Car Key Replacement Services
When your car remote for the key fob stops working, it can be a frustrating and annoying. Luckily, most automotive locksmiths and dealerships offer car key replacement services that can get your key functioning correctly.
Try a few easy things at home prior to heading to the store or locksmith.
Keys stolen or lost
Whether you dropped it in the car, put it on the counter when you ran to the store for groceries, or just plain lost it and not having your key fob can be an hassle. The majority of these issues can be easily fixed by you, even if you don't have a professional. You may need to replace the battery or the fob may not have the pairing information, both are easily fixed.
Modern cars use remote controls that connect to their vehicle via a radio frequency. If your fob is in use it transmits a signal allowing you to lock and unlock the car remotely, as well in starting the engine. The fob itself isn't a mechanical key that's why you can't have it cut at a hardware store and used to unlock your car. Newer fobs also have transponder chips that need to be programmed to your particular car in order for the keyless entry to work.
The most common issue with a car fob is when it fails to connect with the vehicle. This can happen if the battery goes out, or it can be caused by something as minor as a power failure. Consult your owner's guide for the correct procedure. While most modern cars have the option to reset and re-pair the pairing, you must also consult the manual. If resetting the fob doesn't fix the problem it must be reprogrammed. This usually will require a trip at an automotive locksmith or a dealership.
A replacement fob purchase can be costly and takes some time for the dealer to purchase and program it. If your insurance plan does not cover the cost, it is still worth contacting the manufacturer of your vehicle or locksmith to determine whether you can get the fob replaced. You can save time and money by having a locksmith make copies of the key on site. A locksmith can also make you a working, new key and also replace your old transponder chip. This requires that the receiver module of your vehicle is synced.
Bad Battery
Modern car remotes are extremely convenient, and can be a safer method to start a car. However, if they stop working, it can be a hassle. Luckily, this is something that can be repaired by replacing the battery inside the key fob.
The batteries that power the majority of modern remote key fobs are coin cells made of lithium ion. They are quite cheap and don't have any limits in their lifespan, but they do have a limit on how long they last. When a remote car key is used frequently, the battery may be worn out faster than the normal. This can be caused by being pushed or pressed hard or being exposed to moisture, which can cause corrosion.
The most frequent reason for a car key not to work properly is a worn or dead battery. If your remote key isn't working, you must check this first. Most of the time, this will fix the problem however, if it doesn't then it's time to purchase a new battery.
Most of the time a battery is bad due to corrosion or oxidation. It could also give off acidic fumes or leaking battery acid, which can result in poor connections between the terminals of the battery. You can fix this by removing the battery and cleaning the contacts using baking soda and water. After cleaning, you can solder the connectors back to their original positions and then test the remote again.
While you are checking a dying or dead battery It is also a good idea to determine the buttons that have stopped functioning. This can be a sign that there is a bigger issue with your remote and you will need to get an expert to fix it. A specialist can tell you if the remote is repairable or has to be replaced. They can do this immediately using an onboard procedure or connect to your vehicle's OBD2 port to program the new key fob in an efficient and safe method.
Bad Transponder Chip
Similarly to the way the remote for your garage door transmits an exact signal to its receptor, so that it opens and closes, the chip inside your car key sends a unique code to the computer system in your car. This informs the car that it is the legitimate owner and stops anyone from starting the engine without authorization.
If you attempt to start your car and it fails be able to start, it's an indication that your transponder has failed. This could be for many reasons, but is typically an indication that you require a new key.
A transponder chip which has failed is a different indication. Your car will not lock using your key fob. If this happens, you will be required to manually lock your doors instead. This can be a hassle and unsettling, especially in the event that you have already locked out of your car.
Finally, if see page in your key fob is depleted, it can also cause the transponder to cease functioning. Over time, the battery will gradually lose charge. Always keep a spare fob for your key in case you can replace the battery if needed.
There are many other issues with the transponder chip on a car however, these are the most prevalent. Contact an auto locksmith as soon as possible if your key fob's battery is dead or if the transponder chip is defective. They can reprogram the key or replace it completely according to what's required. A Queen Creek auto locksmith will be able to identify the issue for you and provide a reliable solution. They will generally be more affordable than taking your vehicle to the dealership.
Corrupted or lost pairing
It's not unusual to see your car's remote to lose its function in time. Luckily, there are some simple fixes to get your car's remote up and running.
You should first try to lock and unlock the vehicle with a spare key. This will confirm that the fob isn't the cause of the issue, and determine if there is an issue with the mechanical locks in the event it is found to be an electrical issue.
Often, key fobs for cars just need to have their battery replaced. It's not too expensive to replace the batteries and you don't require special equipment.
It's important to use the right type of battery However. The majority of automotive remotes are made to accept CR2025 or CR2032 batteries, although certain models may use different types. If you're not sure what type of battery your remote uses it is possible to check the label or go inside. The battery will have a specific number stamped or printed on it. You can also use a multimeter in order to determine the voltage.
A different set of batteries may also be utilized. The batteries inside a remote can wear out or corrode over time. Removing them could help restore the functionality of the remote.
If the battery change isn't working, you can clean your fob, and make sure that all the buttons are working. Key fobs for cars can get quite dirty due to being thrown around in pockets and purses, and they aren't indestructible. In certain cases, taking them off and cleaning them and flexing them in and out can get your remote back up and running.
If you've attempted all the steps in this list, but the car key fob isn't working, then you probably need it reprogrammed. Grays Locksmiths can do this for you, and will also be able to provide you with a new or a used replacement if you need it.