| Today if you buy a new or relatively new car you can | | | | enough to the car for the receiver to pick up the |
| expect it to come with a keyless entry system and a | | | | transmission than the two are no longer synchronized. |
| remote to operate that system. The remote is often | | | | This problem is resolved very easily because a typical |
| referred to as a key fob because it is typically carried | | | | system will have many other codes that it will accept |
| on a keychain. By definition a key fob refers to | | | | after de-synchronization (usually 256). However, this |
| anything carried on a keychain for decoration or | | | | means that if you press the remote 257 times while |
| functionality, but most of the time when that term is | | | | not in range of the car you could have a problem |
| used it is referring to the keyless entry remote. They | | | | because the remote has no acceptable codes left to |
| have become just as much of a status symbol as | | | | attempt. In this case you will need to reprogram the |
| anything else, but knowing exactly how they work can | | | | system; a process that varies by make and model of |
| be very useful. | | | | the vehicle, but can usually be found online. |
| A key fob works like many other basic remote | | | | Finally, keep in mind that because this technology is so |
| controlled systems. In the remote is a computer chip | | | | complex, key fobs are not interchangeable and cannot |
| that creates a very unique code that the receiver is | | | | be copied. You need to take good care of that little |
| programmed to recognize. You do not need to worry | | | | piece of plastic because if you lose or break it, then a |
| that someone could replicate this code because a | | | | new one will have to be purchased and programmed. |
| standard 40-bit rolling code is choosing from about a | | | | This can be a costly process, but again it depends on |
| trillion possibilities. Also, the code that the system uses | | | | the kind of car you have. For some vehicles there are |
| is not always the same and the remote and receiver | | | | just a few quick steps to follow but for others a |
| need to be synchronized as a result. This is done upon | | | | professional mechanic (with the appropriate equipment) |
| installation of the keyless entry system so no need to | | | | will have to do it. I would recommend checking online to |
| worry about it. | | | | see if you could program a new remote yourself as it |
| There is one problem that can arise from this basic | | | | will save you about $50-$100. |
| design. If you push the remote and are not close | | | | |