Three Common Reasons Your Remote Car Key Repair Isn't Performing (And How To Fix It)

Car Key Repair – How to Fix a Dead Remote Car remotes are a wonderful convenience for drivers. They can unlock doors, access trunks, and even start the engine. Remotes that work with these remotes may stop working at the most inconvenient of instances. If you notice that your key fob is no longer working, try a few fixes before going to the dealership. These suggestions could save you money. Keyless Entry System Rather than needing to fumble around with keys in your purse or pocket instead, stroll up to your car, push a button on the key fob, and then open the doors and start the engine. It's a convenient feature that has made the experience of driving a car more enjoyable and more secure. But just like any device that has a keyless entry system, the keyless entry system could fail due to repeated use or due to other factors. If you're having problems with yours, you may either visit the dealer or call a locksmith. Keyless entry systems operate by sending radio signals and then searching for a response signal from a key fob. If the system is able to recognize the signal, the car's doors are opened and the onboard computer is activated. Some systems have another transmitter located in the trunk of the car which opens it when you waggle one foot underneath it. Each key fob has a unique digital identity code that's assigned by the manufacturer. A specific process of technology called “programming” is used to set the fob up to work with the specific car's system. This typically involves turning the car's ignition multiple times in a particular sequence, and could include pulling or pushing different buttons and levers, or the removal of fuses. Once the key fob is programmed into the keyless system of your car, it transmits a digital identification code and a function code to instruct the car on what to do (lock or unlock the trunk). The receiver in the car verifies that the transmitter is who it claims to be by using an authentication and encryption process. The computer on board will allow the vehicle to be opened and start the engine when it is authorized. There are concerns that a skilled criminal could intercept the code transmitted between the key fob and the car. This would require a device to record the transmission then retransmit it later when the system isn't expecting it. To combat this, most keyless entry systems rely on the rolling code method that guarantees that each new signal from the transmitter received by the car has a different counter than the previous one. Batteries The most frequent cause of the car remote key fob not working is a dead battery. It's a simple and inexpensive fix when you have a spare key fob on hand to replace the old one with. Fortunately, most fobs utilize regular watch-style batteries that can be purchased in hardware stores or big-box retailers for as little as $10. A quick search of the internet or your car's owner's manual should give you instructions on how to take apart the fob that you have been using and replace the battery. Be cautious not to damage any antennas or circuits in the case after you've removed your battery. They're likely to be holding the key fob's programming to your car's specific model and any disruption to them will make it impossible to program (and most likely not work). If you have to move them, do so with care as some key fobs have fasteners that can easily open and scatter key fob components throughout your living space. The case of most key fobs is equipped with a single screwdriver hole. To open The Key Lab , you can use a pry tool. To begin by putting the tool along the outside edge of the case, just as you would peel an orange or apple. Don't apply too much pressure since the case of the key fob is usually made of plastic, and can crack or break with 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 have just one. Using the wrong battery can quickly render your remote key fob ineffective. If the issue continues, you can try again using your fob's key after installing the new battery. If not then you'll need to figure out whether your key fob is suffering from an issue that is more complex and requires professional diagnosis and repair. You may need to have the fob reset at a dealer or buy an entirely new one. Buttons The tiny buttons on your key fob are pretty tiny, and filled with delicate electronics. 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. One of the most frequent reasons why a car key remote stops working is due to dirt or dust that has lodged between the buttons. To clear this up take care to remove both batteries and scrub each button by using a cotton swab, that has been dipped in rubbing alcohol. Be sure to dry them thoroughly before installing the batteries. It's possible that your key fob has been damaged in some way, such as being dropped on concrete or accidentally scratched. If this is the scenario, you can test the function of your key fob using a different one. The door lock sensor may have stopped working in your vehicle. It's 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 prolonged use or exposure to weather conditions. Press your key button several times without locking or unlocking your doors. This will reset the sensor. If all else fails, you can test the capabilities of a spare key by opening and locking your doors with it. If the spare key does not work, it might be necessary to find a 24-hour locksmith that offers car key repair to get your remote working again. If your car's key fob is working but still not locking or unlocking the vehicle, try reprogramming your computer system. If you've had the same key fob for a time, it may need to be reprogrammed every few months to continue working with your vehicle. It's not optimal, but it's better than having to purchase a new remote.