A car remote is not only convenient, but it’s also something people brag about to their friends. However, even these things have a negative side to them. While you can lose standard car keys, leave them in the cabin or break them, your remote key fob can also eventually stop working.
But how can that be if the salesman who sold you the car said only the best promises? That’s what we’ll be talking about today. What can be causing your car key remote not to work? Will you have to buy a new one?
Can you repair your “broken” car key and if yes, how? Take a look at Philkotse.com's research below and find out for yourself! Don’t forget to share the knowledge with friends who might need it.
1. Reasons why your car remote key may not be working
While there can be tons of reasons why your car remote isn’t working, some of them are actually fixable. Listed below are the five usual causes why your remote key isn’t working. Check which problem it is you’re experiencing and try out our tips. You may be dealing with a simple, less complex problem than you thought.
If you’re not sure whether the problem is in the remote or in the car, try using the back-up remote. If the remote back-up works, then your other remote is faulty.
If you’re not sure whether the problem is in the remote or in the car, try using the back-up remote
Check your key fob battery and how long its battery charge lasts. If you think you haven’t been following the manufacturer’s instructions, replace the battery. Also, check if you’ve put them the right way. Once you’re sure that it’s the fob key that’s broken, open it. Use appropriate tools to open the fob key carefully. Then, inspect the internal system for hidden damages to the small parts.
Reprogram your car key remote if there are no physical damages inside or out. If you’re not sure how you can find sources online. If you’re still not sure, you can have a professional do it.
2. What to do if your vehicle has no physical keys?
Almost all vehicles with a push-start button and remote car keys still have a physical key and keyhole. Although not a lot of non-vehicle owners know about it, the remote fob key usually hides a smaller key inside.
There is also a small keyhole for access to the car door. Though this is not in plain sight, you can search the door for it. You will most likely see it concealed under a trim part.
Prying a particular part away may cause irreversible damage to the area. This could be a dent or a scratch, especially if you’re not careful. So, it’s best not to search for it if there isn’t an emergency.
Almost all vehicles with a push-start button and remote car keys still have a physical key and keyhole
If you can successfully unlock and lock your car door with the physical key, then your car is most likely fine. However, there may be something wrong with the electronic units concerned with the door. Of course, there is a possibility that your vehicle’s receiver is broken; that’s why your car remote isn’t working.
However, complex problems like this are very rare. Car manufacturers put their units through a variety of tests that challenges their durability. So if you haven’t put it against any extremely torturous ordeal, your fob key will most likely be fine.
>>> Read more: Top 9 common problems with car doors and how to fix them.
3. Check the remote fob key’s battery
A lot of car manufacturers out there assemble their key fob with a type 4 button-cell battery. These types of batteries aren’t very expensive, even in the Philippines. But it’s still a good idea if the problem is actually the battery.
If the battery in your fob key isn’t a type 4, there are other ways to determine what type it is. You can go and have this confirmed by reading your manual. If you no longer have it, you can always ask an expert.
A lot of car manufacturers out there assemble their key fob with a type 4 button-cell battery
If that’s not convenient for you, you can always just look at the battery and see the code stamped on it. Asides from a type 4 button cell, some car remotes also utilize CR2025 or CR2032. On rare occasions, some manufacturers also go for type CR1620 and CR1632.
Once you know what type of battery it is that your remote has, you have two options on what to do next. You can either check the battery power with a voltage meter or just get a new battery.
If you used a voltmeter, the reading should show either a 3 or 3.6. If the remote works fine after the battery replacement, then you’re good to go. If not, continue reading as there could be other problems with your remote.
>>> Check out: Standard car key vs. keyless entry: Which can better secure your car?
4. What if the internal parts of the fob key are damaged?
Remote car starters and fob keys are often exposed to damage and wearing out. Unlike other gadgets like phones and digital cameras, they don’t come with shockproof protective cases. The most common way that the remote car key can be “broken” is by having problems with either the battery or button wires. However, a “broken” fob key can have damages to other parts.
If you suspect that this is the problem, you can open the gadget and take a look inside. If the battery’s wires feel loose or are disconnected at one spot, you can solder them back into place.
If the battery terminals look fine, you can take a look at where the buttons are placed
If the battery terminals look fine, you can take a look at where the buttons are placed. You can also solder these back into their proper places if they’re loose. If it’s snapped off, that may be another problem. However, if the rubberized buttons still don’t work at some point and soldering isn’t making any progress, you should consult the help of an expert.
>>> Also check: How to protect your car from keyless entry hack.
5. Reprogramming your fob key
This part is a more complex way of fixing your problem. In order for the fob key to work, it should be able to pair with the receiver that’s built into your car. If for some reason, the programs from these two devices no longer match or correspond to each other, you will need to have it reprogrammed. This is best done by an expert.
If the programs from these two devices no longer match each other, you will need to have it reprogrammed
