The 10 Most Dismal Remote Car Key Repair Mistakes Of All Time Could Have Been Prevented
Car Key Repair - How to Fix a Dead Remote
Car remotes provide a great convenience to drivers. They can unlock doors, open trunks and even start the car. However, they can cease to function at uninviable times.
If you notice that your key fob not working, you can try a few simple fixes before heading to the dealership. These suggestions could save you money.
Keyless Entry System
There's no need to search for keys in your pockets or purse. Just walk to your car, press the button on the keyfob and the doors will open and the engine will start. It's a practical feature that has made the world of driving a car more enjoyable and more secure. The keyless entry system, as any other device, could be damaged by repeated use or by other elements. If you're having problems with yours, you can either visit the dealer or call a locksmith.
The way that a keyless entry system functions is by sending radio signals and then looking for a response signal from the key fob. If the system can recognize the signal, it's triggered to unlock the vehicle doors and activate the onboard computer. Certain systems have a second receiver on the car's trunk that opens it automatically when you put your foot underneath it.
Each key fob has an individual digital identification code that is assigned by the manufacturer. The fob is programmed using an exclusive process known as "programming". This involves turning the ignition of the vehicle repeatedly in a certain sequence, and could require pushing or pulling buttons or levers or levers or removing fuse.
Once a key fob is programmed to your car's keyless entry system, it transmits its digital identification code as well as a function code that tells the car what to do (lock or unlock the trunk, or open the trunk). The receiver in the car confirms that the transmitter is the person it claims to be by using an authentication and encryption procedure. The computer in the car will unlock the vehicle and start the engine when it is authenticated.
There are fears that a clever criminal could intercept the code that's transmitted between the key fob and the car. This would require a device to record the transmission and then transmit it again when the system isn't expecting it. To prevent this from happening, most keyless entry systems rely on the rolling code method that ensures that every new signal from the transmitter received by the car has a different counter than the previous one.
Batteries
A dead battery is the most frequent reason for a car remote to not work. If you have an extra key fob it's a cheap and easy fix. Luckily, most fobs use regular watch-style batteries that are sold in hardware stores or big-box retailers for $10 or less. A quick search of the internet or your car's owner manual should provide instructions on how to take apart your key fob and swap out the battery.
Be careful not to harm any of the circuits or antennas within the case after you've removed your battery. They're likely to hold the key fob's programming to your specific car and any disruption to them can cause it to become unprogrammable (and likely to fail). If you have to move them, do so very gently, as some key fobs have fasteners that can easily open and scatter key fob components all over your living room.
Most key fobs come with one hole that can be used with the screwdriver or another pry tool to open the case. However, it's best to use your tool to wedge it around the outside of the case first, as if you would peeling an apple or orange. Do not apply too much pressure, since the fob case is often made of plastic and may crack or break if you apply too excessive pressure to it.
When you're ready for replacing the battery, be sure to match the size and type to the key fob. Some fobs require two batteries, whereas others have only one. The wrong battery can render your remote key fob useless.
If the issue persists it is possible to try again using your key fob after installing the new battery. If this fails then you'll need to determine whether your fob is experiencing something more complicated that requires a professional diagnosis. If this is the case, you might need to have it reset by a dealer or you may need to purchase a replacement key fob altogether.
Buttons
The tiny buttons on your key fob are small, and they're packed with delicate electronic components. It's not a surprise that they will malfunction from time to time. If your car key button suddenly ceases to function, you can generally fix it yourself.
key repair service of the most frequent reasons a car key remote doesn't work is because dirt or grit has accumulated between the buttons. To get rid of this issue, take off the batteries with care and clean each button using the help of a cotton swab which has been submerged in the rubbing alcohol. Be sure to dry the buttons completely before reinstalling them.
It's possible that your key fob is damaged in some way, such as being dropped on concrete or accidentally scratched. If this is the case, you can test the function of your key fob using another one.
Another possibility is that the door sensor for your car's lock isn't working anymore. This sensor is a small metal piece that is connected to the key fob's door lock button. It's not uncommon for it to break due to weather conditions or extended use. To activate the sensor again simply press your key fob a few times without locking or unlocking your doors to reset it.
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 contact a 24-hour locksmith who can repair your car keys to get your remote working again.
If the car key button is working, but it's still not locking or unlocking the vehicle, you may try reprogramming your computer system. But keep in mind that if you've used the same key fob for a period of time, it will have to be programmed each few months to ensure that it remains in sync with your vehicle. It's not optimal, but it's better than having to purchase another remote.