Start with the battery
A remote that works only at close range, or intermittently, is usually running on a tired cell. Replacing it takes a couple of minutes and rules out the simplest cause.
Worn blades and tired locks
Blades wear over years of use, especially where a key rides in a pocket with coins. A key that has to be jiggled in the door is usually worn rather than broken.
Electronic faults
Dropped fobs crack solder joints and dislodge buttons. Where the transponder itself has failed, the car may unlock but refuse to start — that generally needs a new key programmed to the vehicle.
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