Car Key Replacement Services
When your car remote key fob stops working it can be extremely frustrating and inconvenient. Fortunately, many locksmiths for automotive and dealerships offer replacement of your car key services that can get your key functioning correctly.
Before heading to the dealer or a locksmith professional try a few easy steps at home first.
Lost or Stolen Keys
It doesn't matter if you lost it or put it on the counter at the grocery store. Fortunately, most of these issues can be resolved at home, without the assistance of a professional. You may require replacing the battery or the fob may be missing its pairing details -- both of which can be easily fixed.
Modern cars use remote controls that communicate with their vehicle via a radio frequency. If your fob is in use it sends the signal that allows you to lock and unlock your vehicle remotely, as well being able to start the engine. The fob isn't a key that can be used mechanically, so you can't simply have it cut at an hardware store and use it to unlock your car. The latest fobs also come with transponder chips that must be programmed to your specific car in order for the keyless entry to function.
The most common problem with a car fob is when it loses its pairing with the vehicle. This can happen if the battery goes out, or it can be caused by something as minor as a power failure. Consult your owner's guide for the correct procedure. While the majority of modern cars have the option to reset and restore the pairing, you must also consult the manual. If the reset of your fob fails to fix the issue, you'll need to have it changed to a different program. This usually requires the assistance of an automotive locksmith or dealership.
It can be expensive to purchase a replacement fob for the key and it could take several days for a dealer to purchase it and program it. Some car insurance policies will cover the cost of replacing a fob however, if it's not covered, it's still worth getting in touch with the car's manufacturer or a local locksmith to discuss having the fob replaced. You can save money and time by having a locksmith make a copy of the key in-person. Locksmiths can also create you a new, working key and also replace your old transponder chip. This requires that the receiver module in your vehicle be connected to the vehicle.
car key fob repairs remotes can be very convenient, and they are a safe way to start a car. However, if they stop working they can be very frustrating. Thankfully, this is often something that can be repaired by replacing the battery inside the key fob.
Most modern remote key fobs use lithium coin cell batteries with ion. These are fairly cheap and don't have any limits in their lifespan, but they do have a limit on the length of time they can last. The battery of a remote key could get worn out faster than the normal if it is frequently used. This can happen when the battery is in a way that is too forceful or exposed to moisture, which could cause corrosion.
The most common reason for a car key to not work properly is a worn or dead battery. If your remote key isn't functioning, you should test this first. This is usually the solution to the problem. If it is not the case, you may have to replace the battery.
Most of the time the battery is damaged because of oxidation or corrosion. It could also be leaking acid or emitting acidic fumes. This can cause poor connections between the battery's terminals. This can be fixed by getting rid of the battery and cleaning the contacts with a baking soda solution and water. After cleaning the connectors, you can then solder them in place and test the remote.
When you're checking for a dying or dead battery it is also important to determine whether any buttons are no longer functioning. This can be a sign that there is a bigger issue with your remote and you'll have to call in an expert to fix it. A specialist can tell you if your remote is repairable, or if it needs to be replaced. You can either repair it in a single visit using an onboard procedure or connect to your car's OBD2 port to program a new key fob in an efficient and safe manner.
Bad Transponder Chip
The chip inside your car key transmits a unique code to your vehicle's computer, just like the remote control for your garage door transmits signals to its receiver to allow it to close or open. This tells the car that it is the correct owner and prevents anyone from beginning the engine without authorization.
One of the first signs that your transponder chip is gone bad is when you attempt to start your car but it won't start. This could be for many reasons, but is usually an indication that you need a new key.
Another indication that a transponder chip gone bad is when your car won't lock with the key fob. In this instance, you'll need to lock your vehicle manually. This can be a hassle particularly if your car is locked.
The transponder can cease to function when the battery in the fob's battery is depleted. As time passes, the fob battery will slowly lose its charge. Always keep an extra fob for your key in case you can recharge the battery when needed.
There are a variety of other issues with the transponder chip of automobiles however, these are the most frequent. If your battery for the key fob is dead or the chip has failed, it's important to contact an auto locksmith to have the problem fixed quickly. They can either reprogram the key or replace it entirely, depending on the requirements. A Queen Creek auto lockout will be able to determine the issue and offer an effective solution. Usually, they are more affordable than going to an auto dealer.
Corrupted or Lost Pairing
It's not uncommon for the car key fob to lose its functionality in time. Luckily, there are some easy fixes you can try to get your car's remote functioning.
The first thing you must do is try using an alternate key to lock and unlock your vehicle. This will confirm that the fob isn't the issue, and will also eliminate the possibility of an issue with the mechanical locks in the event it is found to be an electrical issue.
Often, car key fobs require a batteries replaced. It's not costly to replace the batteries, and you don't need any special equipment.
It is important to use the correct type of battery. The majority of automotive remotes accept CR2025 and CR2032 batteries. However, some may utilize different types of batteries. You can verify the label on your remote or look inside if you are not certain. The battery will typically have a an engraved or stamped number on it, or utilize a multimeter to determine what the voltage is.
Another easy fix is to test a different battery. Sometimes, the batteries inside the fob may wear out or become corroded over time and replacing them could bring back the functionality of the remote.
If the battery change doesn't work you can clean the fob, and make sure that all the buttons are working. Car key fobs aren't indestructible and may get dirty if they're beaten around in purses or pockets. In some 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, but your car key fob still doesn't work, you will likely require it to be reprogrammed. Grays Locksmiths can do this for you, and they can also provide you with a brand new or used replacement if necessary.