Car Key Replacement Services
If your car's remote key fob stops working, it can be frustrating. Most locksmiths and dealers for automotive provide replacement keys for cars that can bring your key back to its original working condition.
Before rushing to the dealership or a professional locksmith try a few easy steps at home first.
Lost or Stolen keys
If you dropped it in the car, put it on the counter while you went into the grocery store or just plain lost it or lost your key fob can be an inconvenience. Most of these problems are easily fixable by you, even if there's no need for a professional. You may have to replace the battery or the fob might be missing pairing information. Both of these problems are easily fixable.
Modern cars have remote controls that communicate with their vehicle via a radio frequency. When the fob is working it sends the signal that allows you to lock and unlock your vehicle remotely, as well as starting the engine. The fob isn't a mechanical key, so you can't simply cut it at a hardware store and used to open your car. Modern fobs also include transponder chips that must be programmed for your specific vehicle to allow keyless entry to function.
The most common issue with car fobs is when it loses its connection with the vehicle. This could happen when the battery dies or is caused by something as minor as a power failure. Although most modern cars offer the option of resetting the fob to restore its pairing, check the owner's manual for instructions. If resetting the fob doesn't fix the problem, it will need to be reprogrammed, which typically will require a trip at the dealership or an automotive locksmith.
It's costly to purchase a replacement key fob, and it may take a while for a dealer to order it and program it. Certain car insurance policies cover the cost of replacing a fob however, if it's not covered, it's worth getting in touch with your vehicle's manufacturer or a local locksmith to discuss replacing the fob. You can save money and time by having a locksmith create a copy of the key on site. A locksmith can also make you a new, working key and replace your current transponder chip. This requires that the receiver module of your vehicle be connected to the vehicle.
Bad Battery
Modern car remotes are extremely useful, and they are a safe way to start a car. However, if they stop working, it can be very frustrating. This issue can be solved by replacing the battery on the key fob.
The batteries that power the majority of modern remote key fobs are lithium ion coin cells. They are relatively cheap and don't have any limitations in terms of life. However they do have a limited life span. The battery of a remote key may get worn out faster than the normal if it is frequently used. This can be caused by being pushed or pressed too hard or being exposed to moisture, which can cause corrosion.
The most frequent reason for a car key to not function properly is a dead or worn-out battery. If your remote key isn't functioning, you should test this first. This will often fix the problem. If not, you might need to replace the battery.
A battery is usually bad because of oxidation or corrosion. It may also give acidic fumes, or leaking acid from the battery, which could cause poor connections between the battery's terminals. This can be fixed 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 dying or dead battery, it is also good to see whether any buttons are no longer functioning. This could be a sign of a bigger issue with your remote. You'll need to contact an expert to repair the issue. A specialist will be able to tell you if the remote can be repaired or if it needs to be replaced completely. You can either repair it immediately with an onboard procedure or connect to your vehicle's OBD2 port to program a new key fob in a safe and fast method.
Bad Transponder Chip
Similar to the way that the remote to your garage door sends a specific signal to its receiver so that it opens and closes the door, the chip in the car key transmits a unique code to your computer system of your vehicle. The car is informed that it is the correct owner and prevents anyone from starting the engine without authorization.
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 typically an indication that you need a new key.
Another sign that a transponder chip has gone bad is when your car doesn't lock with the key fob. If this happens, you will have to lock manually your doors instead. This can be very frustrating particularly if your car is locked.
In the end, if your key fob battery is dead, that can cause the transponder to cease functioning. Over time, the fob battery will gradually lose charge. It is always a good idea to have an extra key fob battery on hand, so that you can replace it if necessary.
There are many other issues with the transponder chip in a car however, these are the most common. If your battery for the key fob is drained or the chip has gone bad it is important to call an auto locksmith to have the issue resolved quickly. They can either reprogram the key or replace it completely depending on the requirements. A Queen Creek auto locksmith will be able to determine the issue and offer a solution that is reliable. Usually they are less expensive than taking your car to a dealer.
Lost or Corrupted Pairing
It's not uncommon to see your car's key fob to lose its function in time. Luckily, there are some easy fixes you can try to help you get your car's remote functioning.
The first thing you must try is using a backup key to unlock and lock your vehicle. This will confirm that the fob isn't the problem, and also eliminate the possibility of a mechanical issue with the locks in the case that it is found to be an electrical issue.
Batteries are typically all that's needed to fix car key fobs. It's not costly to replace the batteries, and you don't need any special equipment.
It is essential to select the correct type of battery, however. The majority of automotive fobs accept CR2025 and CR2032 batteries. However, some might utilize different types of batteries. You can look up the label on your remote, or look inside if you are not certain. The battery will have a specific number stamped or printed on it. You can also utilize a multimeter to determine the voltage.
key car repair is to try a new pair of batteries. Sometimes, the batteries inside the fob may wear out or become corroded over time and replacing them could restore the functionality of the remote.
If the battery change doesn't work, you can try to clean out the fob and ensure all the buttons are functioning properly. Car key fobs can become pretty dirty from being bashed around in pockets and purses and aren't completely indestructible. In some cases, removing the buttons and flexing them in and out of them could bring your remote back to life.
If you have attempted all the steps on this list, and the car key fob doesn't work, you will likely need to reprogramme it. Grays Locksmiths will do this and offer you an entirely new replacement or a reconditioned one if needed.