Car Key Replacement Services
When your car key fob remote stops working it can be frustrating and inconvenient. Most locksmiths and dealers for automotive offer car key replacements that will restore your key to its original working condition.
Before rushing to the dealership or a professional locksmith try a few easy steps at home first.
Keys that have been stolen or lost are
It doesn't matter if you lost it or put it on the counter at the grocery store. Most of these issues can be easily fixable by you, even if you're not a professional. You may have to replace the battery or the fob could not have the pairing information. Both of these issues can be fixed easily.
Modern cars are equipped with remote controls that communicate with the vehicle using a radio frequency. When the fob is in use it transmits an alert that allows you to lock and unlock your car from a distance, as well as start the engine. The fob isn't a key that can be used mechanically, so you can't simply get it cut at the hardware store and then use it to unlock your car. The latest fobs include a transponder that must be programmed in your car to make the keyless entry work.
The most frequent problem with a car key fob is that it has lost the connection with the vehicle. This could happen if the battery is dead or if there's a power failure. Check the owner's manual for the correct procedure. While most modern cars offer the option of reset and restore the pairing, you should also consult the manual. If reseting your fob doesn't fix the issue, you'll need it reset. This usually requires the assistance of an automotive locksmith or dealer.
It's costly to purchase a replacement fob for the key, and it may take a while for a retailer to order it and program it. If your insurance plan does not cover the cost, it's worth contacting the maker of your car or locksmith to determine if you can have the fob replaced. Locksmiths can usually duplicate a key in a matter of minutes, saving you the cost and hassle of a tow truck. A locksmith can also make you a new, working key and also replace your old transponder chip. This will require that the receiver module in your vehicle is connected to the vehicle.
Bad Battery
While modern car remotes are practical and offer a more secure method to start your car, they can still be frustrating when they stop working. Luckily, this is something that can be repaired by replacing the battery in the key fob.
Most modern remote key fobs utilize lithium ion coin cell batteries. These are fairly cheap and don't have any limits in time, however they do have a limit to how long they will last. The battery of a remote key may be more worn than normal if used frequently. This can be caused by being pushed or pressed hard or being exposed to moisture, which could cause corrosion.
A worn out or dead battery is the most frequent reason for a car key not working properly. If your remote key isn't functioning, you should test this first. In most cases, this will resolve the issue however, if it doesn't then it's time to get a replacement battery.
A battery will usually be damaged because of oxidation or corrosion. It could also be producing acidic fumes that could lead to poor connections between the battery terminals. You can fix this by removing the battery and cleaning the contacts with baking soda and water. After the cleaning, you can connect the connectors back to their original positions and then test the remote again.
If you're looking for a dead battery or one that is dying, you should also check whether any buttons aren't functioning. This could be an indication of a more serious problem with your remote. You'll need to seek out an expert to fix the problem. A specialist can tell you if the remote can be repairable or has to be replaced. They can either do this immediately with an onboard procedure or connect to your car's OBD2 port to program the new key fob in an efficient and safe way.
Bad Transponder Chip
The chip inside your car keys transmits a unique code to the car's computer, in the same way that the remote control for your garage door sends signals to its receiver to open or close it. The code informs the vehicle that it is the right owner and prevents anyone else from starting the engine.
One of the first indications that the chip in your transponder has gone bad is when you attempt to start your car, but it won't start. This could be due to various reasons but is usually an indication that you require an entirely new key.
Another sign that a transponder chip gone bad is when your car doesn't lock with the key fob. If this happens, you'll be required to manually lock your doors instead. This can be a hassle and inconvenient, especially in the event that you have already locked out of your car.
If the battery of your key fob is drained, it could cause the transponder to cease functioning. This can happen over time, as the fob battery slowly loses its charge. Always keep a spare key fob on hand so you can swap the battery when needed.
There are many other problems with the transponder chip in automobiles however, these are the most frequent. Contact an auto locksmith as soon as you can when your key fob's power source is dead or if the transponder chip is malfunctioning. They can reprogram the key or replace it entirely, depending on what's needed. A Queen Creek auto lockout will be able to identify the issue and provide you with an efficient solution. They are usually more affordable than taking your car to the dealership.
Pairings that are lost or corrupted
The key fob in your car isn't indestructible and it's not unusual to see them lose function over time. There are key fob repairs that you can try to get your remote back to working.
Try to lock and unlock your car with an extra key. This will confirm that the fob isn't the issue, and will also determine if there is any mechanical issues with the locks in the event it turns out to be electrical.
Batteries are typically all you need to fix car key fobs. It's not expensive to replace the batteries, and you don't require special equipment.
It is crucial to choose the right type of battery, however. Most automotive fobs are made to accept CR2025 or CR2032 batteries, although some may use other kinds. You can look up the label on your remote, or examine the inside if you're not sure. The battery will typically have a a printed or stamped number on it, or utilize a multimeter to determine what the voltage is.
Another solution is to test a different pair of batteries. The batteries inside a remote can get worn out or corrode over time. Replacing them may bring back its functionality.
If changing the battery does not work, try cleaning your fob and make sure all the buttons are working properly. The car key fobs don't last forever and may become dirty if they're beaten around in purses or pockets. In some cases, simply removing and cleaning the buttons and flexing them back and out can get your remote working again.
If you've attempted all the steps on this list, but your car key fob isn't working, then you likely require it to be reprogrammed. Grays Locksmiths can do this for you, and they can also provide you with a brand-new or used replacement if necessary.