Car Key Replacement Services
If your car's remote fob stops working, it can be frustrating. Many locksmiths and dealers in the automotive industry provide replacement keys for cars that can restore your key to its original working condition.
Try a few easy things at home prior to heading to the dealer or locksmith.
Keys stolen or lost
It doesn't matter if you dropped it off in the car, left it on the counter when you went to the supermarket, or simply lost it, not having your key fob can be a big inconvenience. Luckily, most of these problems can be solved by yourself, even without the assistance of a professional. You may need to change the battery or the fob could be missing the pairing information. Both of these issues are easily fixable.
Modern cars use remote control keys that communicate with the vehicle via an exclusive radio frequency. When the fob is in use it transmits the signal that lets you lock and unlock your car from a distance as well as start the engine. The fob itself isn't a mechanical key and therefore you cannot have it cut at an hardware store and use it to unlock your car. The latest fobs also come with transponder chips that need to be programmed for your specific car in order for the keyless entry to work.
The most common issue with car fobs is when it fails to connect with the vehicle. This can occur if the battery is dead, or if there is an issue with the power. Although most modern cars have the option to reset the fob and restore its pairing, you should refer to the owner's manual to find instructions. If the reset of your fob fails to solve the issue, you will need to have it reprogrammed. This usually requires a visit to an automotive locksmith or dealership.
Purchasing a replacement fob can be costly, and it takes some time for the dealer to purchase and program it. Certain car insurance policies will cover the cost of a replacement however if it doesn't, it's not a bad idea to get in touch with your vehicle's manufacturer or a local locksmith to inquire about having the fob replaced. You can save money and time by having a locksmith create a copy of the key on site. Locksmiths can also cut you keys and also replace the transponder chip. This will need to be synced with the receiver module of your vehicle.
Bad Battery
Modern car remotes can be extremely convenient, and are a safe way to start a car. However, when they stop working they can be frustrating. Luckily, this is something that can be fixed by replacing the battery inside the key fob.
The majority of modern remote key fobs use lithium ion coin cell batteries. They are relatively inexpensive and are not limited in time, however they do have a limit to how long they last. When a car key remote is used often it is possible that the battery will wear out more quickly than the normal. This can happen when the battery is in a way that is too forceful or exposed to moisture, which could cause corrosion.
A worn out or dead battery is the most common cause of a car key not working properly. This is the first thing you check to determine if your remote has stopped working. Often, this will fix the issue but if not, it is time to replace the battery.
A battery is usually poor due to oxidation or corrosive corrosion. It could also give acidic fumes, or leaking acid from the battery, which could result in 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 made of baking soda and water. After cleaning the connectors you can solder them back in place and test the remote.
If you're looking for a dead battery or one that is dying, you should also check if any buttons are not working. This could be a sign that there is a bigger issue with your remote, and you'll have to contact an expert to fix it. A specialist will be able to tell you if your remote can be repaired or if it needs to be replaced entirely. They can either do this on the spot using an onboard procedure or connect to your car's OBD2 port to program a new key fob in a safe and fast way.
Bad Transponder Chip
The chip in your car key transmits a unique code to your vehicle's computer, similar to how the remote control for your garage door transmits signals to its receiver to allow it to close or open. This informs the car that it is the correct owner and prevents anyone from beginning the engine without authorization.
One of the first signs that your transponder chip is gone bad is when you attempt to start your car, but it refuses. This could be due to a number of reasons, but it's often an indication that it's time for a new car key.
Another common sign that a transponder chip has gone bad is when your car doesn't lock using the key fob. If this happens, you'll be required to manually lock your doors instead. This can be frustrating and unaffordable, particularly in the event that you have already locked out of your car.
The transponder could not function when the battery in your key fob is dead. This will happen over time because the fob battery slowly loses its charge. It is always an ideal idea to keep an extra battery for the key fob on hand, so that you can replace it when required.
There are many other problems with the transponder chip on a car however, these are the most frequent. Contact an auto locksmith as fast as possible when your key fob's power source is dead or the transponder chip has become defective. They can either reprogram the key or replace it entirely, according to what's required. A Queen Creek auto lockout will be able to identify the issue and offer an efficient solution. They are usually more affordable than taking your car to the dealership.
Pairings that are lost or corrupted
It's not uncommon for the car key fob to lose function as time passes. There are fortunately, easy fixes to help you get your car's remote up and running.
Try to lock and unlock your vehicle with a spare key. This will ensure that the fob isn't the cause of the issue, and rule out a mechanical issue with the locks in the case that it is found to be an electrical issue.
Batteries are usually all you need to fix car key fobs. It's not expensive to replace the batteries, and you don't require any special equipment.
It is important to use the appropriate type of battery. repair car key accept CR2025 and CR2032 batteries. However, some utilize different types. If you're unsure of the type of battery your remote uses, you can check the label or examine the inside of. The battery will have a code written or printed on it. You can also utilize a multimeter to determine the voltage.
A different pair of batteries can also be utilized. The batteries in the remote could wear out or corrode over time. Replacing them can bring back its functionality.
If the battery change doesn't work, you can clean your fob, and check that all the buttons are functioning. Car key fobs aren't indestructible and may get dirty if they are tossed around in pockets or purses. 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 every step on this list, and your car key fob doesn't work, you will likely need to reprogramme it. Grays Locksmiths can do this for you, and they can also supply you with a brand-new or a used replacement if you need it.