9 Lessons Your Parents Teach You About Remote Car Key Repair

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. However, they may stop working at odd times.

Before you head to the dealer, try some quick solutions in case your key fob isn't working. These steps could save you money.

Keyless Entry System

You don't have to look for keys in your purse or pockets. Just walk to your vehicle, press the button on the keyfob, and the doors will unlock and the engine will begin. It's a simple feature that makes driving a car more relaxing and safe. But, like all devices it's possible that the keyless entry system can be damaged by frequent use or due to other reasons. If you are having issues with your system, you can either go to the dealer or contact a locksmith.

The way a keyless entry system works is by sending radio signals, and then searching for a response signal from the key fob. If the system recognizes the signal, the vehicle's doors are not locked and the onboard computer is activated. Some systems include an additional receiver in the trunk of the car, which opens it automatically when you put your foot underneath it.

Each key fob comes with an individual digital identity code that's given by the manufacturer. A proprietary technical process called "programming" is used to set the fob up with a specific car's system. This usually involves turning the ignition of the car repeatedly in a specific sequence. It could also require pulling or pushing various levers and buttons or the removal of fuse.

Once the key fob is programmed into the keyless system of your car, it transmits a digital identity code as well as a function-code to tell the car what to (lock, unlock or open the trunk). The receiver in the car verifies that the transmitter is who it claims to be through an authentication and encryption procedure. If it is authorized, the onboard computer unlocks the vehicle and then starts the engine.

A skilled criminal could snoop and use the code transmitted between the keyfob and the vehicle. This would require a special device to record the transmission and then transmit it again in the event that the system doesn't anticipate it. The majority of keyless entry systems employ the rolling code method to combat this. This ensures that each new signal from a transmitter received by a car remote key fob repair has a counter that is different from the previous one.

Batteries

The most common cause of car remotes key fobs not working is an inoperative battery. If you have an extra key fob it's a cheap and easy fix. Most fobs are powered with watch-style batteries, which can be purchased at big-box stores or hardware stores for less than $10. You can find instructions to disassemble the key fob on the web or in your vehicle's manual.

Be careful not to harm any antennas or circuits in the case once you've removed the battery. They are likely holding the key fob's programming to your car's specific model and tampering with them will make it unprogrammable (and likely to fail). If you have to move the key fobs, be careful. Certain key fobs could have fasteners which can easily open and scatter key fob pieces across your living space.

The case of a majority of key fobs is equipped with a single screwdriver hole. To open it, you'll need to use a pry tool. But, to start you must push the tool along the outside edge of the case, just as you would peel an apple or orange. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as the case of the key fob is typically constructed of plastic and could crack or break if you apply too much force to it.

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

If the issue persists then you can try it again using your fob's key after installing the new battery. If it doesn't, you'll need to determine if your fob has a more complicated issue that requires a professional diagnosis and repair. If this is the case, you could need to have it changed by a dealer or buy a replacement key fob altogether.

Buttons

The buttons on your key fob may be small however they're packed with electronics. It's not surprising that they occasionally fail. If the car key repairs near me key button suddenly stops working, you'll be able to usually fix it yourself.

One of the most common reasons a car key remote car key repair doesn't work is due to dirt or dust that has become lodged between the buttons. To get rid of this issue, take off the batteries in a careful manner and clean each button using an abrasive that is dipped in ruby alcohol. Be sure to dry them thoroughly before replacing the batteries.

It's possible that your key fob has been damaged in some way, like being dropped on concrete or accidentally scratched. If that's the case, using an alternative key fob to test its functionality may reveal that yours has simply been damaged and needs to be replaced.

The door lock sensor might have been unable to function in your vehicle. It's a tiny, metal piece that is attached to the door lock button on your key fob and it's not unusual for the sensor to break after prolonged use or exposure to extreme weather conditions. To reactivate the sensor simply press your key fob a few times without locking or unlocking your doors to reset it.

If all else fails you can always test the functionality of a spare key by opening and locking your doors with it. If the spare key doesn't work, you may have to contact a 24-hour locksmith who can repair your car keys to make your remote work again.

You can change the settings on your computer if your car key fob works but doesn't lock or unlock the vehicle. If you've had the same key fob a time, it might require reprogramming every couple of months to to work with your vehicle. It's not the most ideal solution, but it's better than buying another remote key fob repair.