Car Key Repair – How to Fix a Dead Remote

Car remotes offer wonderful convenience for drivers. They can unlock doors, open trunks, and even start the engine. However, they may stop working at inconvenient times.

If you discover that your key fob is no longer working, try a few simple fixes before heading to the dealership. These steps may save you money.

Keyless Entry System

Rather than needing to fumble around with keys in your pocket or purse, you can simply walk up to your car, push a button on your key fob, then unlock the doors and start the engine. It’s a simple function that makes driving a car more enjoyable and safe. But, like all devices it’s possible that the keyless entry system may be damaged by repeated use or due to other factors. If you’re having problems with yours, you can either visit the dealer or phone a locksmith.

Keyless entry systems work by sending radio signals and then looking for the response signal on the key fob. If the system recognizes the signal, it’s triggered to unlock the vehicle doors and also activate the computer onboard. Certain systems have a second transmitter on the trunk of the car which opens when you move one foot underneath it.

Each key fob is given an unique identification code by the manufacturer. key fob repairs is programmed with a unique process called “programming”. This involves turning on the ignition of the car repeatedly in a predetermined sequence. It may also require pushing or pulling levers or buttons or removing fuse.

Once a key fob is programmed to the vehicle’s keyless entry system it transmits its digital identification code, along with an operation code that tells the car what to do (lock or unlock the trunk or open the trunk). The receiver in the car verifies that the transmitter is the person it claims to be through an authentication and encryption process. If it is authorized, the onboard computer unlocks vehicle and then starts the engine.

A clever criminal could intercept and then use the code that is transmitted between the keyfob and the vehicle. This requires a device that records the transmission, and then retransmits it when the system doesn’t expect it to. Most keyless entry systems use the rolling code method to combat this. This ensures that each new transmitter signal received by a vehicle has a counter that is different from the previous one.

Batteries

A dead battery is the main reason for the car remote to not function. It’s a cheap and easy fix in the event that you have a spare key fob on hand to replace the old one with. Fortunately, most fobs utilize standard watch-style batteries that are sold at hardware stores or big-box retailers for less than $10. You can find the steps to disassemble your key fob on the internet or in your vehicle’s manual.

After you’ve removed the battery, be sure not to damage any of the circuits or antennas in the case. They’re likely to hold the key fob’s program to your specific car and any disruption to them can cause it to become unprogrammable (and probably not work). If you must move the key fobs, be careful. Certain key fobs could have fasteners that can easily open and scatter key fob pieces all over your living space.

The case of most key fobs has a single screwdriver hole. To open it, use a tool to pry it open. But, to start by putting the tool along the outside edge of the case as you would when peeling an orange or apple. Don’t apply too much pressure, as the case of the key fob is typically composed of plastic and it is prone to break or crack with too much force.

When you’re ready for replacing the battery, make sure to match its size and type to your key fob. Some fobs require two batteries, whereas others only have one. Using the wrong battery can quickly render your remote key fob useless.

After the new battery has been put in place, test your key fob once more to see if the battery has fixed your issue. If this fails then you’ll need to determine whether your fob is suffering from an issue that is more complicated and requires professional diagnosis. It could be necessary to have the fob reset at a dealer or buy an entirely new one.

Buttons

The buttons on your key fob may be tiny, but they are packed with electronic components. It’s not surprising that they’ll fail from time-to-time. The good thing is, in the event that your car’s keypad fails to function, there’s typically something you can do to fix it yourself.

The most common reason a car remote key stops working is because dirt or crud have stuck between the button. To get rid of this issue, take off the batteries carefully and clean each button using an abrasive that has been submerged in rubbing alcohol. Make sure you dry the buttons completely before reinstalling them.

It’s possible that your key fob is damaged in some way, like being dropped on concrete or accidentally scratched. If this is the case, you can test the functionality of your key fob by using a different one.

The door lock sensor could have stopped working in your vehicle. This sensor is a small 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 long use. To reset the sensor simply press your key fob a few times without locking or unlocking your doors to reset it.

If all other options fail, you can always test the operation of the spare key by attempting to open and close your doors using it. If the spare key does not work, you may have to contact a locksmith on call 24 hours a day who provides repair of car keys to get your remote working again.

If remote key repair is working but still not locking or unlocking your vehicle, you may try reprogramming your computer system. Be aware that if you’ve had the same key fob for a long time, it’s likely to need to be programmed every few months to ensure that it remains in sync with your vehicle. It’s not an ideal situation but it’s better than having to replace your remote completely.