Car Key Replacement Services

If your car's key fob remote stops working it can be extremely frustrating and inconvenient. Fortunately, many locksmiths for automotive and dealerships offer car key replacement services that can help you get your key functioning correctly.

Before rushing to the dealership or a professional locksmith, try a few simple steps at home first.

Keys that have been stolen or lost are

It doesn't matter if lost it or put it on the counter in the grocery store. Fortunately, most of these problems can be fixed on your own, even without the assistance of an expert. You may have to replace the battery or the fob could not have the pairing information. Both of these issues are easily fixable.

Modern cars have remote control keys which communicate with the vehicle via an exclusive radio frequency. When your fob works, it sends out a signal allowing you to lock and unlock your car remotely, as well in starting the engine. The fob itself isn't a mechanical key that's why you can't have it cut at the hardware store and then use it to open your car. The latest fobs come with transponders that must be programmed for your car to make the keyless entry repairs entry work.

The most common problem with a car key fob is that it has lost its pairing with the vehicle. This can happen if the battery goes out or it is triggered by something as simple as a power failure. Although most modern cars have the option to reset the fob and re-establish its pairing, check the owner's manual for instructions. If reseting the fob doesn't solve the issue, it will need to be reprogrammed, which typically will require a trip at a dealership or automotive locksmith.

A replacement fob purchase can be costly and can take several days for the dealer to purchase and program it. Certain car insurance policies cover the cost of replacing a fob however if it doesn't, it's still worth getting in touch with your 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 on site. A locksmith can also give you a working, new key and also replace your old transponder chip. This will require that the receiver module of your vehicle be connected to the vehicle.

Bad Battery

While modern car remotes are very practical and offer a safer method of starting your vehicle, they can still be a hassle when they stop functioning. Fortunately, this is usually something that can be solved by replacing the battery inside the key fob.

The batteries that power the majority of modern remote mobile key fob repair fobs are coin cells made of lithium ion. These are fairly affordable and do not have a limit in life, but they do have a limit on how long they last. When a remote car key is in frequent use the battery could wear out more quickly than normal. This could be due to being pushed or pressed too hard or exposed to moisture, which could cause corrosion.

A worn out or dead battery is the most common reason for a car key not responding correctly. If your remote key is not functioning, you should test this first. Often, this will fix the issue however, if it doesn't, it is time to get a replacement battery.

The majority of the time, a battery is bad because of oxidation or corrosion. It may also give acidic fumes, or leaking acid from the battery, which could cause weak connections between the terminals of the battery. This can be repaired by removing the old battery and cleaning all contacts using a solution of baking soda and water. After cleaning, you can solder the connectors back into place and test the remote once more.

If you are looking for a dead battery or one that is dying, you should also check whether any buttons aren't working. This could be a sign that there is a bigger issue with your remote, and you'll need to contact a professional to repair car key fob it. A specialist can tell you whether the remote is repairable or if it is required to be replaced entirely. You can either repair it immediately by using an onboard process or connect to your car key repair company's OBD2 port to program a new key fob in a safe and fast way.

Bad Transponder Chip

The chip inside your car keys transmits a 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 allow it to close or open. This code informs the vehicle that it's the owner who is legitimate and prevents anyone else from starting the engine.

When you try to start your car but it doesn't start begin, it's a sign that your transponder is malfunctioning. This could be due to a number of reasons, but it is typically a sign that it's time to purchase new car keys.

A transponder chip that has failed is a different sign. Your car 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 if you are already locked out of your car.

The transponder can not function If the battery inside your key fob is dead. As time passes, the fob battery will gradually lose charge. Always keep a spare fob for your key in case you can recharge the battery as required.

There are a variety of other issues with the transponder chip on cars however, these are the most prevalent. If the battery for your key fob is drained or the chip has failed it is important to call an auto locksmith in order to get the issue resolved quickly. They can reprogram the key or replace it completely depending on the need. A Queen Creek auto lockout will be able to determine the issue and provide you with an effective solution. They are usually more affordable than taking your car to a dealership.

Pairings that are lost or damaged

The key fob in your car isn't indestructible and it's not unusual for them to lose functionality as time passes. Luckily, there are some easy fixes you can try to help you get your car's remote functioning.

Try to lock and unlock the vehicle using an extra key. This will ensure that the fob isn't the issue, and will also eliminate the possibility of a mechanical issue with the locks in the event it is found to be an electrical issue.

Often, key fobs for cars require a battery replaced. It's not costly to replace the batteries, and you don't need any special equipment.

It's important to use the correct type of battery, however. The majority of automotive remotes accept CR2025 and CR2032 batteries. However, some may use different types. You can look up the label on your remote, or examine the inside if you're not sure. The battery will have a code printed or stamped on it. You can also use a multimeter in order to determine the voltage.

A different pair of batteries may also be utilized. The batteries in the remote could get worn out or corrode over time. Replacing them may help restore the functionality of the remote.

If the battery change isn't working, you can clean your fob, and make sure that all buttons are working. Key fobs for cars can get pretty dirty from being bashed around in purses and pockets, and they aren't indestructible. In some cases, simply taking the buttons off and cleaning them and flexing them back and out can get your remote working again.

If you have tried every step in this list, but your car key fob still doesn't work, you will probably need it reprogrammed. Grays Locksmiths can do this for you, and they will also be able to provide you with a new or used replacement, if needed.