If your key fob is no longer unlocking or starting your vehicle, there are a few things that you can do on your own to potentially get your key fob working again. Here are three tips that could get your key fob working again.
#1 Test Your Door's Locks
Often times, people assume that it is their key fob that is not working when the real issue is that the lock is not working properly or that the motor that operates the lock is burned out. If you have another back-up remote, try that instead to see if it also has issues. If it also has issues, the problem may be with your door and your lock, not your key fob.
You can also lock and unlock your vehicle using the buttons on the driver side door to see how your locks respond. Once again, if your locks fail to work when you use the buttons inside of your vehicle, you need to take your vehicle to a mechanic to have the actual lock checked out.
If your vehicle locks and unlocks just fine using a second remote or manually, than you know the issue lies with the key fob.
#2 Switch Out The Battery
Generally, if your key fob is not working, it is most likely because the battery has died. Although key fob batteries generally have pretty long life spans, they don't last forever.
To get to the battery, you are going to have to remove tiny screws on the back of the key fob that protect the battery. Some key fobs have tabs instead of screws that you have to pry open to get to the battery. Once you open up your key fob, figure out what type of battery it has and purchase a replacement at your local auto parts store or order it online.
Test it out with the new battery and if your key fob now locks and unlocks your vehicle, you are good to go. If that doesn't work, move on to the tip below.
#3 Reprogram Your Key Fob
If you know that your key fob has a new battery and still isn't working, the problem may lie with the memory component of your key fob. It may need to be reprogrammed in order to work again.
To reprogram your key fob, you are going to want to get into your vehicle and close all the doors. Then, take your key fob and put it into the ignition; however, don't actually start your car. Instead, take the key and turn it back and forth quickly between the two settings on your ignition switch before engaging and turning on the vehicle.
This should cause your vehicle to let out a repetitive beeping sound, like when you leave the car door open when the vehicle is running. When you hear that sound, wait for it to repeat itself at least once, and press one of the buttons on your key fob. Then, take your keys out, get out of the vehicle, and try to lock your vehicle with your key fob.
This resetting method works on most vehicles; if this method doesn't work on your vehicle, you may need to consult the owner's manual of your vehicle to figure out how to reset your specific key fob.
Finally, if none of the above steps work, you may want to take your key fob to a locksmith, like one from Autolock Solutions, to trouble shoot or possible to upgrade to a new key fob for your vehicle.
