Car Key Repair - How to Fix a Dead Remote
Car remotes offer wonderful convenience for drivers. They allow you to unlock doors, gain access to trunks, and even start the engine. However, they may stop working at inconvenient times.
Before you visit the dealer, try some quick solutions if your key fob stops functioning. car keys repairs may save you money.
Keyless Entry System
There's no need to search for keys in your pockets or purse. Simply walk up to your vehicle, 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 car driving more enjoyable and more secure. The keyless entry system, just like any other device, may be damaged by repeated use or by other elements. If you've encountered issues with yours, there are two options: Go to the dealership or contact an emergency locksmith in your area.
The way that a keyless entry system operates is by sending radio signals and then searching for a response signal from the key fob. If the system recognizes the signal, it's triggered to unlock the vehicle doors and also activate the onboard computer. Certain systems have an additional receiver in the car's trunk that opens automatically when you waggle your foot underneath it.
Each key fob is given an individual digital identification number by the manufacturer. The fob is programmed by an exclusive process known as "programming". This usually involves turning the car's ignition several times in a certain sequence and may include pulling or pushing various levers and buttons or taking out fuse.
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 in, unlock, or open the trunk). The car's receiver confirms that the transmitter is who it claims to be through an authentication and encryption process. The computer in the car will unlock the vehicle and start the engine if it is authenticated.
A savvy criminal could steal and use the code transmitted between the keyfob and vehicle. This will require an instrument that records the transmission and then retransmits it in the event that the system doesn't want it to. To combat this issue, the majority of keyless entry systems use the rolling code method that ensures that every new signal from the transmitter received by the vehicle has a different counter than the previous one.
Batteries
A dead battery is the most common reason for car remotes not to function. It's a cheap and easy fix if you have another key fob at in your possession to replace the previous one with. Most fobs are powered with 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 take apart your key fob and swap out the battery.
Be cautious not to damage any circuits or antennas inside the case once you've removed the battery. They're likely to hold the key fob's programming to your car's specific model and tampering with them can cause it to become unprogrammable (and most likely not work). If you must move the key fobs, be cautious. Some key fobs may have fasteners which can easily pop out and scatter key fob pieces across your living space.
The case of most key fobs has a single screwdriver hole. To open it, use a tool to pry it open. But, to start by putting the tool along the outside edge of the case as you would peel an apple or orange. Do not apply too much pressure as the case of the key fob is generally made of plastic, and can crack or break with too much force.
When you're ready to replace the battery, be sure to match the size and type to your key fob. Some fobs require two batteries, while others only have one, and the incorrect battery could render your key fob remote useless.
If the problem persists, you can try again with your key fob after installing the new battery. If it doesn't then you'll need to figure out whether your device has a more complicated issue that requires a professional diagnosis and repair. You may need to have the fob reprogrammed at a dealer or buy another one.
Buttons
The tiny buttons on your key fob are small, and they're filled with delicate electronics. It's not a surprise that they're likely to fail from time time. If the car key button suddenly stops working, you can generally fix it yourself.
The most frequent reason why that a car remote stop working is due to dirt or crud has been lodged between the buttons. To remove this obstruction, carefully remove both the batteries and clean each button with a cotton swab coated with rubbing alcohol. Make sure you dry them completely before reinstalling batteries.
It's possible that your key fob is damaged in some way, like being dropped on concrete or accidentally scratched. If this is the scenario, you can test your key fob's functionality by using another one.
The door lock sensor could have stopped working in your car. This is a tiny metal piece that is attached to the door lock button on your key fob and it's not common for this sensor to break during long use or exposure to weather conditions. To reset the sensor, simply try pressing your key button several times without locking or unlocking your doors to reset it.
If all other options fail, you can test the functionality of a spare key by trying to open and close your doors with it. If the spare key doesn't work, it could be necessary to find an emergency locksmith who can provide auto key repair to get your remote operating again.
If your car key button is working but still not locking or unlocking your vehicle, you can try to re-programme your computer system. Be aware that if you've had the same key fob for some time, it's going to need to be programmed every few months to ensure it is working properly with your vehicle. It's not an ideal situation however it's much better than having to replace the remote completely.