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Car Key Repair - How to Fix a Dead Remote
The car remotes are a great convenience for drivers. They can unlock doors, open trunks and even start the car. But, these remotes sometimes cease to function at uninviable times.
If you discover that your key fob is not working, you can try a few quick fixes before going to the dealer. key repairs could save you money.
Keyless Entry System
You don't need to search for keys in your purse or pockets. Just walk to your car, push the button on the keyfob, and the doors will be opened and the engine will begin. It's a useful feature that has made the experience of car driving more enjoyable and more secure. The keyless entry system, just like any other device, may be damaged by repeated use or by other elements. If you've experienced problems with your keyless entry system, there are two options: Visit the dealer or contact the local locksmith.
The way a keyless entry system functions is by sending radio signals and then looking for a corresponding response signal from the key fob. If the system detects the signal, the car's doors are opened and the onboard computer is activated. Some systems have a second receiver on the car's trunk that will open automatically when you waggle your foot underneath it.
Each key fob is assigned an individual digital identification number by the manufacturer. The fob is programmed by a unique process called "programming". This involves turning the ignition of the vehicle repeatedly in a certain sequence, and may also require pulling buttons or levers or levers or removing the fuse.
Once a key fob has been programmed to your specific car's keyless entry system it transmits its digital identification code as well as a function code that instructs the car what to do (lock in, unlock or open the trunk). The car's receiver confirms that the transmitter is who it claims to be through an authentication and encryption process. The onboard computer 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 would require the use of an instrument that records the transmission and then retransmits it when the system doesn't anticipate it. Most keyless entry systems utilize the rolling code method to prevent this. This ensures that each new signal from a transmitter received by a vehicle has a counter that differs from the previous one.
Batteries
A dead battery is the main reason for a car remote to not work. If you have an extra key fob, it's a cheap and easy fix. Fortunately, most fobs utilize regular watch-style batteries that can be purchased at big-box stores or hardware retailers for $10 or less. A quick search on the internet or your car's owner manual should provide instructions on how to disassemble the fob that you have been using and replace the battery.
Be careful not to harm any antennas or circuits in the case once you've removed the battery. If you mess with them the key fob will become unprogrammable and will not work. 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 across your living space.
The case of the majority of key fobs is equipped with a single screwdriver hole. To open it, you'll need to use a tool to pry it open. But, to start by putting the tool around the outer edge of the case, just as you would do when peeling an apple or orange. Don't apply too much pressure, since the case of the key fob is typically made of plastic and can break or crack if you apply too excessive pressure to it.
When you're ready to replace the battery, make sure to match the size and style to your key fob. Certain fobs require two batteries, while others have only one, and the wrong battery can make your key fob remote useless.
After the new battery is installed, test your key fob once more to see if it solves your problem. If it doesn't then you'll need to figure out if your fob has a more complicated issue that requires a professional diagnosis and repair. You may need to have the key fob reprogrammed at a dealer or buy another one.
Buttons
The buttons on your key fob could be tiny however they're packed with electronics. It's not a surprise that they malfunction from time to time. The good news is, if your car key button fails to function, there's typically something you can do to fix it yourself.
One of the most frequent reasons a car key remote doesn't work is that dirt or crud has become lodged between the buttons. To clear this up take care to remove both batteries and clean each button using a cotton swab that has been coated with ruby alcohol. Make sure to dry them thoroughly prior to reinstalling the batteries.
It's possible that your key fob is damaged in some way, like being dropped on concrete or accidentally scratched. If that's the case, using another key fob to check its functionality could reveal that the one you have been damaged and has to be replaced.
The door lock sensor may have stopped working in your vehicle. This is 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 following long-term usage or exposure to harsh weather conditions. To reactivate the sensor just press your key fob a few times without locking or unlocking your doors to reset it.
If nothing else works, you can always test the functionality of a spare by unlocking and locking your doors using it. If the spare key doesn't work, you may have to contact a 24-hour locksmith who offers automobile key repair to get your remote working again.
If the car key button is working but still not locking or unlocking your vehicle, you can try reprogramming your computer system. If you've used the same key fob a time, it might need to be reprogrammed every couple of months to to work with your vehicle. It's not the ideal situation but it's better than having to replace your remote completely.