Car Key Replacement Services
If your car's remote key fob stops working it can be a frustrating. The majority of locksmiths and dealers for automotive offer car key replacements that can restore your key to its original functioning condition.
Before you rush to the dealership or a locksmith professional, try a few simple steps at home first.
Keys stolen or lost
Whether you dropped it in the car, put it on the counter when you ran to the supermarket, or just plain lost it and not having your key fob is an hassle. Luckily, most of these issues can be resolved on your own, even without the help of an expert. You may need to change the battery or the fob might be missing pairing information. Both of these issues are easily fixable.
Modern cars use remote control keys that communicate with the vehicle via an exclusive radio frequency. When the fob is in use, it sends the signal that allows you to lock and unlock the car from a distance as well as start the engine. The fob itself isn't a mechanical key and therefore you cannot cut it at a hardware store and used to unlock your car. The latest fobs come with a transponder that must be programmed into your car to allow keyless entry function.
The most common issue with a car's key fob is that it has lost its connection with the vehicle. This can happen when the battery fails or it is caused by something as simple as a power failure. Refer to the owner's manual for instructions. While the majority of modern cars can be reset and re-establish the pairing, you can also refer to the manual. If the reset of your fob fails to solve the issue, you will need to have it reprogrammed. This typically requires a visit to an automotive locksmith or a dealership.
A replacement fob purchase can be costly, and it takes some time for the dealer to get it and program it. Certain car insurance policies cover the cost of a replacement however if it doesn't, it's worth getting in touch with your vehicle's manufacturer or a local locksmith to inquire about replacing the fob. Locksmiths can usually duplicate keys immediately and save you the expense and hassle of a tow truck. Locksmiths can also cut you new keys and also replace the transponder chip. This must be synchronized to your car's receiver module.
Bad Battery
While modern car remotes are practical and offer a safer method of starting your vehicle however, they can be a hassle when they stop functioning. Luckily, this is something that can be fixed by replacing the battery in the key fob.
The batteries that power the majority of modern remote key fobs are coin cells made of lithium ion. They are relatively inexpensive and don't have any limitations in terms of life. However they do have a short life span. The battery of a remote key could be more worn than normal if it is used frequently. This could be due to being pushed or pressed too hard or exposed to moisture, which could cause corrosion.
The most frequent reason for a car key to not work properly is a worn-out or dead battery. This should be the first thing you check to determine if your remote has stopped functioning. This can often resolve the issue. If not, you may need to replace the battery.
A battery is usually bad due to oxidation or corrosive corrosion. It could also give off acidic fumes or leaking battery acid, which can cause poor connections between the battery's terminals. This can be repaired by getting rid of the old battery and cleaning all of the contacts with a solution made of baking soda and water. After cleaning the connectors you can then solder them in place and test the remote.
When you're looking for the battery for dead or dying It is also a good idea to check the buttons that have stopped functioning. This could be a sign that there is a bigger issue with your remote, and you'll have to get an expert to fix it. A specialist can tell you if the remote can be repairable, or if it must be replaced. They can do this either directly on the spot using an onboard procedure, or by connecting to your car's OBD2 ports to program a key fob quickly and safely.
Bad Transponder Chip
Similar to how the remote to your garage door transmits an exact signal to its receiver so that it opens and closes the door, the chip in the car key transmits a unique code to the vehicle's computer system. key fob repairs tells the vehicle that it is the correct owner and blocks anyone else from starting the engine.
One of the first indications that the chip in your transponder has been damaged is when you try to start your car and it refuses. This could be for many reasons, but it is generally an indication that you require an entirely new key.
A transponder chip that is not working is another common sign. Your car will not lock if you use your key fob. If this happens, you'll need to manually lock your doors instead. This can be very frustrating especially if your vehicle is already locked.
The transponder may cease to function when the battery in your key fob is dead. This could happen over time, as the fob battery slowly loses its charge. Always keep an extra fob for your key in case you can recharge the battery as needed.
There are a variety of other issues with the transponder chip of a car but these are the most frequent. If your key fob battery is dead or the chip has gone bad it is important to call an auto locksmith to get the problem fixed quickly. They can reprogram the key or replace it completely, depending on what's needed. A Queen Creek auto locksmith will be able to determine the issue for you and provide a reliable solution. Usually they are cheaper than going to an auto dealer.
Pairings that are lost or corrupted
It's not uncommon for your car remote to lose its function over time. Luckily, there are some simple fixes to get your car's remote back functioning.
The first thing you need to do is to try using an additional key to lock and unlock your car. This will confirm that the fob is not the issue, and will also eliminate the possibility of an issue with the mechanical locks in the event it proves to be electrical.
Often, car key fobs require a batteries replaced. It's not costly to replace the batteries and you don't need any special equipment.
It is crucial to choose the correct type of battery, however. Most automotive fobs are made to accept CR2025 or CR2032 batteries, although certain models may use different kinds. You can verify the label on your remote, or examine the inside if you're not certain. The battery will have a specific number written or printed on it. You can also utilize a multimeter to determine the voltage.
Another option is to try a different pair of batteries. Sometimes, the batteries inside the fob may become corroded or worn out over time and replacing them could bring back the functionality of the remote.
If replacing the battery does not work, try cleaning out your key fob and check all the buttons are functioning properly. The car key fobs don't last forever and can get dirty when they're beaten around in pockets or purses. In certain cases, removing and cleaning the buttons and bending them in and out can help get your remote working again.
If you have tried every step on this list, and your car key fob still isn't working, then you probably need it reprogrammed. Grays Locksmiths will do this and will provide you with either a new replacement or a used one if you need it.