Car Key Replacement Services
If your car's key fob remote stops working it can be a frustrating and annoying. Fortunately, the majority of automotive locksmiths and dealerships offer replacement of your car key services that can get your key back to functioning correctly.
Before heading to the dealer or a professional locksmith, try a few simple steps at home first.
Keys that were stolen or lost are not found
If you dropped it in the car, put it on the counter when you went into the grocery store or you simply lost it and not having your key fob is a big hassle. Fortunately, most of these issues can be solved by yourself, even without the help of an expert. You may need to change the battery or the fob might be missing the pairing information. Both of these issues can be fixed easily.
Modern cars are equipped with remote control keys which communicate with the vehicle using an exclusive radio frequency. If your fob is operating, it sends a signal that lets you lock and unlock your car from a distance and also start the engine. The fob is not an electronic key. It isn't possible to cut it in a hardware store and then use it to unlock your car. The newer fobs have a transponder that must be programmed for your vehicle to make keyless entry work.
The most frequent issue with a car fob is when it loses its pairing with the vehicle. This could happen if the battery dies or there is a power failure. While most modern car models offer the option of resetting the fob to restore its pairing, you should refer to the owner's manual to find instructions. If resetting the fob does not fix the problem it must be reprogrammed, which typically will require a trip to the dealership or an automotive locksmith.
It can be expensive to purchase a replacement key fob, and it may take several days for a dealer to order it and program it. Certain car insurance policies cover the cost of replacing a fob however if it doesn't, it's not a bad idea to get in touch with your vehicle's manufacturer or a local locksmith to discuss having the fob replaced. You can save time and money by having a locksmith create copies of the key in-person. Locksmiths can also cut keys and replace the transponder chip, which will require synchronization to your car's receiver module.
Bad Battery
Modern car remotes can be very convenient, and they can be a safer method to start a vehicle. However, when they stop working, it can be frustrating. This issue can be solved by replacing the battery on the key fob.
The batteries used in most modern remote key fobs are coin cells made of lithium ion. They are relatively cheap and have no limitations on their life. However, they do have a limit on their life span. The battery of a remote key may be more worn than normal if used frequently. This can be caused by being pushed or pressed too hard, or by being exposed to moisture, which could cause corrosion.
The most frequent reason for a car key to not function is a dead or worn-out battery. This is the first thing you look into whether your remote key has stopped working. This is usually the solution to the issue. If not, you may have to replace the battery.
The majority of the time, batteries fail due to corrosion or oxidation. It could also be producing acidic fumes. This can cause poor connections between battery terminals. You can fix this by getting rid of the battery and cleaning the contacts with baking soda and water. After cleaning the connectors, you can then solder them in place and test the remote.
If you are looking for a dead battery or one that is deteriorating it is also important to check whether any buttons are not working. This can be a sign that there is a more serious problem with your remote and you'll need to call in a professional to repair it. A professional will be able to tell you if your remote is repairable or whether it requires replacement completely. They can do this either directly on the spot using an onboard procedure, or by connecting to your car's OBD2 ports to create a key fob in a short time and safely.
Bad Transponder Chip
The chip inside your car keys transmits a unique code to your vehicle's computer, similar to how the remote control for your garage door sends signals to its receiver to shut or open it. This tells the car that it is the legitimate owner and stops anyone from running the engine without authorization.
One of the first indications that your transponder chip has been damaged is when you attempt to start your car and it won't start. This could be due to a number of reasons, but it is typically a sign that it's time to purchase a new car key.
Another common sign that a transponder chip gone bad is when your car won't lock with the key fob. In this situation, you'll need to lock your vehicle manually. This can be a hassle and unaffordable, particularly when you're locked out of your vehicle.
If your key fob battery is drained, it could also cause the transponder to stop working. This will happen over time as the fob battery slowly loses its charge. It is always recommended to keep an extra key fob battery on hand, so that you can replace it when needed.
There are many other issues with the transponder chip of a car however, these are the most prevalent. Contact an auto locksmith as fast as you can if your key fob's battery is dead or the transponder chip has become faulty. 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 issue and provide a reliable solution. They will generally be more cost-effective than taking your vehicle to the dealership.
Lost or Corrupted Pairing
Your car key fob isn't indestructible and it's not uncommon to see them lose function over time. There are fortunately, easy fixes that may help you get your car's remote up and running.
The first thing you should do is try using an alternate key to lock and unlock your vehicle. This will confirm that the fob isn't the cause of the issue, and determine if there is an issue with the mechanical locks in the case that it is found to be an electrical issue.
Often, car key fobs simply need to have their battery replaced. Replacing the batteries isn't expensive, and you can usually do it yourself with no professional equipment.
It is crucial to select the right type of battery. Most automotive fobs are designed to accept CR2025 or CR2032 batteries, though some may use other types. If auto key repair 're not sure what kind of battery your remote uses, you can check the label or look inside. The battery is usually marked with a the number printed or stamped on it, or you could use a multimeter to see what the voltage is.
A different set of batteries can also be used. The batteries in the remote could wear out or corrode over time. Replacing them can help restore the functionality of the remote.
If the battery change doesn't work you can clean the fob, and check that all buttons are functioning. Key fobs for cars can get pretty dirty from being bashed around in pockets and purses They aren't impervious to damage. In some cases, simply taking them off and cleaning them and flexing them back and out can get your remote working again.
If you have attempted all the steps on this list, but the car key fob doesn't work, you will probably need it reprogrammed. Grays Locksmiths will do this and provide you with an entirely new replacement or a reconditioned one if needed.