[Philkotse tips] How to access your car with a dead fob key

But what if one of the features that makes it so posh suddenly becomes inaccessible? What if your fob key suddenly dies out on you when you needed it the most? Will you still be able to get in your car? Will you have to spend on anything to get it to work again?

You’re in luck because we got everything you need to know about it right in this article from Philkotse.com.

What are the fob keys?

Fob keys can also be referred to as fob keys. These are small hardware devices that have built-in authentication for security purposes.

Fob keys are used to secure and control access to various technological devices and objects. This includes computer systems, mobile devices, network and data services, and even cars.

The term fob key is used to describe the usual keychain and other similar devices. The “fob” term is believed to come from the watch fobs that existed some time in 1888. The fob in this context pertains to an accessory or ornament that is attached to the chain in a pocket watch.

Fob keys are used to secure and control access to various technological devices and objects

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How do fob keys work?

Inside your fob key is a small chip that is able to create the code that will get transmitted to give you access to your car.

There is also a small silver that is approximately the size of a rice grain. This small silver is called the transmitter. You can pretty much tell what it does because of its name.

The chip inside most modern controllers utilizes what experts call a rolling code or a hopping code. The controller chip’s job is to provide security. Some systems use a 40-bit hopping code. These types of rolling code can provide an estimate of 1 trillion possible codes.

There will be cases where a key fob gets damaged or broken

To give you a more thorough understanding of the process, here is how it happens:

• First, the 40-bit code is sent along with a function code once a button is pushed on the fob key. This combination tells your car what action you want it to do.
• The receiver in the car should receive the same 40-bit code it’s expecting to perform the function you want. If it doesn’t, nothing will happen.

The transmitter and the receiver in the car use the same set of numbers to perform the action you want. The randomly-generated numbers on both of these systems should always be synchronized, or your key fob won’t work at all.

>>> Also about car keys: Standard car key vs. keyless entry: Which can better secure your car?

How do I access my vehicle if my fob key isn’t working?

Losing access to your vehicle is definitely a bummer, especially if you’re in a hurry. But there is actually a workaround to this. You can follow the suggestions we have below to narrow down which problem you may be facing.

Replace your car fob key batteries

The first thing you have to do when your fob key suddenly stops working is to stop and check on the batteries. The batteries is basically what’s responsible for powering up your fob key.

So if you’re lucky to have a failing fob key at home, you can just change the batteries and see if it’s working again. But if you happen to experience this while at work or anywhere else, you may need to go out of your way to get new batteries.

The first thing you have to do when your fob key suddenly stops working is to stop and check on the batteries

To avoid being bothered by this scenario, always keep a spare set of fob key batteries in your car. The batteries necessary for this are usually the same ones you can find in watches.

>>> Buying car key battery: Top 3 Tips on Getting the Best Deals on Car Accessories in Banawe Street

When starting the engine

Once you get inside your vehicle, your car will have to use the same system it uses in starting the engine to open the doors. If that isn’t working for you, then you definitely have big trouble in your way.

The good news is that the car manufacturer kept in mind that key fobs can fail and become useless at any time.

Some automakers designed their keyless entry systems to have a fail-safe method. You can also find a spare key right inside the key fob. You can access this by finding the supposed hidden slot at the back of the fob key.

Some automakers designed their keyless entry systems to have a fail-safe method

You should pop off the cap that hides this slot. This can be used to start the engine so you can get back on the road. In some cases where the car has a start button, you will need to press your key fob against the start button.

Then, press on the brakes before pushing the button. This usually requires a few tries from an inexperienced user so you may have to repeat this method a few times.

>>> Maybe you will need: Reasons why your key gets stuck and how to solve this problem

Manually unlock the door

Another method you can try to get in your car is by holding up your key fob against the door. Try pressing your fob key right on the handle of the driver’s side.

Then, try pulling the door handle to see if you can open it. On some occasions, there is still enough power from the dead fob key’s battery to open your car door.

It needs to be pressed against the door handle so there is less distance as possible between the transmitter and receiver.

Try pulling the door handle to see if you can open it

>>> Just in case you're experiencing: 

• Causes of a stuck car door & how to deal with it
• Smart driving: 8 useful methods to unlock your car doors without a key

In some cases, there are manufacturers who offer remote services to unlock your car for you. This can vary though depending on the services provided by the automaker.

You may also need to undergo a verification process so the company can make sure that they’re speaking to the actual owner of the vehicle.

If that’s not applicable to the automaker that you got it from, the company may also send roadside assistance. They will be the one to let you in your car and help you out with your fob key problem.