Car Key Repair - How to Fix a Dead Remote
Car remotes provide a excellent convenience for drivers. They can unlock doors, open trunks and even start the engine. These remotes are prone to malfunction at the most inconvenient of times.
If you discover that your key fob not working, you can try a few quick fixes before going to the dealer. These steps may save you money.
Keyless Entry System
You don't have to look for keys in your purse or pockets. Just walk to your car, push the button on the keyfob and the doors will be opened and the engine will start. It's a useful feature that has made the experience of car driving more comfortable and more secure. The keyless entry system, like any other device, may be damaged through repeated use or by other elements. If you are having issues with your system, you can either visit the dealer or phone an locksmith.
The way that a keyless entry system operates is by sending out radio signals and then looking for a response signal from the key fob. If the system is able to recognize the signal, it triggers to open the doors of the vehicle and also activate the computer onboard. Some systems have another receiver mounted on the trunk of the car that opens automatically when you move your foot underneath it.
Each key fob is assigned a unique digital identification code by the manufacturer. The fob is programmed using a proprietary process called "programming". remote key repair involves turning the ignition of the vehicle several times in a specific sequence, and could require pushing or pulling levers or buttons or even removing the fuse.
Once a key fob has been programmed to the vehicle's keyless entry system it transmits its digital identification code as well as a function code that tells the car what to do (lock in, unlock or open the trunk). The car's receiver verifies that the transmitter is the person it claims to be using an authentication and encryption procedure. The computer in the car will unlock the vehicle and start the engine when it is authorized.
A skilled criminal could snoop and then use the code that is transmitted between the keyfob and vehicle. This requires an instrument that records the transmission, and then retransmits it in the event that the system doesn't want it. To help combat this, most keyless entry systems use the rolling code method that ensures that every new transmitter signal received by the vehicle has a different counter value than the previous one.
Batteries
A dead battery is the most frequent reason for car remotes not to function. If you have an extra key fob, it's a cheap and easy fix. Fortunately, the majority of fobs have traditional watch-style batteries which are sold at big-box stores or hardware retailers for less than $10. You can find directions to disassemble your key fob on the internet or in your vehicle's manual.
Be cautious not to damage any circuits or antennas inside the case after you've removed your battery. They're likely to hold the key fob's programming to your particular car and tampering with them will render it unprogrammable (and probably not work). If you have to move the key fobs, take care. Some key fobs may come with fasteners that are able to pop out and scatter key fob pieces all over your living space.
The case of most key fobs has one screwdriver hole. To open it, you'll need to use a tool to pry it open. To begin you must push the tool around the outer edge of the case like you would when peeling an apple or orange. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, since the case of the fob is usually constructed of plastic and could break or crack 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 come with two batteries, while others only require one. The wrong battery could render your remote keyfob useless.
After the new battery has been put installed, test your key fob for the second time to see if it fixes your issue. If this doesn't work then you'll have to determine if the fob is suffering from an issue that is more complicated and requires a professional diagnosis. You may have to have the key fob reset at the dealer or purchase another one.
Buttons
The buttons on your key fob may be small however they're packed with electronics. It's not a surprise that they will fail from time-to-time. If the car key button suddenly ceases to function, you can generally fix it yourself.
One of the most frequent reasons that a car key remote fails to function is due to dirt or dust that has lodged between the buttons. To remove this obstruction remove the batteries and clean each button with a cotton swab coated with ruby alcohol. Be sure to dry the batteries completely before reinstalling them.
It's also possible that the key fob has been damaged somehow, perhaps dropped on concrete, or perhaps scratched by a sharp object. If this is the scenario, you can test the function of your key fob using a different one.
The door lock sensor might have stopped working in your vehicle. It's a tiny metal part that's connected to the door lock button on your key fob and it's not uncommon for this sensor to break after long use or exposure to extreme weather conditions. Press your key button several times without locking or unlocking your doors. This will reset the sensor.
If all other options fail, you can always check the functioning of the spare key by attempting to lock and unlock your doors with it. If the spare key does not work, you might need to call a locksmith 24 hours a day who provides repair of car keys to make your remote work again.
You can change the settings on your computer if your car key fob works, but it still does not lock or unlock the vehicle. Be aware that if you've used the same key fob for a long time, it's going to need to be programmed every few months to ensure it continues to work properly with your vehicle. It's not the ideal situation but it's better than having to replace the remote completely.