Keyless Entry Troubleshooting
by Elizabeth Falwell
Most late model cars on the market come with remote keyless entry capabilities. This feature allows the car owner to lock and unlock the vehicle's doors, pop the trunk open or set off a panic alarm with a remote control device. If your keyless entry system is not working properly, you might save money by troubleshooting the problem before taking your vehicle to a garage for expensive repairs.
Step 1
Make sure you're using your remote properly. Different brands have different ranges of use, but typically work best at distances of less than 100 feet. Make sure your remote is fully removed from your pocket or purse and pointed directly at your vehicle. Remotes work best when they have a direct line of sight to the vehicle.
Step 2
Replace the battery in the remote. Keyless remotes take batteries similar to those found in wristwatches. Consult your remote's user's manual to see recommendations on a specific size or brand of battery. Separate the two halves of your remote, either by hand or by using a small tool like a screwdriver. Remove the old battery and insert the new battery in its place.
Step 3
Check the battery for signs of corrosion. Sometimes, batteries will burst inside a unit, leading to damage. If you notice any signs of corrosion or damage, use a soft cloth or a cotton swab to remove it. Avoid using commercial cleaners, which can cause further damage or leave residue. Snap the two halves of the remote back into place. Test the remote to see if it works.
Step 4
Clean the exterior of the unit. Use a dry, soft cloth or a cotton swab to trace the outline of any buttons on your remote. This may remove dirt or dust that prevents a button from being fully engaged.
Step 5
Try using your keyless entry at close range, listening to your vehicle as you press the buttons. You should be able to hear the vehicle make a "click" when it receives the information from the remote, which will tell you that the remote is working. If this is the case, the issue is in the car rather than the remote. Also, inspect your car for any dust or debris that could be hindering the remote. For example, if you are able to lock and unlock doors and set off the alarm, but are unable to open the trunk, there may be a problem with your trunk's latch. Make sure the latch is clean and free of debris.
Step 6
Test out other keyless entry remotes you have for that same vehicle. If one remote works, but the other doesn't, you may have a problem with the transmitter in the broken remote.
Step 7
Reprogram your keyless entry system. The exact steps for this vary from brand to brand and model to model, so consult your user's manual first.
References
Tips
- Never try to troubleshoot a keyless entry system while the vehicle is in operation.
- For best results, test your keyless entry system in isolation. If you are in a location where other people are using their keyless remotes--such as a busy parking lot--you may get signal interference.
Things You'll Need
- Battery
- Screwdriver
- Dry cloth
- Cotton swab
- User's manual
Warnings
- Both the keyless entry remote and the corresponding parts in your vehicle are electric-based systems. Do not attempt to fix problems in these systems unless you are a trained repair person. Doing so may invalidate the terms of your vehicle's warranty.
Writer Bio
Elizabeth Falwell has been writing for the TV news industry since 2005. Her work has appeared on WXII 12 News, WMGT 41 News, NewParent.com and multiple parenting blogs. A graduate of the S.I. Newhouse School at Syracuse University, Falwell holds a Master of Science in broadcast journalism.
