Car Key Repair - How to Fix a Dead Remote

Car remotes provide a great convenience to drivers. They allow you to unlock doors, gain access to trunks and even start the engine. But, these remotes sometimes stop working at inconvenient times.

Before you go to the dealer, try some quick solutions when your key fob stops functioning. auto key repair near me Links to an external site. could save you money.

Keyless Entry System

Instead of having to fiddle around with keys in your purse or pocket, you can simply stroll up to your car, hit an icon on the key fob, and then open the doors and start the engine. It's a practical feature that has made the world of car driving more comfortable and more secure. But, like all devices it's possible that the keyless entry system may fail due to frequent use or due to other factors. If you've experienced problems with yours, you have two options: Visit the dealership or call an emergency locksmith in your area.

The way that a keyless entry system operates is by sending radio signals and then searching for a response signal from 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 transmitter located in the trunk of the car which opens when you move your foot beneath it.

Each key fob has an individual digital identification code, which is assigned by the manufacturer. The fob is programmed with an exclusive process known as "programming". This usually involves turning the car's ignition multiple times in a particular sequence and may also require pulling or pushing various levers and buttons or the removal of fuses.

Once a key fob is programmed to the car's keyless entry system, it transmits the digital identity code along with a function code that instructs the car what to do (lock or unlock the trunk or open the trunk). The receiver in the car confirms that the transmitter is who it claims to be using an authentication and encryption procedure. The computer on board will unlock the vehicle and start the engine when it is authorized.

A skilled criminal could snoop and use the code transmitted between the keyfob and the vehicle. This will require a device that records the transmission, and then retransmits it when the system doesn't expect it to. Most keyless entry systems utilize rolling codes to prevent this. This ensures that each new transmission signal received by a vehicle has a counter that is different from the previous one.

Batteries

The most frequent cause of car remotes key fobs not working is an inoperative battery. If you have an extra key fob, it's a cheap and easy fix. Most fobs are powered by watches-style batteries, which are available at big-box stores or hardware stores for less than $10. You can find instructions to disassemble your key fob by searching the web or in your vehicle's manual.


Be careful not to damage any antennas or circuits in the case after you've removed the battery. If you make a mess of them, the key fob will become unprogrammable and will not work. 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 pieces across your living room.

The case of the majority of key fobs has a single screwdriver hole. To open it, make use of a pry tool. However, before you begin by putting the tool along the outside edge of the case as you would do when peeling an orange or apple. Don't apply too much pressure as the case of the key fob is usually constructed of plastic and is susceptible to breaking or cracking when you exert too excessive force.

If you're ready to replace the battery, be sure to match its size and type to your key fob. Certain fobs require two batteries, while others only have one, and the wrong battery can make your remote key fob ineffective.

After the new battery is in place, try using your key fob again to see if the battery has fixed the issue. If this fails you'll be required to determine if your fob is experiencing a more complex issue that requires a specialist diagnosis. If this is the case, you may need to have it reset by a dealer or purchase a replacement key fob entirely.

Buttons

The buttons on your key fob may be small however they're packed with electronic components. It's not a surprise that they'll malfunction from time to time. If the button on your car's ignition suddenly ceases to function, you can usually fix it yourself.

One of the most common reasons why a car key remote doesn't work is because dirt or grit has become lodged between the buttons. To get rid of this remove the batteries and scrub each button using a cotton swab that has been that has been dipped in alcohol rubbing. 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 perhaps damaged by something sharp. If this is the scenario, you can test the functionality of your key fob by using a different one.

The door lock sensor might have stopped working in your vehicle. It's a tiny metal piece that is attached to the door lock button on your key fob and it's not uncommon for this sensor to break during long-term use or exposure to extreme weather conditions. To reactivate the sensor, simply try pressing your key button several times without locking or unlocking your doors to reset it.

If nothing else works, you can test the capabilities of a spare by unlocking and locking your doors using it. If the spare key does not work, it may be necessary to locate an 24 hour locksmith that can offer auto key repair to make your remote work again.

If your car key button is working, but it's still not locking or unlocking your vehicle, you may try to reprogram your computer system. If you've had the same key fob for a time, it might need to be reprogrammed every couple of months to to work with your vehicle. This isn't the best option however it's much better than having to replace the remote completely.