“why won’t my key fob unlock my car?” is likely the question many drivers have when they find themselves unable to unlock their car to enter it.
However, if the cause is unknown, it can be quite a challenge to troubleshoot such a complicated problem.
There is no need to panic! Scroll through this article and refer to the useful tips provided if you ever find yourself in the same situation.
Why Won’t My Key Fob Unlock My Car?
Battery Problem
Universally, batteries are the main power source for remote control devices. So the most straightforward reason a key fob wont unlock car is that it might have a bad battery.
Fortunately, this problem can be rectified using a very simple solution.
Different locks use another type of battery. The most common type is the coin-shaped lithium battery.
This type usually has a shelf life of about 2 to 3 years. However, if you use the device more often, the battery life can last for about one year.
How to know your device has a dead battery:
- It suddenly turns off and stops working
- The indicator light is weak. Sometimes it lights up, and sometimes it doesn’t.
- The controller’s performance is unstable. The controller does not consistently perform its job.
- The battery has been used for 1-2 years and has never been replaced.
- The battery is leaking out of the device.
To be certain that the Dead fob battery is the main cause of the problem, you can use a signal reader or try replacing it with extra batteries to see if the controller’s operation returns to normal.
Worn Buttons
Broken buttons are also a common reason a car won’t unlock with key or fob. You may notice this error when your fob behaves inconsistently.
If your automobile door only opens when the fob has to be pressed many times, it is most likely because the buttons are worn.
This sign is the most obvious evidence to help you distinguish the worn button error from battery-related problems.
However, keep in mind that this problem does not apply to all buttons on the fob.
For example, one or more buttons may be unresponsive while the others are still working properly. Remember to check your fob thoroughly before diagnosing the problem.
Visible wear and tear is a good indicator of whether the problem lies with the fob or the lock on the vehicle.
You may not need to replace the defective device immediately if the buttons are defective. Nonetheless, it can still be quite a bothersome inconvenience.
Unprogrammed Key
“why isn’t my key fob unlocking my car?” is a valid question with many possible answers depending on your circumstances.
The automobile remote control is a paired device. The fob needs to be programmed and paired with the vehicle’s component.
If your remote device is not pre-programmed to fit your automobile, it will be difficult for you to control the car as you want.
It’s worth mentioning that this problem usually does not happen to new automobile owners since all new devices come pre-programmed. It is only a common problem among used car owners.
In addition, some unwanted external influences can also affect the prearranged programs. For example, when a child plays with a fob, they can alter the program by accident and change the initial settings.
Congestion
To answer the question, “why won’t my key fob unlock my car,” many people resort to thinking that the complication comes from a glitch in the smart keys.
They usually overlook the fact that the problem can also lie in the automobile doors.
When you pull the doorknob, the handle pulls a metal rod or cable inside, pulling the door latch open.
If you’ve pressed the button and it doesn’t open, there’s a good chance the metal rod or cable inside is faulty.
In addition, the door latch contraption is also a component that needs special attention from car owners.
After a period of use, the door latch can become rusty and corroded, which can cause the common problem of a jammed door.
Disconnected Parts
The basic principle underlying smart locking devices is the use of infrared light within the electromagnetic spectrum.
The light is invisible to the naked eye and can transmit signals from your controller to your automobile.
Devices that use infrared light technology can be outstandingly durable. Despite this positive characteristic, there are still some downsides to this mechanism.
More specifically, the light can only travel in a straight line and has a limited range of about 10m.
Thus, in some cases, it may not work when the light ray is obstructed by metal objects, vehicles parked near television towers, radio stations, power generators, airports, or other strong electromagnetic waves.
Notably, smart keys are especially sensitive to other smart keys when placed in close proximity. Radio-capable electric keys are also a possible source of signal disruption when used simultaneously.
Damaged Wiring
If the user cannot unlock the car, the cause might be keyless entry systems in the motorcar door.
When there is an overload in the electrical circuit, a fuse will be blown and will prevent the control motor from moving the door on demand.
Due to the circuit being cut, the latch will not receive the command to open the door.
Thus, it would always be kept in a locked position, causing the door to jam no matter how many times you press the open button.
Besides, the problem can possibly lie with a damaged electromagnet or wire that makes the lock not work.
This type of problem can be caused by exposure to water sources, blunt force, or extreme temperature.
Unlike a key with worn button problems, an electrically damaged fob or the smart key will very likely need to be fully replaced. This solution, however, can incur quite a high cost.
Dead Car Battery
Another likely answer to the question “why won’t my key fob open my car?” is automobile battery problems.
This vehicle part has the function of providing power to components of an automobile. It is usually referred to as the heart of the car.
Sometimes, in extreme weather conditions, the car battery can be permanently damaged. Or, in less severe conditions, the power supply may be weakened, thus reducing battery life.
With the fob battery dead, the control boxes in the car will not be supplied with the essential power needed for any mechanical operation. Consequently, pressing the key remote won’t work either.
Useful Solutions
When purchasing new car models, a smart locking device is usually included in the price of the car. It is not an optional accessory that you have to pay extra for if you require it.
However, technical problems are inevitable because the smart car key must use electrical power and complex programming to function.
So, what can you do when your smart key fob encounters such technical errors?
Use A Mechanical Key
Motorcar manufacturers have also taken into account the case of the fob not working and have a backup solution for each model.
So, when you accidentally fall into this situation, you need to stay calm and follow the steps below to open the automobile door.
- Open the lid and remove the mechanical key from the car fob
- Use it to pry the padlock cover on the door handle open.
Depending on the motorcar model, the lock will be designed to be exposed or not. If the lock is designed to be exposed to the outside, you need to insert the key into the lock and turn it on normally.
Ask For Help
If your device doesn’t have a mechanical key or you are not able to locate the key slot, do not fret. At this point, what you need is the help of someone more capable, like the police or a repairman.
Of course, as long as you can prove that the automobile is yours, professional reinforcements are more than happy to aid you in the best way possible.
Replace Key Fob
To solve this problem thoroughly, you should consult your dealer or a professional professional locksmith about repairing or replacing the remote.
When buying a motorcar, using a new smart locking device is easy as it already comes with the required connections.
However, if you replace it with a new one, reprogramming the system to create the necessary connection can be quite difficult for many people.
If you have no knowledge or experience in this matter, it is best not to do anything yourself. Do not hesitate to consult the advice of professionals with the correct expertise.
FAQs:
How Do I Replace The Faulty Car Fob?
To replace a broken electronic devices, you will first need to buy it from a reputable place to ensure the best quality.
Auto parts stores or major online websites are where you can find them. Once you’ve got a new one, don’t forget to ask your dealer or locksmith to program it.
Can I Replace It Without Spare Parts?
Yes, you can. However, programming the system can be quite confusing and challenging for many people, so you might need professional help from a dealer or a locksmith.
They will have all the necessary tools for connecting the receiver to the transmitter.
Conclusion
Above are some of the answers to the question, “why won’t my key fob unlock my car?”. This situation causes a lot of trouble for drivers, but it is not too serious a complication.
Just by identifying the right cause, you can fix it with ease.
In the future, if you ever find yourself in this situation, we hope that the information provided in this article can give you a satisfactory solution to your problem.