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 car. However, they can cease to function at uninviable times.
If you discover that your key fob is not working, you can try a few fixes before heading to the dealer. remote key fob repair could save you money.
Keyless Entry System
There's no need to search for keys in your purse or pockets. Just walk to your vehicle, press the button on the keyfob, and the doors will open and the engine will begin. It's a convenient feature that has made the world of driving a car more enjoyable and more secure. But, like all devices, the keyless entry system may be damaged by frequent use or due to other reasons. If you're having problems with yours, you may either go to the dealer or contact an locksmith.
The way that a keyless entry system operates is by sending radio signals, and then searching for a corresponding response signal from the key fob. If the system detects the signal, the vehicle's doors are not locked and the onboard computer is activated. Certain systems have a second transmitter on the trunk of the car which opens when you move one foot underneath it.
Each key fob is equipped with a unique digital identity code that's issued by the manufacturer. A proprietary technical process called "programming" is used to configure the fob to work with the specific car's system. This involves turning on the ignition of the vehicle several times in a specific sequence. It may also require pulling buttons or levers, or even removing the fuse.
When a key fob is programmed to your specific car's keyless entry system, it transmits its digital identification code, along with an operation code that tells the car what to do (lock, unlock or open the trunk). The receiver on the car verifies the transmitter's identity through an authentication and encryption process. If it's authorized, the onboard computer unlocks the vehicle and begins the engine.
There are fears that a criminal with a sly approach could intercept the code transmitted between the key fob and the car. This requires an instrument that records the transmission and then retransmits it later in the event that the system doesn't want it to. Most keyless entry systems use rolling codes to combat this. This ensures that each new transmission signal received by a vehicle has a counter value that is different from the previous one.
Batteries
A dead battery is the most common reason for car remotes not to function. It's an easy and cheap fix if you have a spare key fob on hand to replace the old one with. Most fobs are powered by watch-style batteries, which can be bought at big-box stores or hardware stores for less than $10. A quick search of the internet or your vehicle's owner manual should provide instructions on how you can disassemble the fob that you have been using and swap out the battery.
Be careful not to damage any of the circuits or antennas within the case after you've removed your battery. If you mess with them the key fob could become unprogrammable and will not function. If you have to move the key fobs, be careful. Certain key fobs could have fasteners that can easily open and scatter key fob pieces across your living space.
Most key fobs come with one hole that can be used with the screwdriver or another pry tool to open the case, but it's best to put your tool on the outside of the case first, just as you would peeling an orange or apple. Don't apply too much pressure, since the case of the key fob is typically made of plastic and can break or crack if you apply too much pressure to it.
Be sure to match the size and style of the battery to the key fob when replacing it. Some key fobs come with two batteries while others need one. The wrong battery can cause your remote to become useless.
After the new battery is in place, test your key fob again to see if it fixes your issue. If this doesn't work, you will be required to determine if your fob is suffering from a more complex issue that requires professional diagnosis. If remote key fob repair is the case, you could need to have it changed by a dealer or you may need to purchase a new key fob entirely.
Buttons
The buttons on your key fob are tiny, and packed with delicate electronics. So it's not too surprising that they're destined to fail from time to time. The good news is, when your car's key button stops functioning, there's usually something you can do to fix it yourself.
The most common reason a car remote key stops working is due to dirt or crud have stuck between the buttons. To fix this, remove the batteries in a careful manner and clean each button using the help of a cotton swab which has been dipped into rubbing alcohol. Make sure to dry them thoroughly prior to replacing the batteries.
It's possible that your key fob was damaged in any way, for example, being dropped on concrete or accidentally scratched. If this is the case, using a different key fob to verify its function could reveal that the one you have been damaged and has to be replaced.
Another possibility is that the door lock sensor in your vehicle isn't working anymore. It's a tiny metal piece that is attached to the door lock button on your key fob, and it's not uncommon for this sensor to break following long-term use or exposure to weather conditions. Press your key button several times without locking or unlocking your doors. This resets the sensor.
If nothing else works, you can always test the functionality of a spare by unlocking and locking your doors using it. If the spare key doesn't work, it may be necessary to find a 24-hour locksmith that offers auto key repair to get your remote working again.
If your car key button is working but still not locking or unlocking your vehicle, you can try to reprogram your computer system. If you've used the same key fob a time, it may need to be reset every few months to continue to work with your vehicle. automotive key repair 's not the most ideal solution, but it's better than having to purchase another remote.