Car Key Replacement Services
When your car remote key fob isn't working, it can be frustrating. Fortunately, many locksmiths for automotive and dealerships provide replacement car keys services that will get your key functioning properly.
Try a few simple things at home before you rush to the store or locksmith.
Keys stolen or lost
It doesn't matter if you dropped it off in the car, put it on the counter when you went to the store for groceries, or you simply lost it or lost your key fob can be an enormous inconvenience. Luckily, most of these problems can be solved at home, without the help of a professional. You may need to change the battery, or the fob may be missing pairing information. Both of these issues are easily fixable.
Modern cars have remote control keys which communicate with the vehicle using a special radio frequency. When your fob is working it transmits the signal that allows you to lock and unlock the car from a distance and also to start the engine. The fob isn't a key that can be used mechanically, so you can't simply cut it at an hardware store and use it to unlock your car. The latest fobs also come with transponder chips that need to be programmed to your particular vehicle to allow keyless entry to function.
The most frequent issue with car fobs is when it loses its connection with the vehicle. This can occur if the battery goes dead, or if there is a power failure. Refer to the owner's manual for the correct procedure. Although most modern vehicles have the option to reset and re-establish the pairing, you should also consult the manual. If reseting your fob doesn't solve the issue, you will need to have it reprogrammed. This usually requires a visit to an automotive locksmith or dealer.
The cost of purchasing a replacement fob could be costly, and it takes several days for the dealer to get it and program it. Some car insurance policies cover the cost of replacing a fob, but if yours doesn't it's still worth getting in touch with your vehicle's manufacturer or a local locksmith to inquire about replacing the fob. You can save time and money by having a locksmith create a copy of the key on-site. A locksmith can also cut you new keys and replace the existing transponder chip, which must be synchronized with the receiver module of your vehicle.
key fob repairs
While modern car remotes are very convenient and provide a much safer method of starting your vehicle however, they can be a hassle when they stop working. This is usually a problem that can be resolved by simply replacing the battery in the key fob.
Most modern remote key fobs use lithium coin cell batteries with ion. They are quite inexpensive and are not limited in life, but they have a limit to how long they last. When a car key remote is in frequent use, the battery may be worn out faster than it would normally. This could be due to being pushed or pressed hard or being exposed to moisture, which can cause corrosion.
The most common reason for a car key to not function is a dead or worn-out battery. If your remote key isn't functioning, you should test this first. Often, this will fix the issue however, if it doesn't, it is time to replace the battery.
Most of the time, a battery is bad due to corrosion or oxidation. It could also be leaks acid or emitting acidic fumes, which can cause poor connections between the battery terminals. It is possible to fix this by getting rid of the battery and cleaning the contacts with baking soda and water. After cleaning the connectors you can resolder them in place and test the remote.
If you're looking for a dead battery or one that is deteriorating, you should also check if any buttons are not working. This can be a sign that there is a bigger issue with your remote, and you'll need to get a professional to repair it. A professional can tell you whether the remote is repairable or whether it requires replacement entirely. You can either repair it in a single visit using an onboard procedure or connect to your car's OBD2 port to program the new key fob in an efficient and safe method.
Bad Transponder Chip
Similar to how the remote to your garage door transmits a specific signal to its receptor, so that it can open or close, the chip inside your car key sends a unique code to the computer system in your car. The code informs the vehicle that it's the right owner and prevents anyone else from starting the engine.
One of the first signs that your transponder chip has been damaged is when you attempt to start your car and it refuses. This could be for a variety of reasons but it is generally an indication that you need an entirely new key.
Another common sign that a transponder chip has gone bad is when your vehicle won't lock with the key fob. If this happens, you'll need to manually lock your doors instead. This can be a hassle and unaffordable, particularly when you're locked out of your vehicle.
The transponder could not function If the battery inside your key fob is not functioning. This could happen over time, as the fob battery gradually loses its charge. It is always an ideal idea to keep an extra key fob battery in the case that you can replace it as needed.
There are many other issues that can occur with the transponder chip in your car but the ones listed above are the most frequent. If your key fob battery is dead or the chip has gone bad, it's important to call an auto locksmith to get the problem fixed quickly. They can reprogram the key, or replace it entirely depending on the need. A Queen Creek auto lockout will be able determine the problem and offer an efficient solution. They will generally be more cost-effective than taking your vehicle to a dealership.
Corrupted or Lost Pairing
It's not unusual to see your car's key fob to lose function as time passes. There are a few easy solutions you can attempt to get your remote back to working.
You should first try to lock and unlock your car with an alternative key. This will help to ensure that your fob isn't the issue and will also help to rule out a mechanical problem with the locks, if it turns out to be an electrical one.
Often, key fobs for cars just need to have their battery replaced. The cost of replacing the batteries isn't too expensive and you can do it yourself without any professional equipment.
It is essential to select the right type of battery However, it is important to use the correct type of battery. The majority of automotive fobs are made to accept CR2025 or CR2032 batteries, although some may require other types. You can look up the label on your remote, or examine the inside if you're not sure. The battery is usually marked with a the number printed or stamped on it, or you can use a multimeter to see what the voltage is.
Another solution is to try a new battery. The batteries inside the remote may be damaged or worn out over time. Replacing them can restore its functionality.
If the battery change doesn't work, you can clean the fob, and check that all the buttons are working. Car key fobs can become pretty dirty from being thrown 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 will get your remote working again.
If you've tried every step in this list, but your car key fob isn't working, you'll likely require it to be reprogrammed. Grays Locksmiths will do this and offer you a new replacement or a used one, if required.