A faulty car key is an inconvenience that can throw off your whole schedule. While it may seem far-fetched to think of a car key as needing regular maintenance, your car key is not something to overlook because when it fails it can stop you from being able to enter your vehicle at all, let alone start the engine.
If you find your key is broken, the first step is to identify the problem and whether it is easier to fix it or to replace the key fob entirely. There can be a couple of ways to go about this. Below you will find several tips for dealing with a non-functioning car key.
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Why a car key stops working
It is to be expected that any key will experience problems at some point in time or another, even though doing so can be a very frustrating experience. If you discover that your key is not functioning properly, there are a few potential causes that you should investigate right away in light of the fact that, fortunately, the issues that arise with them are frequently uncomplicated.
The battery is, as you might have guessed, the most typical offender when it comes to the malfunction of an electric key fob. Fixing this problem shouldn’t be too difficult, but you might need someone to drive you to the store so you can get a new battery for the key fob. Because this is such a prevalent issue, it is a good idea to have some spare batteries or even a backup key fob in a convenient location in your home, such as a purse or backpack that you carry with you on a regular basis when you are out and about.
Although checking for a dead battery in the key fob is the first thing that should be done, there are a variety of other problems that can occur with key fobs, some of which may require more effort to correct. If you establish that you are dealing with a more complex problem, you will need to consider whether or not it is something that is worth addressing, or whether or not it would be better to replace it with something else.
You should also investigate the possibility that the issue is not with the key fob but rather with the vehicle itself. It is recommended that you investigate the potential that the battery in your vehicle has died, as this can result in comparable problems. The use of a spare key fob is often the most effective method for determining whether the issue is with the key or the car itself. There is a possibility, albeit a less common one, that there is a problem with the locks on the doors of your vehicle, possibly with the actuator. Even though the likelihood of this happening is low, it is important to keep this in mind if, after having your key fixed or replacing it with a new one, your remote key still does not unlock the car door.
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Replacing or repairing your key fob/car key
Alternate solutions are available to try in the event that switching out the battery does not resolve the issue. Disassembling the key fob and conducting a thorough inspection to validate that none of the buttons appear to be broken or misaligned is one of the troubleshooting steps that can be taken. Because your key fob probably gets a lot of use and spends a lot of time getting jostled around, the buttons on it can become broken or jammed, and the only thing you may need to do to get it working again is to adjust them. You could also take the remote with you to get it analyzed by a trained specialist. It’s possible that the key has to have its programming changed, or maybe it just needs some other kind of tweak.
Even if you have the ability to fix a broken fob, there are occasions when it is far simpler to just replace it. A new key fob may cost as little as around $50, but in some instances, they may be more expensive and may end up costing you a significant amount of money. The price of a new key fob can vary widely depending on the type and model of your vehicle. Even though the expense of replacements can be an inconvenience, it is often the most prudent and secure course of action. You don’t want to put too much stock in a key that might not work properly and run the danger of being stuck somewhere.
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What to do when you’re in a tight spot
The scenario can be unpleasant at best, and terrifying at worst if you find yourself stranded away from home and unable to start your car when you get there. In spite of the fact that being taken aback by a key malfunction is never an enjoyable experience, it is often of the utmost importance that you maintain your composure and think about the alternatives. Even if you always use the button on the fob to unlock your car, there is likely a physical key hidden somewhere inside the fob. Even if it won’t work for starting your vehicle, at the very least you should be able to use this to get into your vehicle. If it won’t work for starting your vehicle, at least you should be able to get into it (though it can start certain cars).
A car key that is not necessarily dead but does have a low battery may not be recognized by the vehicle from a distance if you have a vehicle that uses a push-to-start button ignition rather than a turn-key ignition. This is the case if you have a vehicle that utilizes a push-to-start button ignition. If you continue to have trouble starting the car, you could try starting it by holding the key very close to the button. Typically located between the steering wheel and the infotainment system, certain push-button ignition systems may also contain a spot for you to insert the actual key that opens the door to the vehicle. This would allow you to start the vehicle. These simple remedies might work in an emergency, allowing you to travel back home or to AutoZone to buy a replacement battery or key fob, but there’s no guarantee they will.
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Being prepared for car key issues
No matter how well you take care of your key fob, there is always a chance that it could stop working at some time in the future or another. This will not only make your day more difficult, but it will also be an awful reality. Fortunately, problems with key fobs/car keys are typically neither significant nor difficult, and they frequently boil down to the relatively straightforward process of replacing the battery. If you discover that you are still having troubles after repairing or replacing your key fob, then there may be more serious concerns present. Even though this occurs infrequently, it is possible that this is a sign that there is another problem with the car itself. Keeping a backup key on hand is one of the most effective ways to ensure that problems with your key fob will not catch you off guard and prevent you from being prepared. Today is a good day to visit the AutoZone near you and investigate the possibility of purchasing a replacement
