Car Key Replacement Services
If your car's remote key fob isn't working, it can be frustrating. The majority of locksmiths and dealers in the automotive industry offer car key replacements that can restore your key to its original functioning condition.
Before heading to the dealer or a professional locksmith try a few easy steps at home first.
Lost or Stolen keys
It doesn't matter if lost it or left it on the counter at the grocery store. Fortunately, most of these issues can be resolved by yourself, even without the help of a professional. You may have to replace the battery or the fob could be missing the pairing information. Both of these problems can be fixed easily.
Modern cars are equipped with remote controls that communicate with their vehicle via a radio frequency. When your fob is working it transmits an alert that allows you to lock and unlock the vehicle 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 the hardware store and then use it to unlock your car. The latest fobs include a transponder that must be programmed into your car to allow keyless entry work.
The most common issue with car fobs is when it loses its pairing with the vehicle. This can happen when the battery goes dead, or if there is a power failure. Refer to the owner's manual for specific instructions. Although most modern vehicles have the option to reset and re-pair the pairing, you must also consult the manual. If the reset of your fob fails to solve the issue, you'll need it changed to a different program. This usually requires the assistance of an automotive locksmith or dealer.
Purchasing a replacement fob 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's worthwhile to contact the maker of your car or locksmith to determine if you can have the fob replaced. You can save time and money by having a locksmith make an exact copy of the key on-site. A locksmith can also give you a new, working key and replace your current transponder chip. This requires that the receiver module of your vehicle is connected to the vehicle.
Bad Battery
While modern car remotes are convenient and provide a much safer method of starting your car, they can still be a hassle when they stop working. This is usually something that can be resolved by simply replacing the battery on the key fob.
Most modern remote key fobs utilize lithium ion coin cell batteries. These are fairly inexpensive and are not limited in life, but they do have a limit to the length of time they can last. The battery of a remote key can get worn out faster than the normal if used frequently. This could be due to being pushed or pressed too hard or 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 should check this first. This can often resolve the problem. If not, you might require replacing the battery.
A battery is typically bad due to oxidation or corrosive corrosion. It could also give acidic fumes, or leaking acid from the battery. This can cause poor connections between the battery's terminals. This can be fixed by getting rid of the battery and cleaning the contacts using baking soda and water. After the cleaning, you can connect the connectors back to their original positions and test your remote again.
When checking for a dead battery or one that is dying it is also important to check whether any buttons are not working. This could be a sign of a larger issue with your remote. It is recommended to seek out a professional to repair the issue. A specialist can tell you if the remote can be repairable, or has to be replaced. It can be done on the spot with an onboard procedure, or by connecting to your vehicle's OBD2 ports to create a key fob in a short time and securely.
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 transmits signals to its receiver to shut or open it. This code informs the vehicle that it is the right owner and prevents anyone else from starting the engine.
One of the first signs that the chip in your transponder has been damaged is when you try to start your car and it fails to start. This could be due to a variety of reasons but is usually an indication that you need a new key.
A transponder chip that is not working is another common sign. car key repair near me won't lock if you use your key fob. If this happens, you will need to manually lock your doors instead. This can be stressful and unsettling, especially in the event that you have already locked out of your car.
The transponder may stop working when the battery in your key fob is not functioning. This can happen over time, as the fob battery slowly loses its charge. Always keep an extra key fob on hand so you can recharge the battery as required.
There are a variety of other issues that can occur with a car's transponder chip but the ones listed above are the most common. Contact an auto locksmith as soon as possible when your key fob's power source is dead or if the transponder chip is faulty. They can either reprogram the key or replace it completely, depending on what is needed. A Queen Creek auto locksmith will be able to identify the issue for you and provide a dependable solution. Usually they are less expensive than taking your car to a dealer.
Corrupted or lost pairing
The key fob in your car isn't indestructible and it's not uncommon for them to lose functionality over time. There are fortunately, easy fixes that may help you get your car's remote back up and running.
The first thing you need to do is try using a backup key to unlock and lock your vehicle. This will ensure that the fob is not the problem, and also determine if there is an issue with the mechanical locks in the case that it turns out to be electrical.
Batteries are often all that's needed to fix car key fobs. It's not expensive to replace the batteries, and you can usually do it yourself with no professional equipment.
It is crucial to select the right type of battery. The majority of automotive fobs are designed to work with CR2025 or CR2032 batteries, though certain models may use different kinds. If you're not sure what type of battery your remote uses it is possible to check the label or look inside. The battery is usually marked with a an engraved or stamped number on it, or you can use a multimeter to see what the voltage is.
A different set of batteries could also be utilized. The batteries inside the remote could wear out or corrode over time. Removing them could bring back its functionality.
If the battery change does not work, try cleaning your fob and make sure all the buttons are functioning correctly. Car key fobs don't last forever and may become dirty if they're used in purses or pockets. In some instances, taking out the buttons and flexing them in and out of them can bring your remote back to life.
If you've tried all the steps in this list, but your car key fob doesn't work, you will probably need it reprogrammed. Grays Locksmiths can do this for you, and can also supply you with a new or used replacement if necessary.