Car Key Replacement Services
If your car's key fob remote stops working it can be a frustrating and inconvenient. Fortunately, the majority of automotive locksmiths and dealerships provide replacement car keys services that will get your key back to functioning correctly.
Try a few simple things at home prior to heading to the store or locksmith.
Keys that have been stolen or lost are
It doesn't matter if you dropped it off in the car, left it on the counter when you ran into the grocery store or just plain lost it, not having your key fob can be an enormous inconvenience. Most of these issues can be easily fixable by you, even if there's no need for a professional. You might require a replacement battery or the fob might have lost its pairing details -- both of which can be easily repaired.
repair car key are equipped with remote control keys which communicate with the vehicle using an exclusive radio frequency. When the fob is working it transmits an alert that allows you to lock and unlock the car remotely, as well in starting the engine. The fob isn't an electronic key. You cannot have it cut in a hardware store and then use it to unlock your car. The latest fobs come with transponders that must be programmed for your vehicle to make keyless entry work.
The most frequent issue with car fobs is when it loses its connection with the vehicle. This can happen when the battery dies or there is a power failure. While the majority of modern automobiles offer the option of resetting the fob and re-establish its pairing, consult your owner's manual for instructions. If reseting your fob doesn't solve the issue, then you'll need to have it changed to a different program. This typically requires a visit to an automotive locksmith or a dealership.
It's costly to purchase a replacement fob for your key, and it may take several days for a dealer to order it and program it. Some car insurance policies cover the cost of a replacement, but if yours doesn't it's not a bad idea to get in touch with the car's manufacturer or a locksmith in your area to see about getting the fob replaced. They are often able to duplicate keys on the spot which will save you the cost and hassle of a tow truck. A locksmith can also cut you new keys and replace the existing transponder chip. This will need to be synced with your car's receiver module.
Bad Battery
While modern car remotes are practical and offer a more secure method to start your vehicle however, they can be a hassle when they stop functioning. Thankfully, this is often something that can be repaired by replacing the battery in the key fob.
Most modern remote key fobs use lithium coin cell batteries with ion. These are fairly affordable and do not have a limit in their lifespan, but they have a limit to how long they will last. When a car key remote is used frequently the battery could wear out more quickly than the normal. This could be due to being pushed or pressed hard or being exposed to moisture, which can cause corrosion.
The most frequent reason for a car key not to function is a dead or worn-out battery. This is the first thing you check whether your remote key has stopped functioning. This will often fix the issue. If not, you might need to replace the battery.
The majority of the time, batteries fail because of oxidation or corrosion. It might also be giving acidic fumes, or leaking battery acid, which can result in poor connections between the battery's terminals. It can be fixed by removing the old battery and cleaning all of the contacts with a solution made of baking soda and water. After cleaning, you can put the connectors back into place and test your remote again.
When you're looking for a dying or dead battery it is also important to determine if any buttons have stopped functioning. This could be a sign of a larger issue with your remote. You will need to consult a professional to fix the problem. A specialist can tell you if the remote can be repairable or needs to be replaced. They can do this in a single visit by using an onboard process or connect to your vehicle's OBD2 port to program a new key fob in a safe and fast method.
Bad Transponder Chip
The chip inside your car key transmits a unique code to your vehicle's computer, just like the remote control for your garage door sends signals to its receiver to shut or open it. This informs the car that it is the right owner and stops anyone from running the engine without authorization.
One of the first indications that your transponder chip is gone bad is when you try to start your car, but it fails to start. This could be due to many reasons, but it is generally an indication that you need an entirely new key.
A transponder chip that is not working is a different sign. Your car won't lock if you use your key fob. In this case you'll have to lock your vehicle manually. This can be a hassle, especially if your car is locked.
If the battery in your key fob is depleted, it can also cause the transponder to cease functioning. As time passes, the fob battery will gradually lose charge. Always keep a spare fob for your key in case you can recharge the battery when needed.
There are many other issues that can occur with the transponder chip in your car, but the ones listed above are the most frequent. If the battery for your key fob is dead, or if the chip is damaged, it's important to get in touch with an auto locksmith to get the problem fixed quickly. They can either reprogram the key or replace it completely depending on what is needed. A Queen Creek auto locksmith will be able to identify the problem for you and provide a dependable solution. Usually they are cheaper than taking your car to an auto dealer.
Pairings that are lost or damaged
It's not uncommon to see your car's key fob to lose functionality over time. There are fortunately, simple fixes that may help you get your car's remote back up and running.
It is recommended to first lock and unlock your vehicle using an alternative key. This will confirm that the fob isn't the cause of the issue, and rule out a mechanical issue with the locks in the case that it is found to be an electrical issue.
Often, key fobs for cars require a batteries replaced. Replacing the batteries isn't expensive, and you can usually do it yourself without any professional equipment.
It is crucial to select the appropriate type of battery. The majority of automotive remotes accept CR2025 and CR2032 batteries. However, some use different types. If you're not certain of the type of battery your remote is using, you can check the label or look inside. The battery will have a code printed or stamped on it. You can also use a multimeter in order to determine the voltage.
Another easy fix is to try a different pair of batteries. Sometimes, the batteries inside a fob can be worn out or corroded over time and replacement could restore the functionality of the remote.
If the battery change doesn't work, you can clean the fob and ensure that all the buttons are working. Car key fobs aren't indestructible and may become dirty if they are tossed around in purses and pockets. In some cases, simply taking the buttons off and cleaning them and flexing them in and out will get your remote working again.
If you've tried every step on this list, but your car key fob still doesn't work, you will likely require it to be reprogrammed. Grays Locksmiths will do this and can provide you with an entirely new replacement or a used one if you need it.