Three Common Reasons Your Remote Car Key Repair Isn't Performing (And …

Car Key Repair - How to Fix a Dead Remote

Car remotes are an excellent convenience for drivers. They can unlock doors, open trunks and even start the car. But, these remotes sometimes cease to function at uninviable times.

If you find that your key fob is no longer working, try a few quick fixes before going to the dealership. These suggestions could save you money.

Keyless Entry System

Instead of fumbling around with keys repair in your purse or pocket instead, walk to your car, push an icon on the key fob and then unlock the doors and start the engine. It's a simple feature that makes driving a car more relaxing and secure. But, like all devices it's possible that the keyless entry system can fail due to repeated use or due to other factors. If you've experienced problems with yours, you have two options: Visit the dealership or contact an emergency locksmith in your area.

Keyless entry systems operate by sending radio signals, and then scouring for a response signal from the key fob. If the system detects the signal, the vehicle's doors are opened and the onboard computer activated. Certain systems have a second receiver on the trunk of the car, which will open automatically when you waggle your foot underneath it.

Each key fob is equipped with an unique digital identity code that's issued by the manufacturer. The fob is programmed using a proprietary process called "programming". This typically involves turning the ignition of the car repeatedly in a specific sequence. It could also require pulling or pushing various levers and buttons or taking out fuses.

When a key fob is programmed to your car's keyless entry system, it transmits its digital identity code as well as a function code that tells the car what to do (lock in, unlock, or open the trunk). The car's receiver checks the authenticity of the transmitter by an authentication and encryption process. If it is authorized, the computer on board unlocks the vehicle and starts the engine.

There are fears that a criminal with a sly approach could intercept the code that's transmitted between the key fob and the car. This would require a special device to record the transmission and then retransmit it later when the system isn't expecting it. Most keyless entry systems use the rolling code method to combat this. This ensures that every new signal from a transmitter received by a vehicle has a counter value that is different from the previous one.

Batteries

The most frequent cause of car remotes key fobs not working is an inoperative battery. It's a cheap and easy fix if you have an extra key fob on in your possession to replace the previous one with. Most fobs are powered by watch-style batteries, which are available at hardware stores or big-box stores for less than $10. A quick search on the internet or your vehicle's owner's manual should give you instructions on how you can disassemble the fob that you have been using and replace the battery.

Be cautious not to damage any of the circuits or antennas within the case once you've removed your battery. If you do this, the key fob will be unprogrammable and won't function. If you must move them, do so very gently as some key fobs come with fasteners that can easily open and scatter key fob components throughout your living space.

Most key fobs have a single hole for a screwdriver or other pry tool to pop open the case, but it's best to put your tool on the outside of the case first, like you were peeling an orange or apple. Don't apply too much pressure as the case of the mobile key repair fob is typically made of plastic, and it is prone to break or crack when you apply too much force.

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

After the new battery is in place, test your key fob for the second time to see if it fixes the issue. If it doesn't then you'll need to figure out whether your device has an issue that is more complex and requires a professional diagnosis and repair. It could be necessary to have the key fob reset at an authorized dealer or purchase another one.

Buttons

The tiny buttons on your key fob are small, and are filled with delicate electronics. It's not surprising that they'll occasionally fail. If the car key button suddenly stops working, you'll be able to typically fix it yourself.

One of the most common reasons a car key remote control car key repairs doesn't work is that dirt or crud has accumulated between the buttons. To get rid of this issue, take off the batteries carefully and scrub each button with an abrasive that has been dipped into rubbing alcohol. Make sure you dry the batteries completely before reinstalling them.

It's possible that your key fob was damaged in some way, such as being dropped on concrete or accidentally scratched. If this is the case using an alternative key fob to verify its function might reveal that it has simply been damaged and needs to be replaced.

The door lock sensor might have stopped working in your vehicle. It's a tiny, metal component that's attached to the door lock button on your key fob, and it's not common for this sensor to break after long use or exposure to weather conditions. To reactivate the sensor simply press your key button several times without locking or unlocking your doors to reset it.

If nothing else works, you can test the capabilities of a spare key by opening and locking your doors using it. If the spare key does not work, it may be necessary to locate a 24-hour locksmith that offers automobile key repair in order to make your remote work again.

You can change the settings on your computer if your car key button is working, but it still doesn't lock or unlock the vehicle. Be aware that if you've used the same key fob for some time, it's likely to need to be programmed every couple of months to ensure that it remains in sync with your vehicle. It's not an ideal situation however it's much better than having to replace your remote key repairs entirely.