Car Key Repair - How to Fix a Dead Remote
The car remotes are an excellent convenience for drivers. They can unlock doors, access trunks and even start the engine. However, they can stop working at inconvenient times.
Before key repairs visit the dealer, try some quick fixes in case your key fob isn't functioning. These steps may save you money.
Keyless Entry System
There's no need to search for keys in your pockets or purse. Just walk up to your car, press the button on the keyfob, and the doors will open and the engine will get started. It's a convenient feature that has made the experience of car driving more comfortable and more secure. But, like all devices it's possible that the keyless entry system could fail due to repeated use or due to other reasons. If you are having issues with yours, you may either go to the dealer or contact a locksmith.
Keyless entry systems operate by sending radio signals and then scouring for the response signal from a key fob. If the system is able to recognize the signal, the vehicle's doors are unlocked and the onboard computer activated. Some systems have a second transmitter on the trunk of the car which opens it when you waggle one foot underneath it.
Each key fob is given a unique digital identification code by the manufacturer. The fob is programmed using a unique process called "programming". This requires turning the ignition of the car several times in a specific sequence, and may also require pulling buttons or levers or levers or even removing the fuse.
Once a key fob is programmed to your car's keyless entry system it transmits the digital identity code as well as an operation code that tells the car what to do (lock or unlock the trunk or open the trunk). The car's receiver confirms the identity of the transmitter through an authentication and encryption process. If it's authorized the onboard computer unlocks vehicle and then starts the engine.
A savvy criminal could steal and use the code sent between the keyfob and vehicle. This would require the use of a device that records the transmission, and then transmits it again when the system doesn't expect it. Most keyless entry systems utilize the rolling code method to stop this. This ensures that each new transmitter signal received by a car has a counter that differs from the previous one.
Batteries
The most frequent reason for car remotes key fobs not working is the battery is dead. It's a cheap and easy fix when you have a spare key fob on in your possession to replace the previous one with. The majority of fobs are powered by watches-style batteries, which can be bought at big-box stores or hardware stores for less than $10. You can find instructions to disassemble your key fob on the internet or in your vehicle's manual.
After you've removed the battery, make sure not to damage any antennas or circuits within the case. They're likely to be holding the key fob's program to your car's specific model, and messing with them will render it impossible to program (and likely to fail). If you must move them, do it very gently, as some key fobs come with fasteners that can easily pop open and scatter key fob parts throughout your living space.
The majority of key fobs have one hole that allows an screwdriver or similar tool to pop open the case, but it's best to wedge your pry tool around the outside of the case first, like you were peeling an orange or apple. Do not apply too much pressure, as the fob case is often made of plastic and can crack or break if you apply too much pressure to it.
When you're ready for replacing the battery, make sure to match the size and type to the key fob. Some key fobs come with two batteries while others only require one. A bad battery could make your remote key fob useless.
Once the new battery is installed, test your key fob again to see if the battery has fixed your 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. You may need to have the key fob reprogrammed by a dealer or buy an entirely new one.
Buttons
The little buttons on your key fob are tiny, and packed with delicate electronics. It's not surprising that they'll occasionally fail. The good thing is, when your car's key button fails to function, there's typically something you can do to fix it yourself.
One of the main reasons why a car key remote fails to function is because dirt or grit has lodged between the buttons. To get rid of this remove the batteries and scrub each button using a cotton swab that has been dipped in rubbing alcohol. Make sure to dry them thoroughly prior to replacing the batteries.
It's possible that the key fob has been damaged by accident, such as being dropped on concrete, or perhaps scratched by a sharp object. If that's the case, using an alternative key fob to test its functionality may reveal that yours has been damaged and has to be replaced.
Another possibility is that the door sensor for your car's lock isn't working anymore. The sensor is a tiny metal part that is attached to the key fob's door lock button. It is not common for it to fail due to weather conditions or extended 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 does not work, you might need to call a locksmith 24 hours a day who provides repair of car keys to make your remote work again.
If your car key button is working but still not locking or unlocking the vehicle, try reprogramming your computer system. If you've used the same key fob a while, it may need to be reset every few months in order to to work with your vehicle. It's not the most ideal solution, but it's better than having to purchase another remote.