Car Key Replacement Services
When your car remote for the key fob stops working, it can be frustrating and annoying. Many automotive locksmiths and dealers offer replacement keys for car keys that can bring your key back to its original functioning condition.
Before you rush to the dealership or a locksmith professional try a few easy steps at home first.
Lost or Stolen Keys
Whether you dropped it in the car, put it on the counter while you went to the store for groceries, or you simply lost it and not having your key fob is an enormous inconvenience. The majority of these issues can be easily fixed by you, even if you don't have a professional. You may require replacing the battery or the fob may not have the pairing details -- both are easily repaired.
Modern cars have remote controls that communicate with the vehicle using a radio frequency. If your fob is in use it sends an alert that allows you to lock and unlock the vehicle remotely, as in starting the engine. The fob isn't a mechanical key. You can't cut it in a hardware shop and use it to unlock your vehicle. The latest fobs also come with transponder chips that need to be programmed to your particular vehicle to allow keyless entry to function.
The most common issue with a car key fob is that it has lost the connection with the vehicle. This can happen if the battery fails or it is triggered by something as simple as a power outage. Refer to the owner's manual for the correct procedure. While most modern cars can be reset and restore the pairing, you must also consult the manual. If resetting the fob doesn't fix the problem, it will need to be reprogrammed. This usually requires a trip to the dealership or an automotive locksmith.
Purchasing a replacement fob can be costly and can take some time for the dealer to get it and program it. If your insurance policy does not cover the cost, it is still worth contacting the maker of your car or locksmith to determine whether you can get the fob replaced. car key fob repair can save money and time by having a locksmith make an exact copy of the key in-person. Locksmiths can also cut you keys and replace the existing transponder chip. This must be synchronized with the receiver module of your 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 functioning. Luckily, this is something that can be repaired by replacing the battery inside the key fob.
The majority of modern remote key fobs utilize lithium coin cell batteries with ion. They are relatively inexpensive and have no limitations in terms of their lifespan. However, they do have a limited lifespan. When a remote car key is in frequent use the battery could be worn out faster than the normal. This is possible when the battery is over-forced or exposed to moisture that can cause corrosion.
The most frequent reason for a car key not to function properly is a dead or worn-out battery. If your remote key isn't working, you should check this first. This is usually the solution to the issue. If not, you might require replacing the battery.
Most of the time batteries fail due to corrosion or oxidation. It could also be leaking acid or emitting acidic fumes that could lead to poor connections between the battery's terminals. It can be fixed by taking the old battery out and cleaning all of the contacts using a solution of baking soda and water. After cleaning, you can solder the connectors back into place and then test the remote again.
If you're looking for a dead battery or one that is deteriorating it is also important to check whether any buttons are not functioning. This could be a sign of a bigger issue with your remote. You will need to seek out an expert to fix the problem. A professional will be able to tell you if your remote can be repaired or if it requires replacement entirely. They can either do this on the spot by using an onboard process or connect to your car's OBD2 port to program a new key fob an efficient and secure manner.
Bad Transponder Chip
The chip in your car keys transmits a unique code to the car's computer, similar to how the remote control for your garage door sends signals to its receiver to shut or open it. The car is informed that it is the correct owner and prevents anyone from starting the engine without authorization.
One of the first indications that the chip in your transponder has gone bad is when you try to start your car and it won't start. This could be due to a variety of reasons but it is generally an indication that you require an entirely new key.
A transponder chip that has failed is another indication. Your car will not lock with your key fob. If this happens, you'll need to manually lock your doors instead. This can be stressful and unaffordable, particularly if you are already locked out of your vehicle.
Finally, if the battery of your key fob is depleted, it can cause the transponder stop working. This could 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 needed.
There are many other issues with the transponder chip of automobiles, but these are the most frequent. Contact an auto locksmith as quickly as you can if your key fob's battery is dead or if the transponder chip is defective. They can reprogram the key, or replace it completely according to what's required. A Queen Creek auto locksmith will be able to identify the issue for you and provide a reliable solution. Usually, they are more affordable than taking your car to dealers.
Corrupted or Lost Pairing
It's not uncommon for the car remote to lose its functionality in time. There are fortunately, easy fixes you can try that may help you get your car's remote back functioning.
The first thing you need to do is to try using an alternate key to lock and unlock your car. This will ensure that the fob is not the problem, and also determine if there is any mechanical issues with the locks in the event it is found to be an electrical issue.
Batteries are often all you need to fix car key fobs. It's not expensive to replace the batteries and you don't require special equipment.
It is important to use the appropriate type of battery. The majority of automotive remotes accept CR2025 and CR2032 batteries. However, some use different types. You can check the label on the remote or take a look inside if not sure. The battery is usually marked with a the number printed or stamped on it, or you can use a multimeter to see what the voltage is.
A different set of batteries may also be utilized. The batteries in the remote may be damaged or worn out over time. Removing them could bring back its functionality.
If the battery change isn't working, you can clean your fob, and make sure that all buttons are working. The car key fobs aren't indestructible and can get dirty when they're used in purses or pockets. In certain cases, taking the buttons off and cleaning them and bending them in and out will get your remote working again.
If you have tried every step on this list, but your car key fob still isn't working, then you likely need to reprogramme it. Grays Locksmiths can do this for you, and will also be able to provide you with a brand-new or used replacement if necessary.