Car Key Repair - How to Fix a Dead Remote
Car remotes offer excellent convenience for drivers. love it can unlock doors, open trunks, and even start the car. These remotes are prone to malfunction at the most inconvenient of moments.
Before you head to the dealer, consider some quick fixes in case your key fob isn't functioning. These steps may save you money.
Keyless Entry System
You don't need to search for keys in your purse or pockets. Simply walk up to your car, press the button on the keyfob and the doors will be opened and the engine will start. It's a practical feature that has made the world of driving a car more enjoyable and more secure. However, just like any other device it's possible that the keyless entry system could be damaged by repeated use or due to other factors. If you are having issues with yours, you can either go to the dealer or contact an locksmith.
The way a keyless entry system operates is by releasing radio signals and then looking for a corresponding response signal from the 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 another transmitter located in the trunk of the car that can be opened when you put one foot underneath it.
Each key fob has an unique digital identity code that's issued by the manufacturer. The fob is programmed by a unique process called "programming". This usually involves turning the ignition of the vehicle repeatedly in a specific sequence and may also require pulling or pushing various buttons and levers or the removal of fuses.
Once a key fob is programmed to the vehicle's keyless entry system it transmits its digital identity code, along with 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 who it claims to be by using an authentication and encryption process. If it's authorized, the onboard computer unlocks vehicle and begins the engine.
There are concerns that a criminal with a sly approach could intercept the code that's transmitted between the key fob and the car. This would require a special device to record the transmission then retransmit it when the system isn't expecting it. Most keyless entry systems utilize a rolling code method to combat this. This ensures that every new transmitter 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 a car remote to not work. It's a cheap and easy fix when you have another key fob at hand to replace the old one with. The majority of fobs are powered by watch-style batteries that can be bought at big-box stores or hardware stores for less than $10. A quick search on the internet or in your vehicle's owner's manual should give you instructions on how to disassemble the fob that you have been using and swap out the battery.
After you've removed the battery, make sure not to damage any of the circuits or antennas in the case. If you mess with them, the key fob will be unprogrammable and won't function. If you must move the key fobs, be cautious. Certain key fobs could have fasteners that can easily open and scatter key fob pieces all over your living space.
Most key fobs come with one hole that allows the screwdriver or another pry tool to open the case, however it's best to use your tool to wedge it around the outside of the case first, as if you were peeling an orange or apple. Don't apply too much pressure, as the case of the key fob is typically made of plastic and can break or crack if you apply too much force to it.
When you're ready for replacing the battery, be sure to match the size and style to your key fob. Some key fobs have two batteries while others only need one. The wrong battery can render your remote keyfob useless.
If the issue continues it is possible to try again with your fob's key after installing the new battery. If it doesn't work you'll need to determine whether your fob is suffering from a more complex issue that requires professional diagnosis. If this is the case, you could need to have it reprogrammed by a dealer, or you may need to purchase a replacement key fob entirely.
Buttons
The buttons on your key fob may be tiny however they're packed with electronic components. It's not surprising that they will malfunction from time to time. If your car key button suddenly stops working, you can usually fix it yourself.
The most frequent reason why the car remote stops functioning is due to dirt or crud has been trapped between the buttons. To get rid of this remove the batteries and scrub each button by using a cotton swab, coated with rubbing alcohol. Be sure to dry them completely before reinstalling batteries.
It's also possible that the key fob was damaged in some way, possibly dropped on concrete or accidentally scratched by a sharp object. If that's the case, using another key fob to check its functionality might reveal that it has been damaged and requires to be replaced.
The door lock sensor might have been unable to function in your vehicle. It's a tiny metal component that's attached to the door lock button on your key fob and it's not common for this sensor to break during prolonged use or exposure to weather conditions. Press your key button a few times without locking or unlocking your doors. This will reset the sensor.
If all else fails, you could always check the functioning of a spare key by trying to unlock and lock your doors using it. If the spare key doesn't work, it could be necessary to find an 24 hour locksmith that can offer car key repair to get your remote working again.
If the car key button does work, and it's still not locking or unlocking the vehicle, you may try to re-programme your computer system. But keep in mind that if you've had the same key fob for a long time, it's likely to need to be programmed every few months to ensure that it continues to work properly with your vehicle. It's not optimal, but it's better than having to purchase a new remote.