Car Key Replacement Services
If your car's remote fob isn't working, it can be frustrating. Luckily, most automotive locksmiths and dealerships provide replacement car keys services that can help you get your key functioning properly.
Before rushing to the dealership or a locksmith professional, try a few simple steps at home first.
Keys that were stolen or lost are not found
It doesn't matter if lost it or put it on the counter at the grocery store. Most of these issues can be easily fixable by you, even if you don't have an expert. You may have to replace the battery or the fob might be missing pairing information. Both of these issues can be easily fixed.
Modern cars use remote controls that connect to their vehicle via radio frequency. When your fob is working it transmits an alert that allows you to lock and unlock your car from a distance as well as start the engine. The fob isn't an electronic key. You can't cut it in a hardware store and then use it to open your car. The latest fobs come with transponders that need to be programmed for your vehicle to make keyless entry work.
The most common problem with a car key fob is that it has lost its pairing with the vehicle. This can happen when the battery dies or if there's a power failure. Check the owner's manual for instructions. Although most modern vehicles have the option to reset and restore the pairing, you must also consult the manual. If resetting your fob does not fix the issue, you will need to have it changed to a different program. This usually requires the assistance of an automotive locksmith or a dealership.
Purchasing a replacement fob can be costly, and it takes several days for the dealer to purchase and program it. Certain car insurance policies cover the cost of replacing a fob however if it doesn't, it's worth getting in touch with your car'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 give you a new, working key and replace your current transponder chip. This will require that the receiver module of your vehicle is synced.
Bad Battery
While modern car remotes are convenient and provide a much safer method of starting your car however, they can be frustrating when they stop working. Fortunately, this is usually something that can be fixed by replacing the battery inside the key fob.
The batteries that power the majority of modern remote key fobs are lithium ion coin cells. They are relatively cheap and have no limitations in terms of their lifespan. However, they do have a limit on their life span. When a car key remote is used often it is possible that the battery will be worn out faster than the normal. This could be due to being pushed or pressed hard or being exposed to moisture, which could cause corrosion.
The most frequent reason for a car key not to function is a worn or dead battery. If your remote key isn't working, you should check this first. This can often resolve the issue. If it is not the case, you may require replacing the battery.
A battery will usually be poor because of oxidation or corrosion. It may also give acidic fumes or leaks of battery acid, which can result in poor connections between the battery's terminals. It is possible to fix this by removing the battery and cleaning the contacts using baking soda and water. After cleaning the connectors, you can solder them back in place and test the remote.
When you're checking for a dying or dead battery it is also important to determine if any buttons have stopped functioning. This could indicate that there is a more serious issue with your remote, and you'll have to get a professional to repair it. A specialist can inform you if the remote is repairable, or must be replaced. They can do this either directly on the spot using an onboard procedure, or by connecting to your vehicle's OBD2 ports to program a key fob swiftly and safely.
Bad Transponder Chip
Similarly to the way the remote for your garage door sends an exact signal to its receiver so that it can open or close, the chip inside the car key transmits a unique code to the computer system in your car. This informs the car that it is the correct owner and stops anyone from beginning the engine without authorization.
When you try to start your car but it doesn't start begin, it's a sign that your transponder has failed. This could be for various reasons but it is generally an indication that you require a new key.
Another indication that a transponder chip gone bad is when your car doesn't lock with the key fob. In this situation you'll have to lock your car manually. This can be frustrating particularly if your car is locked.
Finally, if your key fob battery is depleted, it can cause the transponder to cease functioning. Over time, the battery will slowly lose its charge. It is always an ideal idea to keep an extra battery for the key fob in your possession, so that you can replace it when required.
There are many other issues with the transponder chip of cars but these are the most frequent. Contact an auto locksmith as quickly as you can when your key fob's power source is dead or if the chip that controls transponder has become faulty. They can either reprogram the key or replace it completely depending on what is needed. A Queen Creek auto locksmith will be able to determine the issue and offer a solution that is reliable. They will generally be more affordable than taking your car to a dealership.
Pairings that are lost or corrupted
It's not uncommon to see your car's remote to lose its function as time passes. However, there are simple fixes that may help you get your car's remote up and running.
Try to lock and unlock the vehicle using an alternative key. This will help ensure that your fob isn't the problem and will also help to eliminate a mechanical issue with the locks, if it does turn out to be an electrical one.
Batteries are usually all that's needed to fix car key fobs. It's not expensive to replace the batteries, and you don't need any special equipment.
It's important to use the right type of battery, however. Most automotive remotes accept CR2025 and CR2032 batteries. However, some utilize different types. If car key repair shop near me 're not sure what type of battery your remote is using it is possible to check the label or go inside. The battery will have a number written or printed on it. You can also make use of a multimeter to determine the voltage.
Another solution is to test a different pair of batteries. Sometimes, the batteries in the fob may be worn out or corroded over time and replacing them could bring back the functionality of the remote.
If the battery change isn't working, you can clean the fob and ensure that all the buttons are working. Car key fobs are not indestructible and may become dirty if they're used in pockets or purses. In some cases, simply taking the buttons off and cleaning them and flexing them in and out will get your remote back up and running.
If you've tried everything on this list and your car key fob is not working it is likely that you require it to be changed by an expert. Grays Locksmiths will do this and provide you with either a new replacement or a used one if you need it.