Kerrie Prater

Car Key Repair - How to Fix a Dead Remote

Car remotes are a excellent convenience for drivers. They can unlock doors, open trunks, and even start the engine. However, they may cease to function at uninviable times.

Before you visit the dealer, consider some quick solutions in case your key fob isn't functioning. These suggestions could save you money.

Keyless Entry System

You don't need to search for keys in your purse or pockets. Just walk up to your vehicle, press the button on the keyfob, and the doors will unlock and the engine will get started. It's a useful feature that has made the experience of car driving more comfortable and safer. The keyless entry system, like any other device, can be damaged by repeated use or by other elements. If you have problems with your system, you can either go to the dealer or contact an locksmith.

Keyless entry systems work by sending radio signals, and then searching for the response signal from the key fob. If the system can recognize the signal, it triggers to open the doors of the vehicle and activate the computer onboard. Certain systems have a second receiver on the trunk of the car that opens automatically when you put your foot underneath it.

Each key fob is given a unique digital identification code by the manufacturer. The fob is programmed using a proprietary process called "programming". This involves turning the ignition of the car repeatedly in a certain sequence, and could require pulling buttons or levers, or removing the fuse.

Once a key fob is programmed to the vehicle's keyless entry system it transmits the digital identity code along with an operation code that tells the car what to do (lock or unlock the trunk or open the trunk). The car's receiver checks the authenticity of the transmitter by an authentication and encryption process. If it's authorized, the onboard computer unlocks vehicle key repairs and starts the engine.

A savvy criminal could steal and then use the code that is transmitted between the keyfob and vehicle. This would require a specific device to record the transmission and then transmit it again when the system isn't expecting it. Most keyless entry systems use rolling codes to combat this. This ensures that each new transmission signal received by a vehicle has a counter value that is different from the previous one.

Batteries

The most common cause of a car remote Car Key repair key fob not working is a dead battery. It's an easy and cheap fix when you have another key fob at your desk to replace the old one with. Most fobs are powered by watches-style batteries, which can be bought at hardware stores or big-box stores for less than $10. A quick search of the internet or in your vehicle's owner manual should provide instructions on how to disassemble the fob that you have been using and replace the battery.

Be cautious not to damage any circuits or antennas inside the case once you've removed your battery. If you make a mess of them the key fob could become unprogrammable and may not work. If you have to move the key fobs, take care. Some key fobs may have fasteners which can easily open and scatter key fob pieces across your living space.

The case of a majority of key fobs has a single screwdriver hole. To open it, use a tool to pry it open. But, to start you must push the tool along the outside edge of the case like you would do when peeling an apple or orange. Do not apply too much pressure, since the fob case is often made of plastic and can break or crack if you apply too excessive force to it.

Make sure you match the size and type of the battery to the key fob when replacing it. Certain fobs require two batteries, while others have just one, and the wrong battery can quickly render your key fob remote useless.

If the issue persists then you can try it again with your key fob after installing the new battery. If not then you'll need to figure out whether your key fob is suffering from an issue that's more complex that requires a professional diagnosis and repair. If this is the case, you might require it to be reset by a dealer or purchase a replacement key fob altogether.

Buttons

The little buttons on your key fob are pretty small, and they're packed with delicate electronic components. It's not a surprise that they fail from time-to-time. If the button on your car's ignition suddenly ceases to function, you can typically fix it yourself.

One of the most frequent reasons a car key remote stops working is that dirt or crud has accumulated between the buttons. To clear this up, carefully remove both the batteries and clean each button by using a cotton swab, coated with ruby alcohol. Be sure to dry the batteries completely before reinstalling them.

It's possible that your key fob key repair is damaged in some way, such as being dropped on concrete or accidentally scratched. If this is the scenario, you can test your key fob's functionality by using another one.

Another possibility is that the door lock sensor in your vehicle has stopped working. It's a tiny metal part that is attached to the key fob's door lock button. It is not uncommon for it to break due to weather conditions or prolonged use. Press your key fob repair near me 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 opening and locking your doors with it. If the spare key does not work, you may have to contact a 24-hour locksmith who provides repair of car keys to get your remote working again.

You can change the settings on your computer if your car key button is working however it cannot lock or unlock your vehicle. But keep in mind that if you've had the same key fob for some time, it's going to need to be programmed each few months to ensure that it continues to work properly with your vehicle. It's not optimal, but it's better than buying a new remote.