A Look At The Future What's The Remote Car Key Repair Industry Look Like In 10 Years? Car Key Repair - How to Fix a Dead Remote

The car remotes are an excellent convenience for drivers. They can unlock doors, open trunks, and even start the car. However, they may cease to function at uninviable times.

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

Keyless Entry System

Instead of having to fiddle around with keys in your purse or pocket, you can simply walk to your car, hit a button on the key fob and then unlock the doors and start the engine. It's a convenient feature that has made the experience of car driving more enjoyable and more secure. However, just like any other device, the keyless entry system can break from repeated use or because of other factors. If you're having problems with yours, you can either go to the dealer or contact an locksmith.

The way that a keyless entry system works is by releasing radio signals and then searching for a corresponding response signal from the key fob. If the system is able to recognize the signal, it triggers to open the doors of the vehicle and also activate the computer onboard. Certain systems include an additional transmitter in the trunk of the car that can be opened when you put one foot underneath it.

Each key fob comes with an individual digital identity code that's given by the manufacturer. The fob is programmed by a proprietary process called "programming". This usually involves turning on the ignition of the car repeatedly in a specific sequence. It could also require pulling or pushing different buttons and levers, or the removal of fuse.

When a key fob is programmed to the car's keyless entry system it transmits the digital identity code as well as a function code that instructs the car what to do (lock, unlock or open the trunk). The car's receiver confirms that the transmitter is who it claims to be by using an authentication and encryption process. The computer in the car will unlock the vehicle and start the engine if it's authorized.

A clever criminal could intercept and use the code transmitted between the keyfob's and the vehicle. This would require a specific device to record the transmission and then retransmit it in the event that the system doesn't anticipate it. To combat this, most keyless entry systems rely on the rolling code method that ensures that every new transmitter signal received by the vehicle has a different counter than the previous one.

Batteries

The most frequent cause of car remotes key fobs not working is the battery is dead. If you have an extra key fob, it's a cheap and easy fix. Fortunately, the majority of fobs have traditional watch-style batteries which are available in hardware stores or big-box retailers for as little as $10. A quick search of the internet or in your vehicle's owner's manual will provide directions on how to disassemble the fob that you have been using and swap out the battery.

Once 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 so very gently because some key fobs come with fasteners that are able to pop open and scatter key fob pieces all over your living room.

Most key fobs have a single hole for the screwdriver or another pry tool to pop open the case. However, it's a good idea put your tool on the outside of the case first, like you would peeling an orange or apple. Don't apply too much pressure, since the fob case is often made of plastic and may 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 key fob when replacing it. Certain fobs require two batteries, while others have only one. Using the wrong battery can render your key fob remote useless.

If the problem persists then you can try it again with your fob's key after installing the new battery. If it doesn't it, you'll have to determine whether your key fob is suffering from an issue that is more complex and requires a professional diagnosis and repair. If this is the case, you could need to have it changed by a dealer or you may need to purchase a new key fob altogether.

Buttons

The buttons on your key fob are tiny, and packed with delicate electronic components. It's not surprising that they'll occasionally fail. The good thing is, when your car's key button stops functioning, there's usually something you can do to fix it yourself.

One of the most common reasons why a car key remote stops working is that dirt or crud has accumulated between the buttons. To fix this, remove the batteries with care and clean each button using the help of a cotton swab which has been dipped into rubbing alcohol. Make sure to dry the batteries completely before reinstalling them.

It's possible that your key fob has been damaged in some way, such as being dropped on concrete or accidentally scratched. If auto key repair is the case using another key fob to check its functionality may reveal that yours has been damaged and has to be replaced.


Another possibility is that the door lock sensor in your vehicle isn't working anymore. It's a tiny, metal component that's attached to the door lock button on your key fob, and it's not common for this sensor to break after prolonged use or exposure to extreme weather conditions. To activate the sensor again, simply try pressing your key fob a few times without locking or unlocking your doors to reset it.

If nothing else works, you can always test the functionality of a spare key by opening and locking your doors using it. If the spare key doesn't work, you might need to contact a 24-hour locksmith who offers automobile key repair to get your remote working again.

You can change the settings on your computer if your car's key fob works, but it still doesn't lock or unlock the vehicle. But keep in mind that if you've had the same key fob for some time, it will have to be programmed each few months to ensure that it remains in sync with your vehicle. It's not an ideal situation however it's much better than having to replace the remote completely.