Car Key Repair - How to Fix a Dead Remote

Car remotes are a wonderful convenience for drivers. They can unlock doors, open trunks and even start the engine. Remotes that work with these remotes may stop working at the most inconvenient of moments.

If you find that your key fob is not working, you can try a few fixes before going to the dealership. These tips could save you money.

Keyless Entry System

Instead of having to fiddle around with keys in your pocket or purse, you can simply walk to your car, press a button on the key fob, and then open the doors and start the engine. It's an easy feature that makes driving a car more enjoyable and secure. The keyless entry system, just like any other device, can be damaged by repeated use or other factors. If you've had issues with yours, you have two options: Go to the dealer or contact the local locksmith.

The way a keyless entry system works is by releasing radio signals, and then searching for a corresponding response from the key fob. If the system recognizes the signal, it triggers to unlock the vehicle doors and activate the onboard computer. Some systems have another receiver mounted on the trunk of the car that opens it automatically when you move your foot underneath it.

Each key fob has an unique digital identification code, which is issued by the manufacturer. The fob is programmed with a unique process called "programming". This usually involves turning on the car's ignition several times in a certain sequence, and could include pulling or pushing various levers and buttons or the removal of fuses.

Once the key fob is programmed into the keyless system of your car, it transmits a digital identification code as well as a function-code to instruct the car on what to do (lock key repair near me, unlock or open the trunk). The car's receiver verifies that the transmitter is who it claims to be using an authentication and encryption procedure. The computer on board will unlock the vehicle and start the engine if it's authorized.

A savvy criminal could steal and then use the code that is transmitted between the keyfob and the vehicle. This would require the use of a special device that records the transmission and then retransmits it later when the system doesn't expect it to. To prevent this from happening, most keyless entry systems use a method called rolling code, which ensures that each new transmitter signal received by the vehicle has a different counter value than the previous one.

Batteries

A dead battery is the most common reason for the car remote to not function. If you have an extra key fob it's a cheap and easy fix. Luckily, most fobs use traditional watch-style batteries which are available at hardware stores or big-box retailers for less than $10. You can find directions to disassemble your key fob on the web or in your vehicle's manual.

After you've removed the battery, make sure not to disrupt any circuits or antennas inside the case. If you make a mess of them the key fob will be unprogrammable and won't work. If you must move them, do it slowly, as certain key repair car fobs have fasteners that are able to pop open and scatter key fob pieces all over your living room.

Most key fobs have one hole that can be used with the screwdriver or another pry tool to open the case, however it's best to use your tool to wedge it around the outside of the case first, as if you were peeling an apple or orange. Don't apply too much pressure, as the case of the fob is usually made of plastic and can break or crack if apply too much pressure 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 need one. A bad battery could make your remote broken key repair near me fob useless.

After the new battery is in place, try using your key fob once more to see if it solves the issue. If not, you'll need to determine if your fob has an issue that's more complex that requires professional diagnosis and repair. You may have to have the key fob reprogrammed at a dealer or buy a new one.

Buttons

The little buttons on your key fob are pretty small, and they're filled with delicate electronics. It's not surprising that they'll fail from time-to-time. If the car key button suddenly stops working, you can usually fix it yourself.

One of the most common reasons why a car key remote doesn't work is because dirt or grit has lodged between the buttons. To get rid of this issue, take off the batteries in a careful manner and scrub each button with the help of a cotton swab which has been submerged in rubbing alcohol. Make sure to dry them completely before replacing the batteries.

It's also possible that the key fob was harmed in some way, possibly dropped on concrete or unintentionally scratched by a sharp object. If this is the case, you can test your key fob's functionality by using another one.

Another possibility is that the door lock sensor in your vehicle has stopped working. It's a tiny metal piece that is attached to the door lock button on your key fob, and it's not common for this sensor to break following long-term use or exposure to weather conditions. Press your mobile key repair button several times without locking or unlocking your doors. This will reset the sensor.

If all else fails, you can test the capabilities of a spare key by opening and locking your doors with it. If the spare key does not work, it could be necessary to find an 24 hour locksmith that can offer automobile key repair in order to make your remote work again.

If your car key button is working, but it's still not locking or unlocking the vehicle, you may try to reprogram your computer system. But keep in mind that if you've used the same key fob for a period of time, it's likely to need to be programmed every couple of months to ensure it remains in sync with your vehicle. It's not ideal, but it is better than buying a new remote.