Car Key Repair - How to Fix a Dead Remote

Car remotes are a wonderful convenience for drivers. They allow you to unlock doors, gain access to trunks, and even start the engine. These remotes can stop working at the most inconvenient moments.

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

Keyless Entry System

Instead of fumbling around with keys in your pocket or purse instead, walk up to your car, hit a button on your key fob, then unlock the doors and start the engine. It's a convenient feature that has made the world of car driving more comfortable and safer. But just like any device that has a keyless entry system, the keyless entry system may break from repeated use or because of other factors. If you have problems with yours, you may either visit the dealer or phone a locksmith.

The way a keyless entry system operates is by sending out radio signals and then searching for a response signal from the key fob. If the system detects the signal, the car's doors are unlocked and the onboard computer activated. Some systems have a second transmitter on the trunk of the car which opens it when you waggle a foot under it.

Each key fob has a unique digital identity code that's issued by the manufacturer. A proprietary technical process called "programming" is used to make sure that the fob is set up with a specific car key button repair's system. This usually involves turning on the car's ignition several times in a certain sequence and may also require pulling or pushing various levers and buttons or removing fuses.

When a key fob is programmed to your specific car's keyless entry system, it transmits its digital identification code, along with a function code that tells the car what to do (lock, unlock or open the trunk). The car's receiver confirms that the transmitter is the person it claims to be through an authentication and encryption procedure. If it's authorized, the onboard computer unlocks the vehicle and begins the engine.

There are concerns that a clever criminal could intercept the code transmitted between the key fob and the car. This will require a device that records the transmission, and then retransmits it later when the system doesn't expect it. To help combat this, most keyless entry systems use rolling code that ensures that every new transmitter signal received by the vehicle has a different counter than the previous one.

Batteries

A dead battery is the most common reason for the car remote to not function. It's an easy and cheap fix when you have another key fob at in your possession to replace the previous one with. Fortunately, most fobs utilize standard watch-style batteries that are sold at hardware stores or big-box retailers for less than $10. A quick search of the internet or your vehicle's owner's manual will provide directions on how to disassemble your key fob and replace the battery.

Once you've removed the battery, be careful not to damage any of the circuits or antennas in the case. If you make a mess of them the key fob could become unprogrammable and may not function. If you must move them, do it slowly because certain key fobs have fasteners that easily open and scatter key fob pieces all over your living room.

The majority of key fobs have one hole that allows the screwdriver or another pry tool to open the case, however it's a good idea to put your tool on the outside of the case first, just as you would peeling an apple or orange. Do not apply too much pressure, since the case of the fob is usually constructed of plastic and could crack or break if you apply too much pressure to it.

Be sure to ensure that the size and type of the battery to your Mobile key repair fob when replacing it. Some key fobs require two batteries, whereas others have only one. The wrong battery can quickly render your remote key fob useless.

After the new battery is installed, test your key fob for the second time to see if the battery has fixed your problem. If this doesn't work you'll need to determine whether your fob is experiencing a more complex issue that requires a professional diagnosis. It could be necessary to have the fob reprogrammed at an authorized dealer or purchase a new one.

Buttons

The tiny buttons on your key fob are small, and they're packed with delicate electronic components. So it's not too surprising that they're destined to fail from time time. The good thing is, when your car's key fob repair near me button isn't working, there's usually something you can do to fix it yourself.

The most common reason a car remote key stops working is because dirt or crud has gotten stuck between the button. To clear this up, carefully remove both the batteries and scrub each button with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Make sure you dry the batteries 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 function of your key fob using a different one.

Another possibility is that the door lock sensor in your vehicle isn't working anymore. This is a tiny metal part that's connected to the door lock button on your key fob, and it's not uncommon for this sensor to break during long-term use or exposure to weather conditions. Press your key button several times without locking or unlocking your doors. This will reset the sensor.

If all other options fail, you can always check the functioning of an extra key fob repairs near me by trying to unlock and lock your doors with it. If the spare key doesn't work, it might be necessary to locate an 24 hour locksmith that can offer automobile key repair in order to get your remote working again.

You can reprogram your computer if your car's key fob works, but it still cannot lock or unlock your vehicle. If you have had the same key fob a time, it may need to be reset every few months to to work with your vehicle. It's not the ideal situation but it's better than having to replace your remote entirely.