Car Key Replacement Services
If your car's remote for the key fob stops working, it can be frustrating and inconvenient. Luckily, most automotive locksmiths and dealerships offer car key replacement services that will get your key functioning properly.
Before rushing to the dealership or a professional locksmith try a few easy steps at home first.
Keys that were stolen or lost are not found
If you dropped it in the car, put it on the counter when you went to the store for groceries, or simply lost it and not having your key fob can be a big hassle. Most of these issues can be easily fixable by you, even if you don't have an expert. It is possible that you need to change the battery, or the fob may be missing pairing information. Both of these problems can be fixed easily.
Modern cars use remote control keys which communicate with the vehicle via a special radio frequency. When the fob is in use it sends out a signal that lets you lock and unlock the car from a distance and also start the engine. The fob isn't a mechanical key. You can't cut it in an establishment that makes hardware and use it to unlock your vehicle. The latest fobs come with transponders that must be programmed in your car to allow keyless entry work.
The most common issue with car fobs is when it loses its connection with the vehicle. This can happen when the battery goes dead or there is an issue with the power. Consult your owner's guide for specific instructions. While most modern cars can be reset and re-pair the pairing, you can also consult the manual. If resetting the fob does not fix the problem, it will need to be reprogrammed, which typically will require a trip at an automotive locksmith or a dealership.
The cost of purchasing a replacement fob could be costly and can take some time for the dealer to order and program it. Certain insurance policies will 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 locksmith in your area to discuss having the fob replaced. You can save money and time by having a locksmith make an exact copy of the key in-person. A locksmith can also give you a new, working key and also replace your old transponder chip. This requires that the receiver module of your vehicle is connected to the vehicle.
Bad Battery
While modern car remotes are convenient and offer a safer method of starting your car however, they can be frustrating when they stop functioning. This is usually a problem that can be fixed by replacing the battery in the key fob.
Most modern remote key fobs use lithium ion coin cell batteries. They are quite affordable and do not have a limit in time, however they do have a limit on the length of time they can last. The battery of a remote key could be more worn than normal if frequently used. This can be caused by being pushed or pressed hard, or by being exposed to moisture, which could cause corrosion.
A worn or dead battery is the most common cause of a car key not responding correctly. This should be the first thing to check if your remote key has stopped working. This is usually the solution to the issue. If it is not the case, you may need to replace the battery.
The majority of the time, batteries fail because of oxidation or corrosion. It could also be leaks acid or emitting acidic fumes, which can lead to poor connections between the battery terminals. It can be fixed by removing the old battery and cleaning all of the contacts using a solution of baking soda and water. After cleaning, you can put the connectors back in place and test your remote again.
If you're looking for a dead battery or one that is dying it is also important to check whether any buttons aren't functioning. This could indicate that there is a more serious issue with your remote and you will need to call in a professional to repair it. A professional will be able to inform you whether the remote is repairable or if it needs to be replaced completely. They can do this immediately using an onboard procedure, or by connecting to your car's OBD2 ports to program a key fob swiftly and securely.
Bad Transponder Chip
Similarly to the way the remote for your garage door sends a specific signal to its receptor, so that it can open or close the door, the chip in your car key sends a unique code to the vehicle's computer system. This tells the car that it is the right owner and stops anyone from starting the engine without authorization.
When you try to start your car and it doesn't start, this is an indication that your transponder is malfunctioning. This could be for various reasons but is typically an indication that you require an entirely new key.
Another common sign that a transponder chip has gone bad is when your vehicle won't lock using the key fob. If this happens, you'll have to lock manually your doors instead. This can be frustrating particularly if your car is locked.
Finally, if the battery in your key fob is depleted, it can cause the transponder cease to function. Over time, the battery will gradually lose charge. It is always a good idea to have an additional key fob battery on hand, so that you can replace it if needed.
There are several other problems that could arise with the transponder chip in your car but the ones listed above are the most prevalent. If the battery for your key fob is drained or the chip has gone bad it is essential to get in touch with an auto locksmith in order to get the issue resolved quickly. They can reprogram the key or replace it completely according to what's required. A Queen Creek auto lockout will be able to determine the issue and provide you with a reliable solution. They will generally be more cost-effective than taking your vehicle to the dealership.
Lost or Corrupted Pairing
The key fob in your car isn't indestructible and it's not uncommon for them to become obsolete over time. There are fortunately, easy fixes to help you get your car's remote back up and running.
Try to lock and unlock your car with an alternative key. This will ensure that the fob is not the issue, and will also eliminate the possibility of any mechanical issues with the locks in the event that it proves to be electrical.
car key repair shop near me are often all you need to fix car key fobs. It's not expensive to replace the batteries and you can do it yourself, without professional equipment.
It's important to use the right type of battery, however. The majority of automotive remotes accept CR2025 and CR2032 batteries. However, some might use different types. If you're not sure what kind of battery your remote runs, you can check the label or go inside. The battery will have a code stamped or printed on it. You can also use a multimeter in order to determine the voltage.
Another easy fix is to try a different battery. The batteries inside a remote can be damaged or worn out over time. Replacing them may restore its functionality.
If the battery change doesn't work, you can try cleaning your fob and make sure that all buttons are functioning correctly. Car key fobs aren't indestructible and may become dirty if they're used in purses or pockets. In some instances, just taking them off and cleaning them and flexing them back and out will get your remote back up and running.
If you've tried all the steps on this list, but the car key fob doesn't work, you will probably need it reprogrammed. Grays Locksmiths will do this and provide you with either a new replacement or a used one if needed.