Car Key Repair - How to Fix a Dead Remote
Car remotes offer great convenience to drivers. They can unlock doors, open trunks, and even start the engine. These remotes are prone to malfunction at the most inconvenient instances.
Before you go to the dealer, try some quick fixes when your key fob stops functioning. These steps may save you money.
Keyless Entry System
You don't have to look for keys in your pockets or purse. Simply walk up to your vehicle, press the button on the keyfob, and the doors will unlock and the engine will start. It's a convenient feature that has made the world of driving a car more enjoyable and more secure. The keyless entry system, like any other device, could be damaged by repeated use or by other causes. If you have problems with your system, you can either visit the dealer or call an locksmith.
The way a keyless entry system functions is by sending out radio signals, and then searching for a response signal from the key fob. If the system can recognize the signal, it triggers to unlock the car doors and activate the onboard computer. Some systems have another receiver mounted on the trunk of the car, which opens it automatically when you move your foot underneath it.
Each key fob has a unique digital identification code that is given by the manufacturer. A specific process of technology called "programming" is used to make sure that the fob is set up to work with the specific car's system. This usually involves turning the car's ignition multiple times in a particular sequence and may also involve pushing or pulling various buttons and levers or the removal of fuse.
Once a key fob has been programmed into your car's keyless system it transmits a digital identification code and a function code that instruct the car to (lock or unlock the trunk). The car's receiver confirms that the transmitter is the person it claims to be using an authentication and encryption procedure. The onboard computer will unlock the vehicle and start the engine if it is authenticated.
There are concerns that a criminal with a sly approach could intercept the code transmitted between the key fob and the car. This would require a specific device to record the transmission then retransmit it later when the system isn't expecting it. To prevent this from happening, most keyless entry systems use rolling code, which ensures that each new transmitter signal received by the car has a different counter than the previous one.
Batteries
The most frequent cause of the car remote key fob not working is the battery is dead. It's an easy and cheap fix in the event that you have an extra key fob on in your possession to replace the previous one with. Most fobs are powered with watch-style batteries that can be bought at big-box stores or hardware stores for less than $10. A quick search of the internet or in your vehicle's owner's manual should give you instructions on how you can disassemble the fob that you have been using and swap out the battery.
After you've removed the battery, be sure not to disrupt any of the circuits or antennas in the case. They're likely to hold the key fob's programming to your specific car and tampering with them can cause it to become unprogrammable (and likely to fail). If you need to move key fobs, take care. 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 one screwdriver hole. To open it, use a tool to pry it open. However, before you begin you must push the tool around the outer edge of the case as you would peel an orange or apple. Do not apply too much pressure, as the case of the key fob is typically made of plastic and can crack or break if you apply too much force to it.
Make sure you match the size and type of the battery to your key fob when you replace it. Some fobs require two batteries, whereas others only have one. The wrong battery can quickly render your key fob remote useless.
If the issue persists then you can try it again using your key fob after installing the new battery. If it doesn't work you'll have to determine if the fob is suffering from a more complex issue that requires a specialist diagnosis. You may need to have your key fob reprogrammed by an authorized dealer or purchase a new one.
Buttons
The buttons on your key fob are small, and are packed with delicate electronic components. It's not a surprise that they're likely to fail from time time. The good news is that if your car key button fails to function, there's typically something you can do to fix it yourself.
The most common reason the car remote stops functioning is due to dirt or crud has been trapped between the button. To remedy this, take out the batteries carefully and scrub each button with the help of a cotton swab which has been submerged in the rubbing alcohol. Be sure to dry them thoroughly prior to replacing the batteries.
It's possible that the key fob was damaged somehow, perhaps dropped on concrete, or perhaps scratched by a sharp object. If this is the situation, you can check the functionality of your key fob by using a different one.
The door lock sensor might have stopped working in your vehicle. The sensor is a tiny metal piece that is connected 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 functionality of a spare key by trying to open and close your doors with it. If the spare key does not work, it might be necessary to find a 24-hour locksmith that offers car key repair to get your remote working again.
You can change the settings on your computer if your car's key button works however it does not lock or unlock the vehicle. However, keep in car remote key repair near me that if you've owned the same key fob for some time, it's going to need to be programmed each few months to ensure it is working properly with your vehicle. It's not the most ideal solution, but it's better than having to purchase a new remote.