Car Key Repair - How to Fix a Dead Remote
Car remotes offer great convenience to drivers. They can unlock doors, access trunks and even start the engine. However, they may stop working at odd times.
Before car remote key repair near me visit the dealer, you can try a few quick fixes when your key fob stops functioning. These steps may save you money.
Keyless Entry System
Instead of fumbling around with keys in your purse or pocket, you can simply walk to your car, push an icon on the key fob, then unlock the doors and start the engine. It's an easy feature that makes driving a car more relaxing and secure. But, like all devices, the keyless entry system may break from repeated use or because of other factors. If you are having issues with your system, you can either go to the dealer or contact an locksmith.
A keyless entry system operates by sending radio signals, and then scouring for the response signal from the key fob. If the system is able to recognize the signal, it's triggered to open the doors of the vehicle and also activate the computer onboard. key fob repair near me have an additional receiver in the trunk of the car that opens it automatically when you move your foot under it.
Each key fob is assigned an unique identification code by the manufacturer. The fob is programmed by a proprietary process called "programming". This typically involves turning the ignition of the car multiple times in a particular sequence, and could include pulling or pushing different buttons and levers, or taking out fuses.
Once a 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 car's receiver checks the authenticity of the transmitter by 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 transmitted between the keyfob's and the vehicle. This would require a device to record the transmission then retransmit it in the event that the system doesn't anticipate it. To combat this issue, the majority of keyless entry systems rely on rolling code that guarantees that each new transmitter signal received by the car has a different counter than the previous one.
Batteries
A dead battery is the most common reason for the car remote to not work. It's a cheap and easy fix when you have another key fob at hand to replace the old one with. The majority of fobs are powered by watch-style batteries, which are available at big-box stores or hardware stores for less than $10. A quick search of the internet or in your vehicle's owner's manual will provide directions on how to disassemble the fob that you have been using and replace the battery.
Be careful not to harm any of the circuits or antennas within the case after you have removed the battery. They are likely holding the key fob's program to your car's specific model, and messing with them will make it 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 have one hole that can be used with the screwdriver or another pry tool to open the case, but it's a good idea to wedge your pry tool around the outside of the case first, just as you were peeling an apple or orange. Do not apply too much pressure, as the case of the key fob is typically constructed of plastic and could break or crack if you apply too excessive force to it.
Make sure you ensure that the size and type of the battery to your key fob when you replace it. Some key fobs have two batteries while others require one. A bad battery could make your remote key fob useless.
After the new battery has been put in place, try using your key fob once more to see if it fixes the issue. If not it, you'll have to determine whether your key fob is suffering from a more complicated issue that requires a professional diagnosis and repair. You may need to have the fob reprogrammed at the dealer or purchase an entirely new one.
Buttons
The buttons on your key fob are tiny, and packed with delicate electronic components. It's not a surprise that they'll fail from time-to-time. If the car key button suddenly stops working, you'll be able to typically fix it yourself.
One of the most common reasons a car key remote stops working is due to dirt or dust that has become lodged between the buttons. To remedy this, take out the batteries in a careful manner and clean each button using a cotton swab that is dipped in the rubbing alcohol. Be sure to dry the buttons completely before reinstalling them.
It's possible that your key fob was damaged in some way, such as being dropped on concrete or accidentally scratched. If this is the case using a different key fob to test its functionality could reveal that the one you have been damaged and has to be replaced.
Another possibility is that the door sensor for your car's lock isn't working anymore. It's a tiny, metal piece that is attached to the door lock button on your key fob and it's not common for this sensor to break during prolonged use or exposure to weather conditions. Press your key button a few times without locking or unlocking your doors. This resets the sensor.
If all else fails you can always test the functionality of a spare key by opening and locking your doors using it. If the spare key doesn't work, you may have to contact a locksmith on call 24 hours a day who can repair your car keys to make your remote work again.
You can reprogram your computer if the car key fob works however it doesn't lock or unlock the vehicle. However, keep in mind that if you've had the same key fob for some time, it's likely to need to be programmed every couple of months to ensure it continues to work properly with your vehicle. It's not an ideal situation but it's better than having to replace the remote completely.