Car Key Replacement Services
When your car remote key fob stops working it can be a frustrating. Luckily, most automotive locksmiths and dealerships provide replacement car keys services that will get your key back to functioning properly.
Try a few easy things at home prior to heading to the dealer or a locksmith.
Keys stolen or lost
It doesn't matter if you lost it or put it on the counter in the grocery store. Most of these problems are easily fixed by you, even if you don't have a professional. You may have to replace the battery, or the fob may be missing pairing information. Both of these problems can be easily fixed.
Modern cars have remote control keys which communicate with the vehicle using a special radio frequency. When the fob is in use, it sends an alert that lets you lock and unlock the vehicle from a distance and also to start the engine. The fob is not an electronic key. You cannot have it cut in a hardware store and then use it to unlock your car. The newer fobs have transponders that must be programmed for your car to allow keyless entry function.
The most frequent issue with a car key fob is that it has lost its connection with the vehicle. This can happen when the battery fails or it is caused by something as minor as a power failure. Check the owner's manual for the correct procedure. While the majority of modern cars can be reset and re-pair the pairing, you should also refer to the manual. If reseting your fob doesn't fix the issue, you'll need it reprogrammed. This typically requires visiting an automotive locksmith or dealership.
A replacement fob purchase can be costly, and it takes some time for the dealer to purchase and program it. If your insurance policy 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 in-person. Locksmiths can also cut new keys and replace the transponder chip. This will need to be synced with your car's receiver module.
Bad Battery
While modern car remotes are very practical and offer a more secure method to start your vehicle however, they can be frustrating when they stop functioning. This issue can be fixed by replacing the battery in the key fob.
The majority of modern remote key fobs use lithium coin cell batteries that are ion. These are fairly affordable and do not have a limit in their lifespan, but they have a limit to how long they will last. When a car key remote is in frequent use, the battery may be worn out faster than it would normally. This could be due to being pushed or pressed hard or being exposed to moisture, which can cause corrosion.
The most common reason for a car key not to function properly is a dead or worn-out battery. This should be the first thing you look into if your remote key has stopped functioning. This is usually the solution to the issue. If not, you might require replacing the battery.
Most of the time, the battery is damaged because of oxidation or corrosion. It might also be giving acidic fumes or leaks of battery acid, which can cause poor connections between the battery's terminals. It can be fixed by removing the old battery and cleaning all contacts with a solution made of baking soda and water. After cleaning, car key fob repairs near me can put the connectors back in place and test the remote once more.
If you're looking for a dead battery or one that is dying, you should also check whether any buttons are not working. This could indicate that there is a serious issue with your remote, and you will need to get an expert to fix it. A professional can tell you if your remote is repairable, or if it has to be replaced. They can do this directly on the spot using an onboard procedure or by connecting to your car's OBD2 ports to program a key fob swiftly and securely.
Bad Transponder Chip
The chip inside your car key sends an unique code to your vehicle's computer, in the same way that the remote control for your garage door transmits signals to its receiver to shut or open it. The car is informed that it is the legitimate owner and stops anyone from running the engine without authorization.
If you attempt to start your vehicle and it fails begin, it's an indication that your transponder is malfunctioning. This could be due to a variety of reasons, but it is typically a sign that it's time to get new car keys.
Another sign that a transponder chip gone bad is when your car doesn't lock when you use the key fob. In this situation you'll have to lock your vehicle manually. This can be stressful and unsettling, especially when you're locked out of your car.
The transponder can cease to function if the battery in the fob's battery is depleted. This could happen over time, as the fob battery slowly loses 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 needed.
There are a variety of other issues that could arise with the transponder chip in your car however the ones mentioned above are the most common. If the battery for your key fob is drained or the chip has failed it is important to contact an auto locksmith in order to get the issue fixed as quickly as possible. They can reprogram the key or replace it entirely depending on the need. A Queen Creek auto locksmith will be able to pinpoint the issue and provide a dependable solution. They will usually be cheaper than taking your car to a dealership.
Corrupted or lost pairing
Your car key fob isn't impervious to damage and it's not unusual for them to become obsolete in time. Luckily, there are some easy fixes you can try to get your car's remote functioning.
You should first try to lock and unlock your vehicle with an alternative key. This will confirm 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.
Often, key fobs for cars require a battery replaced. It's not expensive to replace the batteries and you can do it yourself without any professional equipment.
It is crucial to choose the correct type of battery However. Most automotive remotes accept CR2025 and CR2032 batteries. However, some use different types. You can check the label on your remote, or look inside if you are not certain. The battery will usually have a printed or stamped number on it, or you could test it with a multimeter and determine what the voltage is.
A different pair of batteries can also be used. Sometimes, the batteries inside a fob can wear out or become corroded over time and replacement could restore the functionality of the remote.
If the battery change doesn't work you can clean your fob, and make sure that all the buttons are functioning. Key fobs for cars can get pretty dirty from being thrown around in pockets and purses and aren't completely indestructible. In certain cases, taking them off and cleaning them and flexing them in and out can help get your remote back up and running.
If you have tried every step on this list, but your car key fob isn't working, you'll probably need it reprogrammed. Grays Locksmiths will do this and can provide you with either an entirely new replacement or a used one if you need it.