Car Key Repair - How to Fix a Dead Remote

Car remotes offer 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 times.

Before you head to the dealer, consider some quick fixes in case your key fob isn't working. 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 up to your car, press a button on the key fob, then unlock the doors and start the engine. It's a useful feature that has made the world of driving a car more enjoyable and more secure. The keyless entry system, as any other device, can be damaged through repeated use or other causes. If you've had issues with yours, there are two options: Go to the dealer or contact the local locksmith.

The way a keyless entry system operates is by sending radio signals, and then searching for a corresponding response signal from the key fob. If the system detects the signal, the vehicle's doors are not locked and the onboard computer is activated. Certain systems have a second receiver on the trunk of the car that opens it automatically when you waggle your foot on it.

Each key fob has an individual digital identification code, which is issued by the manufacturer. The fob is programmed with a unique process called "programming". This involves turning on the ignition of the vehicle repeatedly in a predetermined sequence. It may also require pushing or pulling levers or buttons or even removing the fuse.

Once a key fob is programmed to your specific vehicle's keyless entry system it transmits its digital identity code as well as a function code that tells the car what to do (lock or unlock the trunk, or open the trunk). The car's receiver confirms that the transmitter is the person it claims to be through an authentication and encryption process. The computer on board will allow the vehicle to be opened and start the engine when it is authenticated.

There are concerns that a skilled criminal could intercept the code that's transmitted between the key fob and the car. This will require a device that records the transmission, and then retransmits it later in the event that the system doesn't want it to. To prevent this from happening issue, the majority of keyless entry systems use the rolling code method that guarantees that each new transmitter signal received by the car has a different counter value than the previous one.

Batteries

A dead battery is the most common reason for the car remote to not work. It's an easy and cheap fix in the event that you have an extra automotive key repair fob on your desk to replace the old one with. Most fobs are powered with watches-style batteries, which are available at big-box stores or hardware stores for less than $10. You can find directions to disassemble your key fob by searching the internet or in your car's manuathat has become lodged between the buttons. To remove this obstruction, carefully remove both the batteries and scrub each button with a cotton swab that has been dipped in rubbing alcohol. Be sure to dry them completely before reinstalling batteries.

It's possible that the key fob was damaged somehow, perhaps dropped on concrete or unintentionally damaged by something sharp. If this is the case, you can test the function of your key fob using a different one.

The door lock sensor may have stopped working in your car key repair company. This sensor is a small metal part that is attached to the key fob's door lock button. It's not common for it to fail due to weather conditions or long usage. 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 unlocking and locking your doors using it. If the spare key doesn't work, Car Keys Repairs it may be necessary to find a 24-hour locksmith that offers automobile key repair in order to get your remote operating again.

If your car key button is working but still not locking or unlocking your vehicle, you may try to reprogram your computer system. Be aware that if you've had the same key fob for a period of time, it's likely to need to be programmed each few months to ensure it is working properly with your vehicle. It's not optimal, but it's better than having to buy an entirely new remote.