Car Key Repair - How to Fix a Dead Remote

Car remotes offer great convenience to drivers. They can unlock doors, open trunks and even start the car. But, these remotes sometimes stop working at inconvenient times.

If you find that your key fob not working, try a few simple fixes before heading to the dealership. These steps could save you money.

Keyless Entry System

Instead of having to fiddle around with keys in your purse or pocket, you can simply walk up to your car, press an icon on the key fob, and then open the doors and start the engine. It's a simple function that makes driving a car more comfortable and secure. But, like all devices, the keyless entry system could break from repeated use or because of other reasons. If you're having problems with yours, you can either visit the dealer or phone a locksmith.

The way a keyless entry system works is by sending radio signals and then looking for a response signal from the key fob. If the system recognizes the signal, it's triggered to unlock the car doors and activate the onboard computer. Certain systems have a second receiver on the car's trunk that will open automatically when you move your foot on it.

Each key fob is assigned an unique identification code by the manufacturer. A proprietary technical process called "programming" is used to configure the fob to work with the specific car key repair company's system. This usually involves turning the car's ignition multiple times in a particular sequence, and could also require pulling or pushing various buttons and levers or removing fuses.

Once a key fob has been programmed into your car's keyless system it transmits a digital identification code as well as a function-code to instruct the car to (lock, unlock or open the trunk). The car's receiver verifies the transmitter's identity through an authentication and encryption process. If it's authorized, the onboard computer unlocks the vehicle and starts the engine.

There are concerns that a criminal with a sly approach could intercept the code that's transmitted between the key fob and the car. This will require an instrument that records the transmission and then retransmits it later in the event that the system doesn't want it. To help combat this issue, the majority of keyless entry systems rely on rolling code, which ensures that each new signal from the transmitter received by the car has a different counter value than the previous one.

Batteries

The most frequent reason for a car Remote car key repair key fob not working is a dead battery. It's a cheap and easy fix if you have another key fob at in your possession to replace the previous one with. The majority of fobs are powered by watch-style batteries, which are available at big-box stores or hardware stores for less than $10. A quick search of the internet or your vehicle's owner manual should provide instructions on how to disassemble your key fob and replace the battery.

Be careful not to damage any antennas or circuits in the case once you've removed your battery. If you mess with them, the key fob will be unprogrammable and won't function. If you have to move them, do it slowly, as some key fobs have fasteners that are able to open and scatter key fob components across your living room.

Most key fobs come with one hole that allows a screwdriver or other pry tool to pop open the case, however it's a good idea put your tool on the outside of the case first, just as you would peeling an orange or apple. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, since the case of the fob is usually made of plastic and may crack or break if you apply too excessive pressure to it.

Be sure to ensure that the size and type of battery to your key fob when you replace it. Some key fobs come with two batteries while others need one. The wrong battery could cause your remote to become useless.

If the issue continues then you can try it again using your fob's mobile key repair after installing the new battery. If it doesn't then you'll need to figure out whether your key fob is suffering from a more complicated issue that requires a professional diagnosis and repair. It could be necessary to have the key fob reprogrammed by a dealer or buy another one.

Buttons

The tiny buttons on your key fob are small, and they're packed with delicate electronics. So it's not too surprising that they're destined to fail from time time. If the button on your car's ignition suddenly stops working, you'll be able to usually fix it yourself.

One of the main reasons that a car key remote stops working is due to dirt or dust that has become lodged between the buttons. To clear this up, carefully remove both the batteries and scrub each button with a cotton swab coated with rubbing alcohol. Be sure to dry them completely before reinstalling batteries.

It's possible that the key fob has been damaged by accident, such as being dropped on concrete, or perhaps damaged by something sharp. If this is the scenario, you can test the functionality of your key fob by using a different one.

Another possibility is that the door lock key repair near me sensor in your vehicle has stopped working. It's a tiny 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 prolonged use. Press your key button a few times without locking or unlocking your doors. This resets the sensor.

If all else fails, you can test the functionality of an extra key by trying to lock and unlock your doors using it. If the spare key does not work, you may have to contact a 24-hour locksmith who provides repair of car keys repairs near me keys to make your remote work again.

If your car's key fob is working but still not locking or unlocking your vehicle, you can try reprogramming your computer system. But keep in mind that if you've owned the same key fob for a period of time, it's likely to need to be programmed each few months to ensure that it remains in sync with your vehicle. It's not the most ideal solution, but it's better than having to buy an entirely new remote.