Car Key Repair - How to Fix a Dead Remote
Car remotes offer excellent convenience for drivers. They can unlock doors, open trunks and even start the car. But, these remotes sometimes stop working at odd times.
If you discover that your key fob not working, try a few quick fixes before heading to the dealership. These steps could save you money.
Keyless Entry System
There's no need to search for keys in your pockets or purse. Just walk to your vehicle, press the button on the keyfob and the doors will open and the engine will get started. It's a useful feature that has made the experience of car driving more enjoyable and more secure. But, like all devices, the keyless entry system could break from frequent use or due to other reasons. If you are having issues with yours, you can either go to the dealer or contact a locksmith.
A keyless entry system operates by sending radio signals and then scouring for the response signal on the key fob. If the system is able to recognize the signal, the vehicle's doors are not locked and the onboard computer activated. repair car key have another transmitter located in the trunk of the car that can be opened when you put a foot under it.
Each key fob is given a unique digital identification code by the manufacturer. The fob is programmed with a proprietary process called "programming". This typically involves turning the car's ignition repeatedly in a specific sequence, and could also require pulling or pushing various levers and buttons or removing fuse.
Once a key fob is programmed to your car's keyless entry system, it transmits the digital identity code, along with a function code that instructs the car what to do (lock in, unlock or open the trunk). The receiver on the car checks the authenticity of the transmitter by an authentication and encryption process. The computer on board will unlock the vehicle and start the engine if it is authorized.
There are concerns that a clever criminal could intercept the code that's transmitted between the key fob and the car. This would require a special device to record the transmission and then retransmit it later when the system isn't expecting it. The majority of keyless entry systems employ rolling codes to stop this. This ensures that each new signal from a transmitter received by a car has a counter that differs from the previous one.
Batteries
A dead battery is the most frequent reason for car remotes not to function. It's an easy and cheap fix if you have a spare key fob on your desk to replace the old one with. Most fobs are powered by watch-style batteries, which can be purchased at hardware stores or big-box stores for less than $10. A quick search on the internet or your car's owner's manual will provide directions on how to disassemble the fob that you have been using and swap out the battery.
After you've removed your battery, make sure not to damage any circuits or antennas inside the case. They're likely to be holding the key fob's programming to your car's specific model, and messing with them will render it impossible to program (and probably not work). If you must move them, do so very gently as certain key fobs have fasteners that are able to pop open and scatter key fob pieces all over your living room.
Most key fobs have one hole that allows a screwdriver or other pry tool to open the case, but it's a good idea use your tool to wedge it around the outside of the case first, like you were peeling an apple or orange. Don't apply too much pressure, since the case of the fob is usually made of plastic and can break or crack if you apply too excessive pressure to it.
Make sure you match the size and type of the battery to the key fob when replacing it. Certain fobs require two batteries, while others have just one. Using the incorrect battery could render your remote key fob ineffective.
If the issue persists it is possible to try again with your fob's key after installing the new battery. If this doesn't work you'll be required to determine if your fob is experiencing something more complicated that requires a professional diagnosis. If this is the case, you may require it to be reset by a dealer or buy a replacement key fob altogether.
Buttons
The tiny buttons on your key fob are tiny, and packed with delicate electronic components. It's not a surprise that they're doomed to fail from time to time. If your car key button suddenly stops working, you can generally fix it yourself.
One of the most frequent reasons why a car key remote doesn't work is that dirt or crud has become lodged between the buttons. To remedy this, take out the batteries with care and scrub each button with an abrasive that is dipped in ruby alcohol. Make sure to dry them thoroughly before replacing the batteries.
It's possible that the key fob was harmed somehow, perhaps dropped on concrete or unintentionally damaged by something sharp. If this is the case using another key fob to test its functionality could reveal that the one you have been damaged and has to be replaced.
The door lock sensor might have stopped working in your car. The sensor is a tiny metal component attached to the key fob's door lock button. It's not common for it to fail due to weather conditions or extended usage. Press your key button a few times without locking or unlocking your doors. This resets the sensor.
If all else fails, you can always check the functioning of a spare key by trying 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 offers automobile key repair to get your remote working again.
If your car key button does work, and it's still not locking or unlocking the 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's going to need to be programmed every few months to ensure it remains in sync with your vehicle. It's not the ideal situation however it's much better than having to replace your remote completely.