Car Key Repair - How to Fix a Dead Remote
Car remotes provide a great convenience to drivers. They can unlock doors, open trunks and even start the car. But, these remotes sometimes cease to function at uninviable times.
Before you head to the dealer, try some quick solutions when your key fob stops functioning. These tips could save you money.
Keyless Entry System
You don't have to look for keys in your purse or pockets. Just walk to your vehicle, press 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 safer. The keyless entry system, as any other device, can be damaged by repeated use or by other factors. If you've encountered issues with yours, you have two options: visit the dealership or contact an emergency locksmith in your area.
Keyless entry systems operate by sending radio signals, and then looking for a response signal from a key fob. If the system is able to recognize the signal, the vehicle's doors are opened and the computer on board is activated. Certain systems include an additional transmitter in the trunk of the car that opens when you move your foot beneath it.
Each key fob comes with an individual digital identification code that is issued by the manufacturer. The fob is programmed with an exclusive process known as "programming". This involves turning on the ignition of the vehicle repeatedly in a predetermined sequence, and may also require pulling buttons or levers or levers or removing the fuse.
When a key fob is programmed to your specific vehicle's keyless entry system it transmits its digital identity code along with an operation code that tells the car what to do (lock, unlock, or open the trunk). The receiver in the car confirms that the transmitter is who it claims to be using an authentication and encryption process. If it is authorized, the onboard computer unlocks vehicle and then starts the engine.
There are concerns that a skilled criminal could intercept the code transmitted between the key fob and the car. This would require the use of an instrument that records the transmission, and then transmits it again when the system doesn't expect it. The majority of keyless entry systems employ rolling codes to stop this. This ensures that each new signal from a transmitter received by a vehicle has a counter value that differs from the previous one.
Batteries
A dead battery is the most common reason for the car remote to not work. If you have an extra key fob, it's a low-cost and simple fix. Most fobs are powered by watch-style batteries that can be purchased at big-box stores or hardware stores for less than $10. A quick search on 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.
After you've removed the battery, be sure not to disrupt any circuits or antennas inside the case. They're likely to hold the key fob's programming to your specific car, and messing with them can cause it to become impossible to program (and likely to fail). If you have to move the key fobs, take care. Certain key fobs could have fasteners which can easily open and scatter key fob pieces across your living space.
Most key fobs have one hole that can be used with an screwdriver or similar tool to pop open the case, but it's a good idea to use your tool to wedge it around the outside of the case first, just as you would peeling an orange or apple. Be careful not to apply too much pressure as the case of the key fob is usually composed of plastic and is susceptible to breaking or cracking when you apply too excessive force.
Make sure you match the size and style of battery to your key fob when replacing it. Some key fobs come with two batteries while others need one. The wrong battery could render your remote keyfob useless.
Once the new battery is in place, try using your key fob for the second time to see if it solves your issue. If it doesn't work you'll have to determine if the fob is experiencing a more complex issue that requires professional diagnosis. If this is the case, you could require it to be changed by a dealer or buy a replacement key fob completely.
Buttons
The buttons on your key fob may be tiny however they're packed with electronic components. It's not a surprise that they'll occasionally fail. If the button on your car's ignition suddenly stops working, you'll be able to generally fix it yourself.
One of the most common reasons why a car key remote stops working is that dirt or crud has accumulated between the buttons. To clear this up take care to remove both batteries and scrub each button using a cotton swab that has been coated with rubbing alcohol. Make sure to dry them thoroughly before installing the batteries.
It's also possible that the key fob has been damaged in some way, possibly dropped on concrete or accidentally damaged by something sharp. 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. It's a tiny metal part that's connected to the door lock button on your key fob and it's not unusual for the sensor to break after long use or exposure to extreme weather conditions. To reset the sensor just press your key button a few times without locking or unlocking your doors to reset it.
If all else fails, you can always test the functionality of a spare key by opening and locking your doors with it. If the spare key does not work, it might be necessary to find an emergency locksmith who can provide automobile key repair in order to make your remote work 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 car key immobiliser repair have had the same key fob a while, it may need to be reprogrammed every couple of months to continue to work with your vehicle. It's not ideal, but it is better than having to purchase an entirely new remote.