6 Reasons a Key Fob Will Not Unlock Doors And How to Fix Them

Key fobs can refuse to work and unlock the door of your vehicle at various times. This can be a frustrating and even possibly dangerous scenario, especially if a young child or pet is locked inside your car.

Usually, diagnosis and repair for such matters are better left to professionals, such as Dubai Locksmith. Still, nevertheless, we will discuss six reasons why your remote key or the intelligent fob has a difficult time unlocking the door, along with some solutions as to how you can resolve the particular problem.

Key Fob not Working - Locksmiths Dubai
Key Fob not Working – Locksmiths Dubai

To further diversify and simplify the problems, we will break down the reasons into two specific categories highlighted in these scenarios: key and lock problems.

Problems in Key Fobs

#1 Battery Issues

Key Fob Battery Replacement - Dubai Locksmith
Key Fob Battery Replacement – Dubai Locksmith

When a car key fob will not unlock doors and has lost all full functionality, then there is a possibility that the battery has drained. When the issue comprises the key unlock button performing with limited functionality, you might still face problems with the battery. A deteriorating battery may still function periodically or at other times barely work from closer distances. This diagnosis is possible with a signal reader or by replacing the battery. For professional diagnosis, contact locksmiths in Dubai.

A battery change is a good start to avoid replacing the key fob and troubleshoot the problem. Even if it does not entirely solve your problems, it will narrow down the problem significantly. It is also advised to have a spare key fob battery available for future testing.

Solution

If you are in an emergency and have a flathead screwdriver available, you can open your key fob and check the battery. Then, try taking it out and placing it back in. If this does not work or you believe expert supervision is required, then it is recommended to explore Locksmiths in Dubai.

#2 Worn-out Buttons

Worn out button - Dubai Locksmith
Worn out button – Dubai Locksmith

One of the most prominent signs of your fob’s buttons wearing out is the key fob working inconsistently. For instance, a key fob might not unlock doors unless the button is pressed repeatedly for it to function or with extreme pressure. In this scenario, we can say the buttons have worn out.

There are also instances where you discover certain buttons working while some are not. There are even cases where the remote button would not unlock the door but can successfully lock it instead. This limited functioning is one of the clearest signs of key fob buttons wearing out.

Solution

Although it is relatively lesser of a hassle to get a new remote, comparatively, it is cheaper to maintain your existing circuit board and swap out the housing even though it is easy to have the information and tools to address these issues by yourself, but to ensure the best results it is recommended to hire professional locksmiths in Dubai.

#3 Deprogramming

Deprogramming will mimic the same issues witnessed in a dead key fob battery simply because the fob will not work. But before searching for a car key maker near me, understand that there are specific protocols on older vehicles that allow you to separate an existing remote from the car without accessing the computer.

Some drivers or passengers can accidentally initiate specific procedures that disrupt the default programming by following the correct sequence of buttons or key turns. Recent studies show most of these accidents are caused mainly by children while playing around with remotes or the locking mechanism in the vehicle.

Solution

If you deprogrammed your automobile key fob, you should be able to perform a similar repairing procedure on your own, only if you believe it’s an emergency. Look for your self-programming procedures in your owner’s manual or on the internet. If you require further assistance, feel free to call a locksmith Dubai.

#4 Problems in Car Door Locks – Blockage

If the door lock mechanism is blocked, there will be no way to push the door open. Even pulling on the post locks or using the manual interior locks will not help most of the time. In fact, this can further cause a car door lock to be jammed in a locked position; therefore, a key fob will not unlock any doors.

Unlike problems related to the fob, which can be dealt around accordingly, blockage within the car locks will make it impossible for you to open the door from the inside or the outside. Sometimes even though the lock assembly might not be at fault, yet issues within the door arise that prevent the lock mechanism from moving.

Solution

It is advised to use WD-40 within the crevices of all locking mechanisms. This helps deal with any moisture that might have gathered through the gaps within the door. If the problem is still persistent, it is advised to remove the door cover and investigate the assembly for blockage. For further professional assistance, always explore the nearest Dubai Locksmiths.

#5 Uncoupled Parts

Like any other mechanism, parts of the assembly can detach or break, uncoupling the door lock component entirely. At times, you might even hear the sound of lock assembly shifting when unlocking with a fob, but in these cases, the door would remain locked.

When your car key fob doesn’t unlock the doors, try every other entry mode to determine whether all connections are still intact. This could require the replacement of the entire lock system in certain circumstances, but it might also be as simple as replacing a simple screw.

Solution

Not every source of the problem needs a replacement. You can weld the glue or otherwise rejoin what has broken in some cases. But, a minor component will need to be changed most of the time.

#6 Damaged Wiring

Though this might not appear to be the first thought but most often, a car lock problem could also indicate a vehicle’s electrical system error. Since a car’s wiring is frequently bundled, any damage is likely to result in a slew of apparently unconnected problems, and as a result,your key fob may not be able to unlock doors. However, using a key or moving a post lock should work even if the remote will not unlock doors. If solely the electronic mechanisms are failing, it indicates a wiring issue.

Solution

It is advised to test for a charge at connection points between the actuator and your electrical system. If there is no current and no sign of disconnection, it is a possibility the connection might need replacement.

KEY TAKEAWAY!

In this post, we covered six reasons why a key fob will not unlock doors and what you could do to get through such a situation. It is recommended that instead of taking matters into your own hands and further worsening the situation, explore through multiple locksmiths Dubai and save the one you feel has better goodwill on your speed dial among other Dubai locksmiths.