Car Key Repair - How to Fix a Dead Remote
The car remotes are a wonderful convenience for drivers. They allow you to unlock doors, gain access to trunks and even start the engine. But, these remotes sometimes stop working at odd times.
If you notice that your key fob is no longer working, try a few quick fixes before going to the dealer. These suggestions could save you money.
Keyless Entry System
Instead of having to fiddle around with keys in your pocket or purse instead, walk up to your car, press a button on your key fob and then unlock the doors and start the engine. key repair car 's a convenient feature that has made the world of car driving more comfortable and safer. But, like all devices that has a keyless entry system, the keyless entry system may break from repeated use or because of other factors. If you've experienced problems with yours, you have two options: Go to the dealership or call the local locksmith.
Keyless entry systems operate by sending radio signals and then scouring for the response signal on the key fob. If the system is able to recognize the signal, the car's doors are unlocked and the onboard computer is activated. Some systems include an additional receiver in the car's trunk that will open automatically when you waggle your foot on it.
Each key fob is assigned a unique digital identification code by the manufacturer. A unique process of technology known as "programming" is used to make sure that the fob is set up to work with the specific car's system. This requires turning the ignition of the car repeatedly in a predetermined sequence, and could require pulling buttons or levers, or removing the fuse.
Once the key fob has been programmed into your car's keyless system it transmits a digital identity code as well as a function-code to tell the car what to (lock or unlock the trunk). The receiver on the car checks the authenticity of the transmitter by an authentication and encryption process. The computer in the car will unlock the vehicle and start the engine if it is authenticated.
There are fears that a clever criminal could intercept the code that's 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 expect it. To prevent this from happening, most keyless entry systems use rolling code that ensures that every new signal from the transmitter received by the car has a different counter value than the previous one.
Batteries
A dead battery is the most common reason for the car remote to not function. If you have an extra key fob it's a cheap and easy fix. Fortunately, most fobs utilize traditional watch-style batteries which can be purchased in hardware stores or big-box retailers for less than $10. A quick search of the internet or your vehicle's owner manual should provide instructions on how to disassemble your key fob and replace the battery.
Be cautious not to damage any circuits or antennas inside the case once you've removed your battery. If you do this the key fob could become unprogrammable and will not work. If you have to move the key fobs, be cautious. Some key fobs may have fasteners which can easily be removed and scatter key fob pieces across your living space.
The case of a majority of key fobs has a single screwdriver hole. To open it, you'll need to make use of a pry tool. However, before remote car key repairs begin, wedge the pry tool around the outer edge of the case like you would when peeling an apple or orange. Do not apply too much pressure, since the fob case is often made of plastic and may break or crack if you apply too much pressure to it.
Be sure to match the size and style of the battery to your key fob when you replace it. Certain fobs require two batteries, whereas others only have one. Using the wrong battery can render your remote key fob useless.
Once the new battery is in place, test your key fob again to see if it solves the issue. If it doesn't, you'll need to determine whether your key fob is suffering from an issue that's more complex that requires professional diagnosis and repair. If this is the case, you could require it to be changed by a dealer or purchase a new key fob entirely.
Buttons
The buttons on your key fob may be small, but they are packed with electronic components. So it's not too surprising that they're doomed to fail from time time. The good news is, when your car's key button fails to function, there's typically something you can do to fix it yourself.
The most common reason that a car remote stop working is due to dirt or crud has gotten lodged between the buttons. To get rid of this remove the batteries and clean each button using a cotton swab that has been coated with ruby alcohol. Be sure to dry them completely before reinstalling the batteries.
It's possible that your key fob is damaged in any way, for example, being dropped on concrete or accidentally scratched. If this is the case, you can test your key fob's functionality by using a different one.
The door lock sensor may have stopped working in your vehicle. It's a tiny metal component attached to the key fob's door lock button. It's not uncommon for it to break due to weather conditions or long usage. Press your key button several times without locking or unlocking your doors. This will reset the sensor.
If all else fails, you can always test the function of a spare key by opening and locking your doors using it. If the spare key doesn't 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 button works but doesn't lock or unlock the vehicle. But keep in mind that if you've used the same key fob for some time, it's likely to need to be programmed every few months to ensure it remains in sync with your vehicle. It's not optimal, but it's better than having to purchase a new remote.