Car Key Replacement Services
When your car key fob remote stops working it can be extremely frustrating and inconvenient. Luckily, most automotive locksmiths and dealerships offer replacement of your car key services that will get your key functioning correctly.
Try a few easy things at home before heading to the dealer or a locksmith.
Lost or Stolen Keys
It doesn't matter if you lost it or left it on the counter at the grocery store. Luckily, most of these problems can be solved by yourself, even without the help of an expert. You may have to replace the battery, or the fob may be missing pairing information. Both of these issues are easily fixable.
Modern cars have remote controls that communicate with their vehicle via radio frequency. When the fob is working it sends an alert that allows you to lock and unlock the vehicle remotely, as well in starting the engine. The fob isn't a mechanical key, so you can't simply get it cut at the hardware store and then use it to unlock your car. The latest fobs also come with 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 key fob is that it has lost its connection with the vehicle. This can occur if the battery dies or if there's a power failure. Check the owner's manual for specific instructions. While the majority of modern cars offer the option of reset and re-pair the pairing, you can also consult the manual. If the reset of your fob fails to solve the issue, you'll need to have it reprogrammed. key car repair requires visiting an automotive locksmith or dealership.
The cost of purchasing a replacement fob could be expensive and takes some time for the dealer to get it and program it. If your insurance policy doesn't cover the cost, it is worth contacting the maker of your car or a locksmith to find out if you can have the fob replaced. You can save time and money by having a locksmith create an exact copy of the key on site. Locksmiths can also cut you a new key and also replace the transponder chip. The new one will need to be synced with your car's receiver module.
Bad Battery
Modern car remotes can be extremely useful, and they are a safer way to start a car. However, if they stop working they can be frustrating. This issue can be resolved by simply replacing the battery on the key fob.
The batteries that power the majority of modern remote key fobs are coin cells made of lithium ion. They are fairly inexpensive and don't have any limitations in terms of life. However, they do have a limited lifespan. When a car key remote is used often it is possible that the battery will wear out more quickly than normal. This could happen if the battery is over-forced, or exposed to moisture, which could cause corrosion.
A worn out or dead battery is the main reason for a car keys not responding correctly. This should be the first thing to check if your remote key has stopped functioning. Most of the time, this will fix the issue but if not it's time to replace the battery.
The majority of the time, the battery is damaged due to corrosion or oxidation. It may also give off acidic fumes or leaking acid from the battery, which could result in poor connections between the terminals of the battery. This can be fixed by taking the battery off and cleaning the contacts with a baking soda solution and water. After the cleaning, you can put the connectors back to their original positions and test the remote once more.
When you're looking for a dying or dead battery it is also important to check whether any buttons are no longer functioning. This could be a sign of a larger issue with your remote. It is recommended to seek out a professional to fix the problem. A professional can tell you if your remote is repairable or needs to be replaced. They can do this immediately using an onboard procedure, or by connecting to your car's OBD2 ports to program a key fob quickly and securely.
Bad Transponder Chip
Similar to the way that the remote for your garage door transmits a specific signal to its receiver so that it can open or close and closes, the chip in your car key sends a unique code to your vehicle's computer system. This code informs the vehicle that it is the right owner and prevents anyone else from starting the engine.
If you attempt to start your car but it fails begin, it's an indication that your transponder is malfunctioning. This could be due to many reasons, but is usually an indication that you need an entirely new key.
A transponder chip that is not working is another common indication. Your car won't lock using your key fob. In this instance you'll have to lock your vehicle manually. This can be frustrating and inconvenient, especially in the event that you have already locked out of your vehicle.
In the end, if your key fob battery is depleted, it can also cause the transponder to cease to function. As time passes, the fob battery will gradually lose charge. Always keep a spare key fob on hand so you can recharge the battery as needed.
There are many other issues that could arise with the chip of a car's transponder, but the ones listed above are the most frequent. Contact an auto locksmith as soon as you can when your key fob's power source is dead or the transponder chip is defective. They can reprogram the key, or replace it entirely depending on the need. A Queen Creek auto lockout will be able to identify the issue and provide you with a reliable solution. They will usually be more affordable than taking your vehicle to the dealership.
Pairings that are lost or damaged
It's not unusual for the car key fob to lose its functionality in time. There are a few quick solutions you can try to get your remote working again.
You should first try to lock and unlock the vehicle with a spare key. This will confirm that the fob is not the issue, and will also determine if there is any mechanical issues with the locks in the event that it proves to be electrical.
Often, key fobs for cars require a battery replaced. It's not costly to replace the batteries and you don't require any special equipment.
It is crucial to select the appropriate type of battery. The majority of automotive remotes accept CR2025 and CR2032 batteries. However, some may use different types. You can check the label on your remote, or look inside if you are not sure. The battery will usually have an engraved or stamped number on it, or test it with a multimeter and determine what the voltage is.
Another solution is to test a different battery. Sometimes, the batteries inside the fob could wear out or become corroded over time, and replacing them may restore the functionality of the remote.
If the battery change doesn't work, you can clean your fob and ensure that all buttons are working. The car key fobs are not indestructible and can get dirty when they're beaten around in purses and pockets. In some instances, just removing and cleaning the buttons and bending them in 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 is still not working it is likely that you require it to be changed by a professional. Grays Locksmiths can do this for you, and will also be able to provide you with a new or used replacement if necessary.