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Car Key Repair - How to Fix a Dead Remote

The car remotes are an excellent convenience for drivers. They can unlock doors, access trunks and even start the engine. However, they may stop working at inconvenient times.

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

Keyless Entry System

Instead of fumbling around with keys in your purse or pocket instead, stroll up to your car, press a button 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 may be damaged by repeated use or due to other reasons. If you're having problems with yours, you may either visit the dealer or phone an locksmith.

The way that a keyless entry system works is by sending out radio signals, and then searching for a corresponding response signal from the key fob. If the system can recognize the signal, it will trigger to open the doors of the vehicle and activate the computer onboard. Certain systems have a second receiver on the car's trunk that opens automatically when you move your foot underneath 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 with a specific car's system. This usually involves turning on the ignition of the vehicle several times in a certain sequence. It could also require pulling or pushing different buttons and levers, or removing fuses.

Once the key fob is programmed into your car's keyless system it transmits a digital identification code as well as a function-code to instruct the car on what to do (lock the trunk, unlock it or open the trunk). The car's receiver checks the authenticity of the transmitter by an authentication and encryption process. The computer on board will unlock the vehicle and start the engine when it is authenticated.

There are fears that a skilled criminal could intercept the code transmitted between the key fob and the car. This would require a specific device to record the transmission and then retransmit it later in the event that the system doesn't anticipate it. Most keyless entry systems utilize the rolling code method to stop this. This ensures that each new signal from a transmitter received by a car has a counter that differs from the previous one.

Batteries

A dead battery is the most frequent reason for car remotes not to work. It's a simple and inexpensive fix in the event that you have an extra key fob on hand to replace the old one with. Fortunately, most fobs utilize traditional watch-style batteries which are available at hardware stores or big-box retailers for $10 or less. You can find the steps to disassemble your key fob on the internet or in your car's manual.

Be careful not to damage any circuits or antennas inside the case once you've removed the battery. If you mess with them, the key fob will be unprogrammable and won't work. If you need to move key fobs, be cautious. Some key fobs may have fasteners which can easily pop out and scatter key fob pieces all over your living space.

Most key fobs come with a single hole for a screwdriver or other pry tool to open the case. However, it's a good idea wedge your pry tool around the outside of the case first, as if you would peeling an orange or apple. Do not apply too much pressure since the case of the key fob is typically made of plastic, and it is prone to break or crack when you exert too excessive force.

When you're ready for replacing the battery, make sure to match its size and style to your key fob. car key repairs near me require two batteries, whereas others have only one, and the incorrect battery could render your remote key fob ineffective.

After the new battery is in place, test your key fob once more to see if the battery has fixed your problem. If it doesn't, you'll need to determine whether your device has a more complicated issue that requires a professional diagnosis and repair. If this is the case, you might need to have it reset by a dealer or you may need to buy a replacement key fob entirely.





Buttons

The buttons on your key fob might be tiny however they're packed with electronic components. It's not surprising that they fail from time-to-time. If the car key button suddenly stops working, you'll be able to usually fix it yourself.

The most frequent reason why a car remote key stops working is due to dirt or crud has been lodged between the button. To get rid of this issue, take off the batteries with care and clean each button using an abrasive that is dipped in the rubbing alcohol. Be sure to dry them thoroughly before reinstalling the batteries.

It's possible that your key fob has been damaged in any way, for example, being dropped on concrete or accidentally scratched. If this is the scenario, you can test the functionality of your key fob by using a different one.

The door lock sensor could have been unable to function in your vehicle. This is a tiny metal piece that is attached to the door lock button on your key fob, and it's not uncommon for this sensor to break during long-term usage or exposure to harsh weather conditions. To reactivate the sensor just press your key fob a few times without locking or unlocking your doors to reset it.

If all else fails, you could test the functionality of the spare key by attempting to unlock and lock your doors using it. If the spare key does not work, you may need to contact a locksmith on call 24 hours a day who offers automobile key repair to make your remote work again.

You can change the settings on your computer if your car's key button is working, but it still cannot lock or unlock your vehicle. If you've used the same key fob a time, it may require reprogramming every few months in order to continue working with your vehicle. It's not the most ideal solution, but it's better than having to buy another remote.