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Top Reasons Why Your Seattle Car Key is Not Working

A remote car key is convenient and makes it easy to lock and unlock your car with the push of a button from a distance. When it works, it is great, and you may wonder how you ever got by without a keyless entry remote. If your remote stops working, it can be very frustrating. Should you find yourself with a car key that stopped working, here are some possible reasons why.

Diagnose the Problem

There are a few things to check to determine where the problem lies. The issue could be with one remote, or all remotes. Or an issue with the locks could render the remote ineffective. You will need to test out a few things to zero in on the problem.

Check All Remotes

You need to determine if the problem is with one car key remote or if the problem is extensive. Test out the other remote, and if your second car key works, this confirms that the problem isolated to one remote fob. If the second remote does not work, that means the problem is bigger than anticipated.

Check the Locks

If your vehicle has a physical key test that out, too. Make sure to test it in the lock in each door. Also, test the internal locks. If the physical key or buttons inside the vehicle do not work the problem is not with the remote.

Look at the Remote

There are a few issues with the remote that could cause it to no longer work. By identifying the problem, you can determine the solution.

The Battery Died

Remote car fobs are powered by batteries. Given enough time and use the batteries will die. Replacing the battery will resolve the issue. Most car fobs take button or coin cell batteries. Button or coin cell batteries can be purchased online or at most stores that carry batteries. The battery type may be listed in the owner’s manual. You can also confirm the type of battery by opening the case and inspecting the existing battery. You will need to open the remote, remove the old battery and replace it.

If you replace the battery and the remote works that solve the issue. If you replace the battery and the remote still does not work the battery may not have been the issue and there is another problem.

Remote Malfunction

If there are mechanical or electrical issues with the remote fob, this could prevent it from working. Car key remotes are handled a lot and get banged up in the process. They are tossed in bags or pockets and are jostled around with other items. When they have bumped around, buttons can be damaged or electricity can be knocked loose.

Determine if the connections are bad by taking the remote apart. Inspect the interior and look for any disconnects. If this is the case, it may be possible to repair the remote. You will likely need to bring the remote to a dealer or a locksmith for the repair. If you do not wish to fix the remote, or if it is beyond repair you can purchase a new remote. In that case, the new remote will need to be programmed to work with your vehicle.

The Car Key Remote Needs to Be Reprogrammed

It is possible the remote malfunctioned and just stopped working. A key fob needs to be programmed to work with a particular car. This ensures that your fob only locks and unlocks your vehicle, and no one else’s fob works with your vehicle.

If your remote stops working and the battery is not the culprit, and the connections are solid, the fob may need to be reprogrammed to work with your vehicle. There may be instructions to do this in your owner’s manual, or online, or you can bring your vehicle and the remote into a dealer or locksmith.

If the Locks Are the Problem

If there is an electrical or mechanical issue with the locks that could prevent the remote from working. If none of the solutions listed above solve the problem and the remote still does not work, or if the physical key or internal buttons do not work the problem could lie with the locks. If this is the case, you will need to bring the vehicle to a reputable local locksmith.

Determine the Solution

Car key remotes can experience some issues that can stop them from operating. By checking the battery and connections and reprogramming you will like to resolve the issue with a remote that stops working. If none of these fixes work, it may be necessary to consult a professional to look at the remote, or possibly an issue with the locks themselves.

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