Car Key Repair - How to Fix a Dead Remote
Car remotes are a great convenience for drivers. They allow you to unlock doors, gain access to trunks, and even start the engine. But, these remotes sometimes cease to function at uninviable times.
Before you go to the dealer, consider some quick solutions when your key fob stops functioning. These tips could save you money.
Keyless Entry System
Instead of having to fiddle around with keys in your purse or pocket instead, walk to your car, push a button on the key fob, then unlock the doors and start the engine. It's a simple feature that makes driving a car more enjoyable and safe. But, like all devices that has a keyless entry system, the keyless entry system may be damaged by frequent use or due to other reasons. If you've experienced problems with yours, there are two options: Go to the dealership or call a local locksmith.
The way a keyless entry system works is by releasing radio signals and then looking for a corresponding response signal from the key fob. If the system recognizes the signal, it will trigger to unlock the vehicle doors and also activate the onboard computer. Certain systems include a second transmitter on the trunk of the car which opens it when you waggle your foot beneath it.
Each key fob is equipped with a unique digital identification code, which is given by the manufacturer. The fob is programmed with an exclusive process known as "programming". This involves turning the ignition of the vehicle several times in a specific sequence. It may also require pulling buttons or levers, or removing fuse.
Once a key fob has been programmed to your specific car's keyless entry system, it transmits the digital identity code as well as a function code that tells the car what to do (lock or unlock the trunk, or open the trunk). The receiver on the car checks the authenticity of the transmitter by an authentication and encryption process. If it's authorized the onboard computer unlocks the vehicle and then starts the engine.
A skilled criminal could snoop and use the code sent between the keyfob and the vehicle. This would require a special device to record the transmission and then retransmit it when the system isn't expecting it. Most keyless entry systems use rolling codes to combat this. This ensures that every new transmission signal received by a vehicle has a counter that is different from the previous one.
Batteries
A dead battery is the main reason for the car remote to not function. If you have an extra key fob it's a low-cost and simple fix. Luckily, visit link use regular watch-style batteries that are available at hardware stores or big-box retailers for $10 or less. You can find directions to disassemble the key fob on the internet or in your vehicle's manual.
Be careful not to damage any circuits or antennas inside the case once you've removed the battery. They're likely to hold the key fob's programming to your specific car, and messing with them can cause it to become unprogrammable (and most likely not work). If you need to move key fobs, be cautious. Certain key fobs could have fasteners that can easily pop out and scatter key fob pieces across your living space.
Most key fobs come with a single hole for a screwdriver or other pry tool to pop open the case. However, it's best to wedge your pry tool around the outside of the case first, just as you were peeling an orange or apple. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as the fob case is often made of plastic and can break or crack if you apply too much pressure to it.
Be sure to match the size and type of battery to your key fob when you replace it. Some key fobs come with two batteries, while others only need one. A bad battery could cause your remote to become useless.
If the issue continues it is possible to try again using your fob's key after installing the new battery. If it doesn't then you'll need to figure out if your fob has an issue that's more complex that requires a professional diagnosis and repair. If this is the case, you might need to have it reset by a dealer or buy a replacement key fob altogether.
Buttons
The buttons on your key fob are pretty small, and are filled with delicate electronics. It's not a surprise that they fail from time-to-time. The good thing is, in the event that your car's keypad fails to function, there's typically something you can do to fix it yourself.
One of the main reasons a car key remote stops working is due to dirt or dust that has accumulated between the buttons. To get rid of this issue, take off the batteries with care and clean each button using an abrasive that has been dipped into rubbing alcohol. Make sure you dry the batteries completely before reinstalling them.
It's also possible that the key fob has been damaged in some way, possibly dropped on concrete or unintentionally scratched by a sharp object. If that's the case, using another key fob to verify its function might reveal that it has simply been damaged and needs to be replaced.
Another possibility is that the door sensor for your car's lock has stopped working. This sensor is a small metal part that is attached to the key fob's door lock button. It is not uncommon for it to break due to weather conditions or long usage. To activate the sensor again just press your key button several times without locking or unlocking your doors to reset it.
If all else fails you can test the capabilities of a spare by unlocking 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 offers automobile key repair to get your remote working again.
If your car's key fob does work, and it's still not locking or unlocking your vehicle, try reprogramming your computer system. If you've used the same key fob for a time, it may need to be reprogrammed every couple of months to continue working with your vehicle. It's not the ideal situation but it's better than having to replace the remote completely.