Car Key Replacement Services
If your car's remote for the key fob stops working, it can be extremely frustrating and annoying. Luckily, most automotive locksmiths and dealerships offer replacement of your car key services that can get your key functioning properly.
Before you rush to the dealership or a locksmith professional take a few steps at home first.
Keys stolen or lost
It doesn't matter if you lost it or left it on the counter in the grocery store. Most of these problems are easily fixable by you, even if you don't have a professional. You may require a replacement battery or the fob might have lost its pairing information -- both are easily repaired.
Modern cars have remote control keys that communicate with the vehicle via a special radio frequency. When the fob is in use it transmits a signal that allows you to lock and unlock the car from a distance, and also to start the engine. The fob itself isn't a mechanical key, so you can't simply cut it at a hardware store and used to unlock your car. The latest fobs come with transponders that need to be programmed for your car to make the keyless entry work.
The most common issue with a car fob is when it fails to connect with the vehicle. This could happen if the battery goes dead, or if there is an issue with the power. Check the owner's manual for instructions. While the majority of modern cars can be reset and re-pair the pairing, you must also consult the manual. If the reset of your fob fails to fix the issue, you'll need to have it reset. This typically requires visiting an automotive locksmith or a dealership.
It can be expensive to purchase a replacement fob for your key and it can take several days for a dealer to purchase it and program it. Certain car insurance policies cover the cost of a replacement however if it doesn't, it's still worth getting in touch with your vehicle's manufacturer or a locksmith in your area to see about getting the fob replaced. You can save time and money by having a locksmith create copies of the key on site. A locksmith can also cut a new key and also replace the transponder chip, which will need to be synced with the receiver module of your vehicle.
Bad Battery
While modern car remotes are very practical and offer a safer way to start your vehicle however, they can be frustrating when they stop functioning. This is usually something that can be solved by replacing the battery in the key fob.
Most modern remote key fobs make use of lithium coin cell batteries with ion. They are fairly inexpensive and do not have any limitations in terms of life. However, they do have a limited time. When a car key remote is used frequently it is possible that the battery will get worn out more quickly than it would normally. This can be caused by being pushed or pressed too hard, or by being exposed to moisture, which could cause corrosion.
A worn out or dead battery is the most common reason for a car keys not responding correctly. This is the first thing to check if your remote key has stopped working. Most of the time, this will fix the issue, but if not then it's time to purchase a new battery.
A battery will usually be bad due to oxidation or corrosion. It may also give off acidic fumes or leaking acid from the battery. This can cause poor connections between the terminals of the battery. It can be fixed by getting rid of the old battery and cleaning all contacts with a solution of baking soda and water. After cleaning the connectors you can then solder them in place and test the remote.
When you're checking for a dead or dying battery, it is also good to check the buttons that have stopped functioning. This could be a sign that there is a more serious problem with your remote and you'll have to contact a professional to repair it. A professional will be able to tell you if the remote can be repaired or if it needs to be replaced entirely. They can do this immediately by using an onboard process or connect to your car's OBD2 port to program the new key fob in an efficient and secure way.
Bad Transponder Chip
Similarly to the way the remote for your garage door sends a specific signal to its receiver so that it opens and closes and closes, the chip in your car key transmits an unique code to the computer system of your vehicle. This informs the car that it is the correct owner and prevents anyone from running the engine without authorization.
If you attempt to start your car and it doesn't start, this is a sign that your transponder is not working. This could be due to a number of reasons, but is usually a sign that it's time to get an alternative car key.
Another indication that a transponder chip gone bad is when your car doesn't lock with the key fob. If this happens, you'll need to manually lock your doors instead. This can be very frustrating particularly if your car is already locked.
If the battery in your key fob is drained, it could cause the transponder to cease to function. Over time, the battery will gradually lose its charge. Always keep a spare key fob in your pocket so you can recharge the battery if required.
There are several other problems that can occur with the chip of a car's transponder but the ones listed above are the most common. Contact an auto locksmith as fast as you can if your key fob's battery is dead or the transponder chip has become defective. They can either reprogram the key or replace it entirely, depending on the requirements. A Queen Creek auto lockout will be able determine the problem and offer a reliable solution. mobile key repair near me are usually more affordable than taking your car to the dealership.
Pairings that are lost or damaged
The key fob in your car isn't a piece of cake, and it's not uncommon for them to become obsolete over time. However, there are easy fixes to help you get your car's remote back up and running.
Try to lock and unlock your vehicle using an extra key. This will confirm that the fob is not the cause of the issue, and rule out a mechanical issue with the locks in the case that it turns out to be electrical.
Batteries are usually the only thing needed to repair car key fobs. It's not expensive to replace the batteries and you don't need any special equipment.
It is crucial to select the correct type of battery. The majority of automotive fobs accept CR2025 and CR2032 batteries. However, some utilize different types. If you're not sure what kind of battery your remote runs you can look up the label or examine the inside of. The battery will usually have the number printed or stamped on it, or use a multimeter to see what the voltage is.
A different pair of batteries could also be utilized. 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 try cleaning out your key fob and check all the buttons are functioning correctly. Car key fobs don't last forever and can get dirty when they're used in pockets or purses. In certain cases, taking the buttons off and cleaning them and flexing them in and out can help get your remote working again.
If you have tried every step in this list, but your car key fob still isn't working, you'll likely require it to be reprogrammed. Grays Locksmiths will do this and can provide you with either the new one or an old one if needed.