Car Key Replacement Services
If your car's remote for the key fob stops working, it can be extremely frustrating and annoying. Fortunately, many locksmiths for automotive and dealerships offer replacement of your car key services that will get your key back to working properly.
Before heading to the dealer or a locksmith professional take a few steps at home first.
Lost or Stolen keys
It doesn't matter if lost it or put it on the counter at the grocery store. Fortunately, the majority of these issues can be resolved by yourself, even without the assistance of a professional. You may need to change the battery or the fob might be missing pairing information. Both of these issues can be fixed easily.
Modern cars are equipped with remote controls that communicate with the vehicle via radio frequency. When the fob is in use it transmits the signal that lets you lock and unlock your vehicle from a distance and also start the engine. The fob itself isn't a mechanical key, so you can't simply have it cut at a hardware store and used to unlock your car. The latest fobs also come with transponder chips that must be programmed to your particular vehicle in order for keyless entry to function.
The most common problem with a car fob is when it loses its connection with the vehicle. This can happen when the battery goes dead or if there's a power failure. While most modern car models can reset the fob and re-establish its pairing, consult your owner's manual for instructions. If resetting your fob does not solve the issue, you'll need it reprogrammed. This typically requires a visit to an automotive locksmith or a dealership.
It's costly to purchase a new key fob and it can take a few days for a dealer to order it and program it. Some car insurance policies cover the cost of a replacement however, if it's not covered, it's still worth getting in touch with your car's manufacturer or a locksmith in your area to inquire about having the fob replaced. They are often able to duplicate a key in a matter of minutes which will save you the cost and hassle of a tow truck. Locksmiths can also cut a new key and replace the existing transponder chip, which will require synchronization with your car's receiver module.
Bad Battery
Modern car remotes can be extremely convenient, and can be a safer method to start a car. However, if they stop working, it can be very frustrating. This issue can be resolved by simply replacing the battery on the key fob.
The batteries that are used in the majority of modern remote key fobs are coin cells made of lithium ion. They are relatively inexpensive and do not have any limitations in terms of life. However they do have a limit on their life span. The battery of a remote key can be more worn than normal if frequently used. This can be caused by being pushed or pressed hard or exposed to moisture, which could cause corrosion.
A dead or worn out battery is the most frequent reason for a car keys not working properly. This should be the first thing to check whether your remote key has stopped functioning. This can often resolve the problem. If not, you may require replacing the battery.
A battery is typically bad because of oxidation or corrosion. It may also be leaks acid or emitting acidic fumes. This can cause poor connections between battery terminals. You can fix this by removing the battery and cleaning the contacts with baking soda and water. After cleaning the connectors you can solder them back in place and test the remote.
When you're looking for a dead or dying battery, it is also good to determine if any buttons have stopped functioning. This could be a sign of a more serious problem with your remote. You'll need to consult a professional to repair the issue. A specialist can tell you if your remote is repairable, or has to be replaced. They can do this either immediately using an onboard procedure or by connecting to your vehicle's OBD2 ports to program a key fob quickly and securely.
Bad Transponder Chip
The chip in your car keys 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 code informs the vehicle that it is the correct owner and blocks anyone else from starting the engine.
If you attempt to start your car but it fails, this is an indication that your transponder has failed. This could be for various reasons but is typically an indication that you require a new key.
A transponder chip that has failed is a different indication. Read Far more will not lock if you use your key fob. If this happens, you will need to manually lock your doors instead. This can be a hassle and unaffordable, particularly in the event that you have already locked out of your vehicle.
In the end, if the battery in your key fob is drained, it could cause the transponder to cease functioning. This could happen over time, because the fob battery slowly loses its charge. Always keep a spare key fob on hand so you can swap the battery as needed.
There are several other problems that can arise from the chip of a car's transponder, but the ones listed above are the most frequent. Contact an auto locksmith as fast as you can in the event that your key fob's battery is dead or if the transponder chip has become defective. They can reprogram the key or replace it entirely depending on the need. A Queen Creek auto lockout will be able to determine the issue and offer an effective solution. Usually they are cheaper than taking your car to dealers.
Pairings that are corrupted or lost
It's not uncommon for your car key fob to lose its functionality in time. However, there are simple fixes to help you get your car's remote back up and running.
The first thing you should do is to try using a backup key to unlock and lock your vehicle. This will help to ensure that your fob isn't the issue and also to determine if there is a mechanical issue with the locks, if it turns out to be an electrical one.
Batteries are often all that's needed to fix car key fobs. It's not expensive to replace the batteries, and you don't need any special equipment.
It is essential to choose the appropriate type of battery. The majority of automotive remotes are designed to accept CR2025 or CR2032 batteries, though some may require other types. If you're not sure what type of battery your remote is using it is possible to check the label or look inside. The battery will usually have the number printed or stamped on it, or you can utilize a multimeter to determine what the voltage is.
Another option is to try a different battery. The batteries inside the remote could be damaged or worn out over time. Replacing them may restore its functionality.
If key repair near me doesn't work, you can try to clean out your key fob and check all the buttons are functioning correctly. Car key fobs aren't indestructible and can get dirty when they're used in pockets or purses. In certain cases, removing and cleaning the buttons and bending them in and out can get your remote working again.
If you've tried all the suggestions on this list but your car key fob is still not working then you'll likely require it to be reprogrammed by a professional. Grays Locksmiths will do this and will provide you with a new replacement or a used one, if required.