Car Key Repair - How to Fix a Dead Remote
Car remotes are an excellent convenience for drivers. They can unlock doors, access trunks and even start the engine. These remotes are prone to malfunction at the most inconvenient moments.
Before you head to the dealer, consider some quick fixes when your key fob stops functioning. These tips could save you money.
Keyless Entry System
Rather than needing to fumble around with keys in your pocket or purse, you can simply walk up to your car, press a button on your key fob and then unlock the doors and start the engine. It's a useful feature that has made the world of car driving more enjoyable and safer. The keyless entry system, just like any other device, can be damaged through repeated use or other elements. If you are having issues with yours, you may either go to the dealer or contact an locksmith.
Keyless entry systems operate by sending radio signals and then scouring for the response signal from a key fob. If the system is able to recognize the signal, the vehicle's doors are unlocked and the computer on board is activated. Certain systems include another transmitter located in the trunk of the car which opens when you move your foot beneath it.
Each key fob is assigned a unique digital identification code by the manufacturer. The fob is programmed using a unique process called "programming". This usually involves turning the car's ignition several times in a certain sequence. It could also require pulling or pushing various buttons and levers or the removal of fuses.
Once a key fob is programmed to your specific car's keyless entry system it transmits the digital identity code as well as a function code that instructs the car what to do (lock, unlock or open the trunk). The receiver in the car verifies that the transmitter is the person it claims to be by 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.
A clever criminal could intercept and use the code sent between the keyfob and the vehicle. This would require the use of an instrument that records the transmission, and then transmits it again in the event that the system doesn't want it. To prevent this from happening, most keyless entry systems use the rolling code method, which ensures that each new transmitter signal received by the car has a different counter than the previous one.
Batteries
The most frequent cause of car remotes key fobs not working is the battery is dead. It's a simple and inexpensive fix in the event that you have an extra key fob on in your possession to replace the previous one with. The majority of fobs are powered by watches-style batteries, which can be purchased at big-box stores or hardware 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 disassemble the fob that you have been using and swap out the battery.
Once you've removed the battery, be careful not to disrupt any antennas or circuits within the case. They are likely holding the key fob's programming to your car's specific model and any disruption to them can cause it to become impossible to program (and probably not work). If you have to move them, do it slowly as some key fobs have fasteners that can easily 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. To begin, wedge the pry tool along the outside edge of the case as you would do when peeling an orange or apple. Be careful not to apply too much pressure since the case of the key fob is usually made of plastic, and can crack or break when you exert too the force.
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. A bad battery could render your remote keyfob useless.
After the new battery is installed, test your key fob again to see if it fixes your problem. If this fails then you'll need to determine whether your fob is suffering from a more complex issue that requires a specialist diagnosis. If this is the case, you might need to have it reset by a dealer or purchase a new key fob completely.
Buttons
The tiny buttons on your key fob are pretty small, and they're packed with delicate electronic components. Therefore, it's not surprising that they're destined to fail from time to time. If the button on your car's ignition suddenly ceases to function, you can typically fix it yourself.
The most frequent reason why the car remote stops working is because dirt or crud has been trapped between the buttons. To get TheKeyLab of this, carefully remove both the batteries and scrub each button with a cotton swab coated with rubbing alcohol. Be sure to dry them completely before reinstalling the batteries.
It's possible that your key fob has been damaged in any way, for example, being dropped on concrete or accidentally scratched. If this is the situation, you can check the functionality of your key fob by using another one.
The door lock sensor may have been unable to function in your vehicle. It's a tiny, metal part that's connected to the door lock button on your key fob and it's not common for this sensor to break following long-term usage or exposure to harsh weather conditions. To reset the sensor, simply try pressing your key button 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 lock and unlock your doors using it. If the spare key doesn't work, you might need to call a locksmith 24 hours a day who offers automobile key repair to make your remote work again.
You can reprogram your computer if your car key button is working but doesn't lock or unlock the vehicle. If you have had the same key fob a time, it may require reprogramming every couple of months to continue working with your vehicle. It's not an ideal situation, but it's better than having to replace your remote entirely.