a pry tool. However, before you begin by putting the tool around the outer edge of the case like you would peel an orange or apple. key repair apply too much pressure, since the case of the fob is usually made of plastic and can crack or break if you apply too much pressure to it.
When you're ready for replacing 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.
Once the new battery is installed, test your key fob for the second time to see if it fixes the issue. If not then you'll need to figure out if your fob has a more complicated issue that requires professional diagnosis and repair. It could be necessary to have the fob reprogrammed by a dealer or buy a new one.
Buttons
The buttons on your key fob are pretty tiny, and filled with delicate electronics. Therefore, it's not surprising that they're destined to fail from time to time. The good thing is, in the event that your car's keypad 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 that dirt or crud has accumulated between the buttons. To remove this obstruction, carefully remove both the batteries and clean each button using a cotton swab that has been that has been dipped in alcohol rubbing. Make sure to dry them completely before installing the batteries.
It's also possible that the key fob was damaged somehow, perhaps dropped on concrete or accidentally damaged by something sharp. If this is the case using another key fob to check its functionality may reveal that yours has been damaged and requires to be replaced.
Another possibility is that the door sensor for your car's lock has stopped working. This is a tiny metal part that's connected to the door lock button on your key fob, and it's not unusual for the sensor to break after long-term use or exposure to extreme weather conditions. To reactivate the sensor, simply try pressing your key button a few times without locking or unlocking your doors to reset it.
If all else fails, you can test the functionality of a spare key by trying to lock and unlock your doors with it. If the spare key doesn't work, you may need to contact a locksmith on call 24 hours a day who provides repair of car keys to make your remote work again.
If the car key button is working, but it's still not locking or unlocking your vehicle, try to reprogram your computer system. But keep in mind 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 it continues to work properly with your vehicle. This isn't the best option, but it's better than having to replace your remote completely.