Car Key Replacement Services
If your car's remote for the key fob stops working, it can be a frustrating and inconvenient. Luckily, most automotive locksmiths and dealerships offer replacement of your car key services that can get your key back to functioning properly.
Try a few simple things at home before heading to the dealer or a locksmith.
Keys stolen or lost
It doesn't matter if you lost it or left it on the counter at the grocery store. Luckily, most of these issues can be fixed at home, without the help of a professional. It is possible that you need to change the battery, or the fob may be missing pairing information. Both of these problems can be easily fixed.
Modern cars are equipped with remote controls that communicate with the vehicle via a radio frequency. If your fob is in use it transmits the signal that allows you to lock and unlock your car remotely, as well in starting the engine. The fob itself 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. Modern fobs also include transponder chips that must be programmed to your particular vehicle in order for keyless entry to work.
The most frequent issue with a car's key fob is that it has lost its pairing with the vehicle. This can happen when the battery is dead or if there's a power failure. While most modern car models offer the option of resetting the fob and restore its pairing, refer to the owner's manual to find instructions. If reseting your fob doesn't fix the issue, you'll need to have it reset. This usually requires visiting an automotive locksmith or dealer.
The cost of purchasing a replacement fob could be expensive and takes some time for the dealer to purchase and program it. Some car insurance policies cover the cost of replacing a fob, but if yours doesn't it's still worth getting in touch with the car's manufacturer or a locksmith in your area to inquire about getting the fob replaced. You can save money and time by having a locksmith create a copy of the key in-person. A locksmith can also cut new keys and also replace the transponder chip, which will require synchronization with your car's receiver module.
Bad Battery
Modern car remotes can be very convenient, and they can be a safer method to start a car. However, when they stop working they can be a hassle. Luckily, this is something that can be fixed by replacing the battery on the key fob.
The batteries used in most modern remote key fobs are coin cells made of lithium ion. They are fairly inexpensive and do not have any limitations in terms of their lifespan. However, they do have a limit on their lifespan. When a remote car key is used often it is possible that the battery will be worn out faster than the normal. This can be caused by being pushed or pressed too hard, or by being exposed to moisture, which can cause corrosion.
A dead or worn out battery is the main reason for a car keys not responding correctly. This should be the first thing you check if your remote key has stopped working. Often, this will fix the problem however, if it doesn't then it's time to replace the battery.
A battery will usually be poor due to oxidation or corrosion. It might also be giving off acidic fumes or leaking acid from the battery, which could cause poor connections between the battery's terminals. You can fix this by removing the battery and cleaning the contacts using a baking soda solution and water. After cleaning, you can connect the connectors back to their original positions and test the remote once more.
When checking for a dead battery or one that is deteriorating, you should also check whether any buttons aren't functioning. This can be a sign that there is a serious problem with your remote and you'll have to contact an expert to fix it. A specialist can tell you if your remote is repairable or if it requires replacement entirely. You can either repair it immediately with an onboard procedure or connect to your car's OBD2 port to program the new key fob in an efficient and safe method.
Bad Transponder Chip
The chip in your car key sends an unique code to the car's computer, in the same way that the remote control for your garage door sends signals to its receiver to shut or open it. This tells the car that it is the right owner and prevents anyone from beginning the engine without authorization.
One of the first indications that the chip in your transponder has gone bad is when you attempt to start your car but it won't start. This could be for various reasons but is typically an indication that you need a new key.
Another common sign that a transponder chip gone bad is when your vehicle won't lock when you use the key fob. If this happens, you will be required to manually lock your doors instead. This can be frustrating and inconvenient, especially in the event that you have already locked out of your car.
Finally, if the battery of your key fob is drained, it could also cause the transponder to cease to function. Over time, the battery will gradually lose its charge. It is always recommended to keep an extra key fob battery in the case that you can replace it as needed.
There are a variety of other issues with the transponder chip of cars, but these are the most common. Contact an auto locksmith as fast as possible when your key fob's power source is dead or if the chip that controls transponder has become malfunctioning. They can either reprogram the key or replace it completely depending on the requirements. A Queen Creek auto locksmith will be able to pinpoint the issue for you and provide a reliable solution. Usually they are cheaper than going to an auto dealer.
Pairings that are lost or damaged
It's not uncommon for your car remote to lose its functionality in time. There are a few easy fixes that you can try to get your remote back to working.
The first thing you need to do is to try using an alternate key to unlock and lock your car. This will help to ensure that your fob isn't the issue and will also help to rule out a mechanical problem in the locks if it turns out to be an electrical issue.
Often, car key fobs just need to have their battery replaced. The cost of replacing the batteries isn't too expensive, and you can usually do it yourself without any professional equipment.
It is essential to choose the right type of battery. The majority of automotive remotes are designed to work with CR2025 or CR2032 batteries, although some may use other types. You can look up the label on the remote or take a look inside if not certain. The battery is usually marked with a the number printed or stamped on it, or utilize a multimeter to determine what the voltage is.
Another option is to try a new pair of batteries. The batteries in a remote can be damaged or worn out over time. Replacing car key lock repair near me may bring back its functionality.
If the battery change doesn't work you can clean the fob and ensure that all buttons are working. Car key fobs don't last forever and can get dirty when they're used in purses and pockets. In certain cases, removing the buttons and flexing in and out of them could bring your remote back to life.
If you have attempted all the steps on this list, and your car key fob isn't working, you'll likely need to reprogramme it. Grays Locksmiths can do this for you, and they will also be able to provide you with a brand new or used replacement if necessary.