Car Key Repair - How to Fix a Dead Remote
Car remotes are a wonderful convenience for drivers. They can unlock doors, open trunks, and even start the car. These remotes can stop working at the most inconvenient of times.
If you notice that your key fob is not working, try a few fixes before going to the dealership. These tips could save you money.
Keyless Entry System
You don't need to search for keys in your purse or pockets. Simply walk up to your vehicle, press the button on the keyfob, and the doors will unlock and the engine will begin. It's a useful feature that has made the experience of driving a car more enjoyable and more secure. But, like all devices that has a keyless entry system, the keyless entry system can fail due to repeated use or because of other factors. If you're having problems with yours, you may either visit the dealer or phone a locksmith.
Keyless entry systems work by sending radio signals, and then looking for the response signal on a key fob. If the system is able to recognize the signal, it triggers to unlock the car doors and activate the onboard computer. Certain systems have an additional transmitter in the trunk of the car that opens it when you waggle one foot underneath it.
Each key fob is assigned an individual digital identification number by the manufacturer. A unique process of technology known as "programming" is used to make sure that the fob is set up with a specific car's system. This involves turning on the ignition of the vehicle several times in a specific sequence, and may also require pushing or pulling buttons or levers, or removing fuse.
Once a key fob has been programmed into the keyless system of your car, it transmits a digital identification code and a function code to instruct the car to (lock the trunk, unlock it or open the trunk). The receiver on the car verifies the transmitter's identity through an authentication and encryption process. The computer on board will allow the vehicle to be opened and start the engine when it is authorized.
A savvy criminal could steal and then use the code that is transmitted between the keyfob and the vehicle. This will require an instrument that records the transmission and then retransmits it in the event that the system doesn't want it. Most keyless entry systems use the rolling code method to combat this. This ensures that every new transmission signal received by a vehicle has a counter value that differs from the previous one.
Batteries
A dead battery is the main reason for a car remote to not work. It's a cheap and easy fix in the event that you have another key fob at in your possession to replace the previous one with. The majority of fobs are powered by watch-style batteries, which can be bought at hardware stores or big-box stores for less than $10. A quick search on the internet or your car's owner manual should provide instructions on how you can disassemble the fob that you have been using and swap out the battery.
Be careful not to damage any of the circuits or antennas within the case after you've removed the battery. 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 unprogrammable (and probably not work). If you must move them, do it very gently because some key fobs come with fasteners that can easily open and scatter key fob parts across your living room.
The case of a majority of key fobs has one screwdriver hole. To open it, use a tool to pry it open. To begin, wedge the pry tool along the outside edge of the case like you would do when peeling an orange or apple. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as 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 you replace it. Some key fobs have two batteries while others only require one. The wrong battery can render your remote keyfob useless.
If the problem persists it is possible to try again with your key fob after installing the new battery. If car keys repairs doesn't work then you'll need to determine whether your fob is suffering from something more complicated that requires a professional diagnosis. If this is the case, you might require it to be changed by a dealer or you may need to buy a replacement key fob completely.
Buttons
The buttons on your key fob are pretty small, and are packed with delicate electronic components. It's not a surprise that they will fail from time-to-time. The good news is, if your car key button stops functioning, there's usually something you can do to fix it yourself.
The most common reason a car remote key stops working is because dirt or crud have lodged between the buttons. To get rid of this issue, take off the batteries carefully and clean each button using an abrasive that has been submerged in the rubbing alcohol. Make sure to dry the buttons completely before reinstalling them.
It's possible that the key fob was damaged by accident, such as being dropped on concrete or unintentionally scratched by something sharp. If this is the case, you can test the function of your key fob using another one.
Another possibility is that the door sensor for your car's lock isn't working anymore. It's 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 following long use or exposure to weather conditions. Press your key button several times without locking or unlocking your doors. This will reset the sensor.
If nothing else 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, you may have to contact a locksmith on call 24 hours a day who provides repair of car keys to make your remote work again.
If your car's key fob is working, but it's still not locking or unlocking the vehicle, try reprogramming your computer system. If you've had the same key fob a time, it might need to be reset every few months in order to continue working with your vehicle. This isn't the best option, but it's better than having to replace your remote completely.