A remote key is very convenient, but it’s frustrating when the remote key does not unlock the car door. A dead key fob means you are locked out of the car, which is the last thing anyone would want when in a hurry.
A smart key fob can stop working for several reasons, and diagnosing them is quite simple. In most cases, it’s a faulty battery, but there can also be a few other issues.
Troubleshooting the Remote Key Not Unlocking the Car Door
Before starting to diagnose the causes, you can use a spare key fob (if you have one) to see if the problem is with the remote or the car door.
If the spare remote can lock and unlock the door, you will know for sure that there is a problem with the main remote.
Here are the things you can do to fix the problem.
Replace the Battery
If the smart key fob shows no physical damage, the simplest solution to fix this issue is to change the battery. Open the battery cover and remove the battery with something like a small screwdriver or a key.
Take note of the numbers on the battery and replace it with a similar battery. If a dead battery is the cause of the problem, the remote key should work after replacement.
Change Broken Internal Contacts
The casing of a key fob is mainly plastic and is exposed to a lot of abuse. The two most vulnerable components are the buttons and the battery terminal contacts.
A visual inspection is enough to tell if the terminals are broken or loose. Soldering them back into place will likely solve the problem.
Buttons can also be soldered in place if they seem loose. But there is no way to repair them when the buttons are broken or when the rubber buttons are not properly seated in their slots.
Unlock the Door Manually
If the problem occurs due to a dead battery but there is no store to buy a new one, hold the key fob against the door handle and try to pull it.
There might be a little juice left in the battery that can open the door when you keep the key fob close by.
Remote Door Unlocking
If the remote key fails to unlock the car door even after replacing the battery or fixing the battery contacts, try a remote unlocking service.
Most car brands offer a remote door unlocking service for emergencies, such as a broken smart key fob and keys locked inside the car. You will need to set up these services in advance.
For example, American car brands, including Fiat, Chrysler, Jeep, and others, use the Uconnect Access service for their vehicles.
You must be subscribed to Uconnect to benefit from the vehicle’s remote start function. It also offers a few additional services such as calling roadside assistance and 9-1-1, vehicle location, stolen vehicle assistance, etc.
Similarly, BMW, Chevrolet, Lexus, Mazda, Honda, Nissan, Jaguar, and many other car manufacturers offer this remote car door unlocking service.
If your car does not have such an option, which is very unlikely, you can always call a roadside assistance service for help.
Get the Hidden Key
Vehicles have a physical key to lock and unlock the door. If you lock and open your car door with the smart key fob, this key is probably hidden inside the key fob.
There should be an unlock button or a latch on the remote; pressing this button will release the spare key.
But some vehicles may not have a visible keyhole. Don’t worry. They have a concealed keyhole near the door handle. A trim piece is there with a small slot to insert the key.
You may need to remove the trim piece to access the keyhole. Be careful as this could chip the paint or damage the trim.
When the physical key can lock or unlock the door, make sure the lock mechanism is working properly. There could be an electrical issue preventing the remote from connecting to the door’s receiver sensor.
Reprogram the Smart Fob
These are mainly the reasons and troubleshooting options when a remote key does not unlock the car door. Sometimes, the remote still doesn’t work after checking for all possible reasons.
In this case, you may need to reprogram the remote to pair it with the car’s receiver. However, this will require getting into the car and inserting the keys into the ignition.
Without starting the engine, turn the key several times to the “on” and “lock” positions until you hear a chime, which means the reprogramming is successful.
FAQ on the Remote Key Not Unlocking the Car Door Problem
- What should I do if replacing the remote key battery doesn’t solve the problem?
If changing the battery doesn’t solve the problem, it could be due to other factors such as damaged key buttons or an issue with the car’s central locking system.
In this case, it is advisable to seek professional help or consult your vehicle’s manual for troubleshooting steps.
- Could electronic interference prevent my remote key from working?
Yes, electronic interference from nearby devices or radio signals can disrupt the communication between the remote key and the car’s receiver.
Try unlocking the car from a different location or use the key fob at another time to rule out any interference.
- What should I do if I have a spare key that works fine, but my main remote key doesn’t unlock the door?
If your spare key works correctly but your main remote key does not, it is possible that the main key is damaged or malfunctioning. You may need to replace or repair the main remote key.
- Can I manually unlock the car door if the remote key doesn’t work?
Yes, most vehicles have a manual keyhole on the driver’s or passenger’s side door that you can use to unlock the car manually. Refer to your car’s manual to locate the keyhole and learn how to use it.
- What should I do if none of the remote keys work on my car doors?
If none of your remote keys work on the car doors, it may indicate a problem with the car’s central locking system or a malfunction of the receiver.
Consult your vehicle’s manual for guidance and consider seeking help from a professional mechanic or dealership for thorough diagnosis and repair.
- Is there a way to reset or reprogram my remote key to work with the car again?
Some remote keys can be reprogrammed or reset to work with the car again. Refer to your car’s manual or contact a dealership or a locksmith specializing in car key programming for assistance with reprogramming.
- Can extreme weather conditions affect remote key performance?
Extreme weather conditions, such as extreme cold or heat, can affect remote key performance.
Batteries may drain faster in extremely cold weather, and electronic components can be sensitive to extreme temperatures. Keeping your remote key in a moderate temperature environment can be helpful.
- When should I consider seeking professional help for a remote key problem?
If you have tried basic troubleshooting steps like replacing the battery and still cannot unlock the car door with your remote key.
If you suspect there is a problem with the car’s central locking system, it is best to seek help from a dealership or a qualified locksmith specializing in car key systems.
Conclusion
When troubleshooting a remote key that does not unlock the car door, several potential issues could be at play. It could be a dead key battery, a faulty key fob, or problems with the car’s central locking system.
To resolve this issue, start by checking and replacing the remote’s battery, ensuring it is properly synchronized with the car.
If the problem persists, consult the vehicle’s manual for specific troubleshooting steps or seek the help of a professional locksmith or dealership for more in-depth diagnosis and repair.