Car Key Repair - How to Fix a Dead Remote
Car remotes offer excellent convenience for drivers. They can unlock doors, access trunks and even start the engine. However, they may stop working at inconvenient times.
If you notice that your key fob is not working, try a few simple fixes before heading to the dealership. These tips could 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 open and the engine will start. It's a convenient feature that has made the world of car driving more enjoyable and more secure. But, like all devices, the keyless entry system can be damaged by repeated use or because of other reasons. If you have problems with yours, you may either visit the dealer or call a locksmith.
Keyless entry systems operate by sending radio signals and then looking for the response signal on the key fob. If the system detects the signal, the vehicle's doors are unlocked and the computer on board is activated. Certain systems have another receiver mounted on the trunk of the car, which opens it automatically when you move your foot under it.
Each key fob comes with an individual digital identity code that's issued by the manufacturer. The fob is programmed with a proprietary process called "programming". This usually involves turning the car's ignition repeatedly in a specific sequence, and could include pulling or pushing various levers and buttons or the removal of fuse.
Once a key fob has been programmed to your specific car's keyless entry system it transmits its digital identity code along with a function code that tells the car what to do (lock or unlock the trunk, or open the trunk). The car's receiver verifies that the transmitter is who it claims to be by using an authentication and encryption procedure. If it's authorized the onboard computer unlocks the vehicle and begins the engine.
A skilled criminal could snoop and use the code transmitted between the keyfob and vehicle. This would require a device to record the transmission then retransmit it later when the system isn't expecting it. To combat this, most keyless entry systems rely on rolling code that guarantees that each new transmitter signal received by the car has a different counter value than the previous one.
Batteries
The most frequent cause of car remotes key fobs not working is the battery is dead. It's an easy and cheap fix when you have an extra key fob on hand to replace the old one with. The majority of fobs are powered by watch-style batteries, which can be purchased at big-box stores or hardware stores for less than $10. You can find directions to disassemble the key fob on the web or in your vehicle's manual.
After you've removed the battery, make sure not to damage any circuits or antennas inside the case. If you mess with them, the key fob will be unprogrammable and won't function. If you must move them, do it with care, as some key fobs come with fasteners that are able to open and scatter key fob components all over your living room.
The case of most key fobs is equipped with a single screwdriver hole. To open it, you'll need to use a pry tool. But, to start, wedge the pry tool around the outer edge of the case, just as you would when peeling an apple or orange. Do not apply too much pressure, since the case of the fob is usually made of plastic and can crack or break if you apply too excessive pressure to it.
When you're ready to replace the battery, make sure to match its size and type to your key fob. Some key fobs have two batteries while others only need one. The wrong battery can make your remote key fob useless.
After the new battery has been put installed, test your key fob again to see if it solves your issue. If it doesn't then you'll need to figure out whether your device has a more complicated issue that requires a professional diagnosis and repair. If car key and repair is the case, you might require it to be reprogrammed by a dealer, or you may need to buy a replacement key fob altogether.
Buttons
The buttons on your key fob might be small but they're loaded with electronics. It's not a surprise that they will malfunction from time to time. If your car key button suddenly ceases to function, you can generally fix it yourself.
One of the main reasons a car key remote stops working is due to dirt or dust that has lodged between the buttons. To remedy this, take out the batteries with care and clean each button using a cotton swab that is dipped in the rubbing alcohol. Be sure to dry them completely before installing the batteries.
It's possible that your key fob was damaged in some way, like being dropped on concrete or accidentally scratched. If that's the case, using a different key fob to check its functionality could reveal that the one you have been damaged and has to be replaced.
The door lock sensor could have stopped working in your vehicle. 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 during long-term usage or exposure to harsh weather conditions. To reactivate the sensor simply press your key button several times without locking or unlocking your doors to reset it.
If all other options fail, you can test the functionality of a spare key by trying to lock and unlock your doors with it. If the spare key doesn't work, you might need to contact a 24-hour locksmith who offers automobile key repair to get your remote working again.
You can change the settings on your computer if the car key fob works, but it still doesn't lock or unlock the vehicle. If you have had the same key fob a time, it may need to be reset every few months in order to continue to work with your vehicle. It's not optimal, but it's better than buying a new remote.