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This Week's Best Stories Concerning Remote Car Key Repair
Car Key Repair - How to Fix a Dead Remote

Car remotes are a great convenience to drivers. They can unlock doors, open trunks and even start the car. These remotes are prone to malfunction at the most inconvenient of times.

Before you go to the dealer, try some quick solutions when your key fob stops functioning. These steps may save you money.

Keyless Entry System

Rather than needing to fumble around with keys in your purse or pocket instead, stroll up to your car, hit an icon on the key fob, then unlock the doors and start the engine. It's a practical feature that has made the world of car driving more enjoyable and more secure. However, just like any other device it's possible that the keyless entry system could fail due to repeated use or because of other reasons. If you've encountered issues with your keyless entry system, there are two options: visit the dealership or contact a local locksmith.

The way that a keyless entry system operates is by sending radio signals and then searching for a corresponding response from the key fob. If the system is able to recognize the signal, the vehicle's doors are unlocked and the computer on board is activated. Certain systems have an additional receiver in the car's trunk that will open automatically when you waggle your foot on it.

Each key fob is assigned an unique identification code by the manufacturer. A specific process of technology called "programming" is used to set the fob up with the car's specific system. This typically involves turning the ignition of the car several times in a certain sequence. It could include pulling or pushing various levers and buttons or removing fuses.

When a key fob is programmed to your specific vehicle's keyless entry system it transmits the digital identity code, along with a function code that instructs the car what to do (lock in, unlock or open the trunk). The car's receiver checks the authenticity of the transmitter by an authentication and encryption process. If it's authorized the onboard computer unlocks the vehicle and starts the engine.

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

Batteries


The most frequent cause of the car remote key fob not working is the battery is dead. It's an easy and cheap fix in the event that you have another key fob at in your possession to replace the previous one with. Most fobs are powered by watch-style batteries, which are available at hardware stores or big-box stores for less than $10. You can find instructions to disassemble your key fob by searching the internet or in your vehicle's manual.

Be careful not to harm any of the circuits or antennas within the case after you have removed the battery. If you make a mess of them, the key fob will be unprogrammable and won't function. If you must move them, do so very gently because some key fobs come with fasteners that can easily pop open and scatter key fob components throughout your living space.

Most key fobs have a single hole for the screwdriver or another pry tool to open the case, but it's a good idea to use your tool to wedge it around the outside of the case first, just as you were peeling an apple or orange. Don't apply too much pressure, as the fob case is often constructed of plastic and could break or crack if you apply too excessive pressure to it.

Be car key repair company TheKeyLab to match the size and type of the battery to the key fob when you replace it. Certain fobs require two batteries, while others have just one. The incorrect battery could make your key fob remote useless.

After the new battery is installed, test your key fob once more to see if it solves your problem. If it doesn't, you'll need to determine whether your device has an issue that is more complex and requires a professional diagnosis and repair. If this is the case, you could require it to be reset by a dealer or you may need to buy a replacement key fob altogether.

Buttons

The buttons on your key fob might appear small however they're packed with electronics. Therefore, it's not surprising that they're likely to fail from time to time. If the car key button suddenly ceases to function, you can generally fix it yourself.

One of the main reasons why a car key remote stops working is that dirt or crud has become lodged between the buttons. To clear this up take care to remove both batteries and scrub each button with a cotton swab coated with ruby alcohol. Be 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 this is the situation, you can check the functionality of your key fob by using a different one.

The door lock sensor might have stopped working in your vehicle. It's a tiny, metal part that's connected to the door lock button on your key fob, and it's not uncommon for this sensor to break following prolonged use or exposure to weather conditions. Press your key button several times without locking or unlocking your doors. This resets the sensor.

If all else fails, you could always test the operation of the spare key by attempting to lock and unlock your doors with it. If the spare key does not work, it could be necessary to locate a 24-hour locksmith that offers car key repair to get your remote operating again.

If your car key button is working, but it's still not locking or unlocking your vehicle, you can try to re-programme your computer system. Be aware that if you've used the same key fob for a long time, it's going to need to be programmed every couple of months to ensure it is working properly with your vehicle. It's not the ideal situation, but it's better than having to replace the remote completely.

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