Responsible For An Remote Car Key Repair Budget? 10 Amazing Ways To Spend Your Money
Car Key Repair - How to Fix a Dead Remote
The car remotes are a great convenience for drivers. They can unlock doors, open trunks and even start the car. These remotes are prone to malfunction at the most inconvenient of instances.
Before you visit the dealer, you can try a few quick solutions when your key fob stops working. These tips could save you money.
Keyless Entry System
Instead of fumbling around with keys in your pocket or purse, you can simply stroll up to your car, push an icon on the key fob, then unlock the doors and start the engine. It's an easy feature that makes driving a car more comfortable and secure. The keyless entry system, just like any other device, may be damaged through repeated use or by other causes. If you've encountered issues with yours, you have two options: visit the dealer or contact an emergency locksmith in your area.
The way a keyless entry system operates is by releasing radio signals and then looking for a response signal from the key fob. If the system recognizes the signal, it triggers to unlock the car doors and also activate the computer onboard. Some systems include a second receiver on the car's trunk that will open automatically when you put your foot on it.
Each key fob is equipped with an individual digital identification code, which is issued by the manufacturer. A specific process of technology called "programming" is used to make sure that the fob is set up to work with the specific car's system. This usually involves turning the car's ignition several times in a certain sequence and may also involve pushing or pulling various buttons and levers or removing fuses.
Once a key fob is programmed to the vehicle's keyless entry system it transmits the digital identity code, along with an operation code that tells the car what to do (lock, unlock, or open the trunk). The receiver in the car verifies that the transmitter is the person it claims to be using an authentication and encryption process. If it's authorized the onboard computer unlocks the vehicle and starts the engine.
There are concerns that a skilled criminal could intercept the code that's transmitted between the key fob and the car. This would require a device to record the transmission and then retransmit it later when the system isn't expecting it. To combat this, most keyless entry systems rely on a method called rolling code that ensures that every new signal from the transmitter received by the car has a different counter value than the previous one.
Batteries
The most common cause of the car remote key fob not working is an inoperative battery. If remote car key repairs have an extra key fob, it's a low-cost and simple fix. The majority of fobs are powered by watch-style batteries that can be purchased at big-box stores or hardware stores for less than $10. A quick search of the internet or your vehicle's owner's manual will provide directions on how to take apart the fob that you have been using and replace the battery.
Be careful not to damage any of the circuits or antennas within the case after you have removed the battery. They are likely holding the key fob's programming to your specific car and any disruption to them will make it unprogrammable (and most likely not work). If you must move them, do so slowly as some key fobs have fasteners that can easily open and scatter key fob parts throughout your living space.
Most key fobs have a single hole for the screwdriver or another pry tool to open the case, but 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 as the case of the key fob is generally constructed of plastic and is susceptible to breaking or cracking when you apply too the force.
If you're ready to replace the battery, be sure to match the size and style to your key fob. Some key fobs come with two batteries while others only need one. The wrong battery could cause your remote to become useless.
After the new battery has been put installed, test your key fob again to see if it fixes your problem. If it doesn't then you'll need to figure out whether your key fob is suffering from an issue that is more complex and requires professional diagnosis and repair. If this is the case, you could require it to be reset by a dealer or purchase a new key fob altogether.
Buttons
The buttons on your key fob may appear small, but they are packed with electronics. It's not a surprise that they malfunction from time to time. The good thing is, when your car's key button fails to function, there's typically something you can do to fix it yourself.
One of the main reasons that a car key remote doesn't work is that dirt or crud has become lodged between the buttons. To fix this, remove the batteries with care and scrub each button with a cotton swab that is dipped in rubbing alcohol. Make sure to dry them completely before reinstalling batteries.
It's also possible that the key fob was damaged by accident, such as being dropped on concrete or accidentally damaged by something sharp. If this is the case, using an alternative key fob to verify its function may reveal that yours has simply been damaged and needs to be replaced.
Another possibility is that the door lock sensor in your vehicle has stopped working. It's a tiny metal part that's connected to the door lock button on your key fob, and it's not common for this sensor to break during long usage or exposure to harsh weather conditions. To reactivate the sensor, simply try pressing your key button several times without locking or unlocking your doors to reset it.
If all other options fail, you can test the functionality of a spare key by trying to lock and unlock your doors using it. If the spare key does not work, you may need to call a locksmith 24 hours a day who offers automobile key repair to get your remote working again.
If your car's key fob does work, and it's still not locking or unlocking your vehicle, you can try reprogramming your computer system. If you have had the same key fob for a time, it might need to be reprogrammed every couple of months to continue to work with your vehicle. It's not ideal, but it is better than having to purchase another remote.