11 Ways To Completely Sabotage Your Remote Car Key Repair
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.
Before you go to the dealer, you can try a few quick solutions if your key fob stops working. These suggestions could save you money.
Keyless Entry System
Rather than needing to fumble around with keys in your pocket or purse, you can simply walk to your car, press a button on the key fob and then unlock the doors and start the engine. It's an easy feature that makes driving a car more relaxing and safe. But just like any device it's possible that the keyless entry system may fail due to repeated use or due to other factors. If you're having problems with yours, you may either visit the dealer or phone an locksmith.
Keyless entry systems work by sending radio signals, and then searching for the response signal on the key fob. If the system is able to recognize the signal, it triggers to unlock the car doors and also activate the onboard computer. Some systems have a second transmitter on the trunk of the car that opens when you move a foot under it.
Each key fob has an individual digital identification code, which is given by the manufacturer. A proprietary technical process called "programming" is used to make sure that the fob is set up with a specific car's system. This requires turning the ignition of the car repeatedly in a predetermined sequence. It may also require pulling buttons or levers or levers or removing fuse.
Once repair car keys is programmed to the vehicle's keyless entry system it transmits its digital identification code along with a function code that tells the car what to do (lock, unlock, 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 computer on board unlocks the vehicle and begins the engine.
There are concerns that a skilled criminal could intercept the code transmitted between the key fob and the car. This would require the use of a special device that records the transmission, and then retransmits it later when the system doesn't anticipate it. To combat this issue, the majority of keyless entry systems use the rolling code method, which ensures that each new signal from the transmitter received by the vehicle has a different counter than the previous one.
Batteries
The most frequent cause of a car remote key fob not working is an inoperative battery. If you have an extra key fob, it's a simple and inexpensive fix. Most fobs are powered with watch-style batteries that can be bought at hardware stores or big-box stores for less than $10. You can find directions to disassemble your key fob on the web or in your vehicle's manual.
After you've removed the battery, be sure not to damage any circuits or antennas inside the case. They're likely to be holding the key fob's programming to your specific car, and messing with them can cause it to become unprogrammable (and likely to fail). If you have to move the key fobs, take care. Certain key fobs could come with fasteners that are able to pop out and scatter key fob pieces all over your living space.
Most key fobs come with one hole that allows a screwdriver or other pry tool to pop open the case, but it's best to wedge your pry tool around the outside of the case first, as if you were peeling an apple or orange. Don't apply too much pressure as the case of the key fob is usually made of plastic, and it is prone to break or crack with too excessive force.
Be sure to match the size and style of the battery to the key fob when replacing it. Some key fobs require two batteries, whereas others only have one. Using the incorrect battery could make your key fob remote useless.
If the issue continues it is possible to try again using your key fob after installing the new battery. If this doesn't work then you'll have to determine if the fob is experiencing a more complex issue that requires a specialist diagnosis. It could be necessary to have the key fob reset at an authorized dealer or purchase another one.
Buttons
The buttons on your key fob may be tiny, but they are packed with 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.
The most frequent reason why a car remote key stops working is due to dirt or crud has gotten stuck between the button. 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 them completely before replacing the batteries.
It's possible that your key fob was damaged in some way, like being dropped on concrete or accidentally scratched. If this is the situation, you can check the function of your key fob using another one.
Another possibility is that the door lock sensor in your vehicle isn't working anymore. It's a tiny metal component that's attached to the door lock button on your key fob and it's not unusual for the sensor to break after prolonged use or exposure to extreme 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 function of a spare key by unlocking and locking your doors using it. If the spare key doesn't work, it might be necessary to locate a 24-hour locksmith that offers car key repair to get your remote operating again.
You can reprogram your computer if the car key button works, but it still does not lock or unlock the vehicle. If you have had the same key fob a time, it might need to be reprogrammed every few months in order to continue to work with your vehicle. It's not an ideal situation however it's much better than having to replace the remote completely.