In this blog entry, the Chicago automotive locksmith and Chicago transponder key programming experts here at Chicago Locksmith will detail the common causes of key fob malfunctions.
Key Fob Damage
Wires may have been severed in your key fob, or water or moisture may have entered it causing internal electronics or transmitters to malfunction. There’s generally wear and tear when key fobs are used for years. Even just dropping key fobs can seriously damage internal components. When key fobs are damaged, they can prevent the car from properly locking and unlocking.
Dead Key Fob Batteries
If your car isn’t responding to key fob signals, the fob probably has dead batteries. This is verified if you need to press buttons multiple times to send signals or if the car won’t respond to signals sent from afar, requiring you to be closer to the vehicle. Try replacing the batteries and see if this works.
Car Lock Problems
Sometimes the car lock may get jammed or have a damaged internal mechanism due to a forced entry attempt. See if the key turns in the car lock. Another option is that the key turns but the car won’t unlock. These both indicate a faulty car lock.
Signal Problems
Key fobs work by sending a coded signal to car based receiver units with a short range radio responder housed in the key fob. The car’s receiver will decode the signal, allowing the car door control unit or immobilizer to unlock the door when detecting a code match. Some modern key fobs can even be used to remotely start car engines as well as unlocking or locking cars and trunks. If there’s another wireless device close to your car, it might be transmitting a signal at the same frequency of your car key fob, preventing it from properly working.
Code Recognition Issues
The key fob has an internal microchip that sends signals to the car’s onboard receiver or computer. Sometimes the transponder key code cannot be read, indicating that the car key fob will need to be reprogrammed by a professional.
Broken Buttons
Sometimes key fob buttons get stuck or misaligned, or the button contact is broken, all of which cause car key fobs to stop working. Sometimes a single button like the car lock button works while the unlock button doesnt, or buttons might be stuck, hard, or loose. The fob will need to be opened and repaired. Some other times cheap aftermarket keys are designed and constructed poorly and do not properly work. It’s best to only use official keys. The same goes for poorly made duplicate keys.
