Car Key Repair - How to Fix a Dead Remote
Car remotes are an excellent convenience for drivers. They can unlock doors, open trunks and even start the car. These remotes are prone to malfunction at the most inconvenient of instances.
Before you head to the dealer, consider some quick solutions in case your key fob isn't functioning. These tips could save you money.
Keyless Entry System
Instead of having to fiddle around with keys in your pocket or purse Instead of fumbling around with keys in your purse or pocket, you can walk up to your car, hit an icon on the key fob and then unlock the doors and start the engine. It's an easy feature that makes driving a car more comfortable and safe. But just like any device it's possible that the keyless entry system can break from frequent use or due to other factors. If you've experienced problems with yours, you have two options: Go to the dealership or call an emergency locksmith in your area.
The way a keyless entry system works is by releasing radio signals and then looking for a corresponding response signal from the key fob. If the system is able to recognize the signal, it will trigger to unlock the vehicle doors and also activate the computer onboard. Some systems have a second transmitter on the trunk of the car which opens it when you waggle a foot under it.
Each key fob comes with an unique digital identification code that is given by the manufacturer. A specific process of technology called "programming" is used to set the fob up to work with the specific car's system. This usually involves turning on the car's ignition repeatedly in a specific sequence, and could also involve pushing or pulling various buttons and levers or taking out fuses.
Once key fob repairs is programmed into your car's keyless system, it transmits a digital identity code as well as a function-code to instruct the car on what to do (lock, unlock or open the trunk). The car's receiver confirms that the transmitter is the person it claims to be through an authentication and encryption procedure. If it's authorized, the onboard computer unlocks vehicle and starts the engine.
There are concerns that a clever criminal could intercept the code transmitted between the key fob and the car. This will require a special device that records the transmission and then retransmits it later when the system doesn't anticipate it to. To help combat this issue, the majority of keyless entry systems rely on a method called rolling code, which ensures that each new signal from the transmitter received by the vehicle has a different counter than the previous one.
Batteries
The most frequent cause of a car remote key fob not working is the battery is dead. It's an easy and cheap fix in the event that you have another key fob at in your possession to replace the previous one with. Fortunately, the majority of fobs have traditional watch-style batteries which are sold in hardware stores or big-box retailers for $10 or less. You can find instructions to disassemble your key fob by searching the web or in your vehicle's manual.
Be careful not to damage any antennas or circuits in the case after you have removed the battery. If you do this the key fob will be unprogrammable and won't work. If you have to move them, do so very gently as some key fobs come with fasteners that can easily pop open and scatter key fob parts throughout your living space.
The case of most key fobs has one screwdriver hole. To open it, you can use a tool to pry it open. However, before you begin you must push the tool along the outside edge of the case like you would do when peeling an apple or orange. Do not apply too much pressure, as the fob case is often made of plastic and can break or crack if apply too excessive pressure to it.
When you're ready for replacing the battery, make sure to match its size and type to your key fob. Some key fobs have two batteries while others require one. The wrong battery can cause your remote to become useless.
After the new battery is installed, test your key fob for the second time to see if the battery has fixed your issue. If it doesn't then you'll need to figure out whether your key fob is suffering from an issue that is more complex and requires a professional diagnosis and repair. You may have to have your key fob reprogrammed at the dealer or purchase another one.
Buttons
The buttons on your key fob could be small, but they are packed with electronics. Therefore, it's not surprising that they're likely to fail from time time. If the button on your car's ignition suddenly stops working, you can usually fix it yourself.
One of the main reasons why a car key remote fails to function is due to dirt or dust that has become lodged between the buttons. To get rid of this take care to remove both batteries and clean each button by using a cotton swab, that has been dipped in ruby alcohol. Make sure you dry them completely before reinstalling batteries.
It's possible that your key fob has been damaged in any way, for example, being dropped on concrete or accidentally scratched. If that's the case, using another key fob to test its functionality may reveal that yours has simply been damaged and needs to be replaced.
Another possibility is that the door lock sensor in your vehicle isn't working anymore. It's a tiny metal part that is 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 will reset the sensor.
If all else fails you can test the capabilities of a spare by unlocking and locking your doors using it. If the spare key does not work, it might be necessary to locate an 24 hour locksmith that can offer car key repair to get your remote operating again.
If the car key button is working, but it's still not locking or unlocking your vehicle, try to reprogram your computer system. If you've used the same key fob for a while, it may need to be reset every few months to continue working with your vehicle. It's not the ideal situation however it's much better than having to replace your remote completely.