Car Key Replacement Services
When your car key fob remote stops working it can be a frustrating and annoying. Fortunately, the majority of automotive locksmiths and dealerships provide replacement car keys services that can help you get your key working properly.
Before you rush to the dealership or a locksmith professional take a few steps at home first.
emergency car key repair or Stolen keys
It doesn't matter if lost it or left it on the counter at the grocery store. The majority of these issues can be easily fixable by you, even if you don't have a professional. You may need to change the battery, or the fob may be missing pairing information. Both of these problems are easily fixable.
Modern cars are equipped with remote controls that communicate with the vehicle using a radio frequency. When the fob is in use, it sends the signal that allows you to lock and unlock the vehicle from a distance and also to start the engine. The fob itself isn't a mechanical key that's why you can't get it cut at the hardware store and then use it to unlock your car. The newer fobs have a transponder that must be programmed in your car to make the keyless entry work.
The most common problem with a car fob is when it loses its pairing with the vehicle. This can happen when the battery dies or if there's an electrical failure. While the majority of modern automobiles offer the option of resetting the fob and restore its pairing, check the owner's manual for instructions. If the reset of your fob fails to solve the issue, then you will need to have it reset. This typically requires a visit to an automotive locksmith or dealer.
A replacement fob purchase can be expensive and takes some time for the dealer to order and program it. If your insurance policy does not cover the cost, it is worth contacting your car's maker or a locksmith to find out whether you can get the fob replaced. They can often copy keys in a matter of minutes and save you the expense and hassle of towing a truck. A locksmith can also give you a working, new key and also replace your old transponder chip. This requires that the receiver module of your vehicle be synced.
Bad Battery
While modern car remotes are convenient and offer a safer way to start your car however, they can be a hassle when they stop functioning. Fortunately, this is usually something that can be fixed by replacing the battery on the key fob.
Most modern remote key fobs make use of lithium coin cell batteries with ion. They are relatively inexpensive and don't have any limitations in terms of their lifespan. However they do have a limit on their time. When a remote car key is used often it is possible that the battery will wear out more quickly than it would normally. This could be due to being pushed or pressed hard or being exposed to moisture, which can cause corrosion.
A worn or dead battery is the most common reason for a car keys not responding correctly. This should be the first thing you check to determine if your remote has stopped working. This can often resolve the issue. If not, you might need to replace the battery.
The majority of the time, the battery is damaged because of oxidation or corrosion. It could also be producing acidic fumes that could result in weak connections between battery terminals. This can be fixed by removing the old battery and cleaning all of the contacts with a solution made of baking soda and water. After cleaning, you can connect the connectors back in place and then test the remote again.
If you're looking for a dead battery or one that is deteriorating, you should also check whether any buttons are not working. This could be an indication of a bigger issue with your remote. You'll need to seek out an expert to fix the problem. A specialist can tell you whether the remote is repairable or whether it requires replacement completely. They can do this immediately using an onboard procedure, or by connecting to your vehicle's OBD2 ports to create a key fob in a short time and securely.
Bad Transponder Chip
Similar to the way that the remote for your garage door sends a specific signal to its receptor so that it opens and closes, the chip inside the car key transmits a unique code to the computer system of your vehicle. This code tells the vehicle that it's the owner who is legitimate and prevents anyone else from starting the engine.
When you try to start your car but it won't, this is a sign that your transponder has failed. This could be due to various reasons but it is generally an indication that you require an entirely new key.
A transponder chip that is not working is another indication. Your car won't lock with your key fob. In this case you'll have to lock your car manually. This can be frustrating and inconvenient, especially if you are already locked out of your vehicle.
In the end, if the battery in your key fob is drained, it could also cause the transponder to cease functioning. As time passes, the fob battery will gradually lose its charge. It is always an ideal idea to keep an extra key fob battery in your possession, so that you can replace it as required.
There are a variety of other issues that could arise with a car's transponder chip however the ones mentioned above are the most common. If the battery for your key fob is dead or the chip has gone bad it is essential to get in touch with an auto locksmith to get the problem fixed 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 for you and provide a dependable solution. Usually they are cheaper than going to an auto dealer.
Lost or Corrupted Pairing
Your car key fob isn't indestructible and it's not unusual for them to lose functionality as time passes. There are a few simple solutions you can attempt to get your remote back to working.
You should first try to lock and unlock the car using a spare key. This will help to ensure that your fob isn't the issue and will also help to eliminate a mechanical issue in the locks if it does turn out to be an electrical one.
Batteries are typically the only thing needed to repair car key fobs. The cost of replacing the batteries isn't too expensive, and you can usually do it yourself without any professional equipment.
It is crucial to select the appropriate type of battery. Most automotive fobs are designed to accept CR2025 or CR2032 batteries, though some may use other types. You can look up the label on your remote, or examine the inside if you're not sure. The battery will have a code stamped or printed on it. You can also make use of a multimeter to determine the voltage.
Another easy fix is to try a different pair of batteries. The batteries in the remote could be damaged or worn out over time. Replacing them can restore its functionality.
If the battery change isn't working, you can clean your fob, and make sure that all the buttons are working. The car key fobs are not indestructible and can get dirty when they're used in pockets or purses. In some cases, simply removing and cleaning the buttons and flexing them back and out can help get your remote back up and running.
If you've tried all the suggestions on this list but your car key fob still not working then you'll likely require it to be changed by an expert. Grays Locksmiths can do this for you, and can also provide you with a new or a used replacement if you need it.