Car Key Repair - How to Fix a Dead Remote
Car remotes are a great 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 find that your key fob is not working, try a few simple fixes before heading to the dealership. These steps may save you money.
Keyless Entry System
Rather than needing to fumble around with keys in your purse or pocket Instead of fumbling around with keys in your purse or pocket, you can walk to your car, push an icon on the key fob, and then open the doors and start the engine. It's a useful feature that has made the world of car driving more comfortable and more secure. However, just like any other device, the keyless entry system could fail due to repeated use or because of other reasons. If you have problems with yours, you may either visit the dealer or call a locksmith.
Keyless entry systems work by sending radio signals and then looking for the response signal on a key fob. If the system recognizes the signal, the vehicle's doors are not locked and the computer on board is activated. Certain systems have an additional receiver in the car's trunk that will open automatically when you move your foot on it.
Each key fob is given an unique identification code by the manufacturer. The fob is programmed with a unique process called "programming". This usually involves turning on the car's ignition multiple times in a particular sequence and may also require pulling or pushing different buttons and levers, or taking out fuse.
Once a key fob is programmed to your specific car's keyless entry system, it transmits its digital identification code along with a function code that instructs the car what to do (lock, unlock, or open the trunk). The car's receiver confirms the identity of the transmitter through an authentication and encryption process. The computer in the car will unlock the vehicle and start the engine when it is authenticated.
A savvy criminal could steal and use the code sent between the keyfob's 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 use a rolling code method to stop this. This ensures that every new transmission signal received by a car has a counter value that is different from the previous one.
Batteries
A dead battery is the main reason for car remotes not to function. 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. Fortunately, most fobs utilize traditional watch-style batteries which are available at big-box stores or hardware retailers for $10 or less. You can find instructions to disassemble the key fob on the internet or in your car's manual.
Be careful not to harm any of the circuits or antennas within the case after you've removed the battery. They're likely to hold the key fob's program to your specific car and any disruption to them will render it impossible to program (and likely to fail). If you must move them, do it slowly as certain key fobs have fasteners that can easily open and scatter key fob components across your living room.
Most key fobs come with one hole that allows the screwdriver or another pry tool to pop open the case. However, it's best to use your tool to wedge it around the outside of the case first, just as you were peeling an orange or apple. Don't apply too much pressure, as the fob case is often made of plastic and may crack or break if you apply too excessive pressure to it.
If you're ready to replace the battery, make sure to match its size and style to your key fob. Some key fobs have two batteries, while others only require one. The wrong battery can render your remote keyfob useless.
Once the new battery is in place, test your key fob for the second time to see if it solves the issue. If not then you'll need to figure out if your fob has an issue that's more complex that requires professional diagnosis and repair. If this is the case, you could require it to be reset by a dealer or purchase a new key fob entirely.
Buttons
The buttons on your key fob could appear small however they're packed with electronics. So it's not too surprising that they're doomed to fail from time time. If the car key button suddenly stops working, you can generally fix it yourself.
One of the main reasons that a car key remote fails to function is because dirt or grit has accumulated between the buttons. To remedy this, take out the batteries carefully and clean each button using an abrasive that is dipped in the rubbing alcohol. Be sure to dry them completely before installing the batteries.
It's also possible that the key fob was harmed in some way, possibly dropped on concrete or accidentally scratched by something sharp. If this is the case, you can test your key fob's functionality by using another one.
The door lock sensor might have been unable to function in your vehicle. It's 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 during prolonged usage or exposure to harsh weather conditions. Press your key button several times without locking or unlocking your doors. This resets the sensor.
If car key repair cost works, you can always test the functionality of a spare key by unlocking and locking your doors with it. If the spare key does not work, it may be necessary to find an 24 hour locksmith that can offer car key repair to make your remote work again.
You can reprogram your computer if your car key fob works however it doesn't lock or unlock the vehicle. If you've had the same key fob for a time, it may need to be reprogrammed every few months in order to continue to work with your vehicle. It's not an ideal situation, but it's better than having to replace your remote entirely.