20 Trailblazers Leading The Way In Remote Car Key Repair
Car Key Repair - How to Fix a Dead Remote
Car remotes provide a wonderful 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 go to the dealer, you can try a few quick solutions in case your key fob isn't functioning. These steps could save you money.
Keyless Entry System
Instead of fumbling around with keys in your purse or pocket, you can simply walk up to your car, push an icon on the key fob and then unlock the doors and start the engine. It's a useful feature that has made the experience of car driving more enjoyable and more secure. But just like any device that has a keyless entry system, the keyless entry system may fail due to frequent use or due to other reasons. If you have problems with yours, you may either visit the dealer or call a locksmith.
The way a keyless entry system functions is by releasing radio signals and then searching for a response signal from the key fob. If the system can recognize the signal, it will trigger to open the doors of the vehicle and also activate the onboard computer. Some systems have an additional transmitter in the trunk of the car that can be opened when you put your foot beneath it.
Each key fob is assigned an unique identification code by the manufacturer. The fob is programmed with a unique process called "programming". This typically involves turning the ignition of the vehicle several times in a certain sequence. It could also involve pushing or pulling various buttons and levers or taking out fuse.
Once a key fob has been programmed to the car's keyless entry system it transmits its digital identity code as well as a function code that tells the car what to do (lock, unlock, or open the trunk). The receiver in the car verifies that the transmitter is who it claims to be by using an authentication and encryption process. The computer on board will unlock the vehicle and start the engine if 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 the use of a special device that records the transmission and then retransmits it in the event that the system doesn't want it to. Most keyless entry systems utilize rolling codes to stop this. This ensures that each new transmitter signal received by a vehicle has a counter that differs from the previous one.
Batteries
A dead battery is the most common reason for car remotes not to function. If you have an extra key fob, it's a cheap and easy fix. Fortunately, The Keylab utilize traditional watch-style batteries which are available in hardware stores or big-box retailers for as little as $10. A quick search on the internet or your car's owner manual should provide instructions on how you can disassemble your key fob and replace the battery.
After you've removed the battery, make sure not to damage any antennas or circuits within the case. They're likely to hold the key fob's program to your particular car and tampering with them will make it impossible to program (and likely to fail). If you have to move the key fobs, be careful. Certain key fobs might have fasteners which can easily pop out and scatter key fob pieces all over your living space.
The majority of key fobs have one hole that can be used with an screwdriver or similar tool to open the case, but it's a good idea put your tool on the outside of the case first, as if you were peeling an orange or apple. Don't apply too much pressure, as the case of the key fob is typically made of plastic, and can crack or break when you apply too excessive force.
Be sure to match the size and type of the battery to the key fob when you replace it. Some key fobs come with two batteries while others only require one. A bad battery could cause your remote to become useless.
After the new battery has been put in place, test your key fob again to see if the battery has fixed your problem. If this fails you'll have to determine if the fob is experiencing an issue that is more complicated and requires a professional diagnosis. If this is the case, you might need to have it reprogrammed by a dealer, or purchase a new key fob completely.
Buttons
The buttons on your key fob may be small, but they are packed with electronics. It's not a surprise that they're doomed to fail from time time. If the button on your car's ignition suddenly ceases to function, you can typically fix it yourself.
The most common reason that a car remote stop functioning is due to dirt or crud has gotten stuck between the button. To remove this obstruction remove the batteries and scrub each button by using a cotton swab, coated with alcohol rubbing. Make sure you dry the batteries completely before reinstalling them.
It's also possible that the key fob has been damaged in some way, possibly dropped on concrete or accidentally damaged by something sharp. If this is the case, using a different key fob to test its functionality might reveal that it has been damaged and requires to be replaced.
The door lock sensor may have stopped working in your vehicle. This sensor is a small metal component attached to the key fob's door lock button. It's not common for it to fail due to weather conditions or prolonged use. Press your key button a few times without locking or unlocking your doors. This will reset the sensor.
If all other options fail, you can test the functionality of a spare key by trying to lock and unlock your doors with it. If the spare key does not work, it might be necessary to locate a 24-hour locksmith that offers auto key repair to get your remote working again.
If the car key button is working, but it's still not locking or unlocking the vehicle, try to reprogram your computer system. However, keep in mind that if you've owned the same key fob for a period of time, it will have to be programmed every few months to ensure that it remains in sync with your vehicle. It's not an ideal situation but it's better than having to replace your remote entirely.