Car Key Replacement Services
If your car's key fob remote stops working it can be frustrating and inconvenient. Fortunately, many locksmiths for automotive and dealerships provide replacement car keys services that can get your key working properly.
Before rushing to the dealership or a locksmith professional, try a few simple 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. It is possible that you need to change the battery or the fob might not have the pairing information. Both of these problems can be fixed easily.
Modern cars have remote controls that communicate with the vehicle via radio frequency. When your fob works it transmits the signal that allows you to lock and unlock your car remotely, as well as starting the engine. The fob is not an electronic key. It isn't possible to cut it in an establishment that makes hardware and use it to open your vehicle. The latest fobs also come with a transponder chip that must be programmed to your specific vehicle in order for keyless entry to work.
The most frequent issue with a car fob is when it loses its pairing with the vehicle. This can happen when the battery dies, or it can be triggered by something as simple as a power loss. While most modern car models can reset the fob to restore its pairing, you should consult your owner's manual for instructions. If reseting your fob doesn't solve the issue, you'll need to have it reset. This usually requires the assistance of an automotive locksmith or dealer.
It can be expensive to purchase a replacement fob for the key, and it may take a while for a retailer to order it and program it. Certain car insurance policies cover the cost of a replacement however, if it's not covered, it's still worth getting in touch with your vehicle's manufacturer or a local locksmith to inquire about getting the fob replaced. You can save time and money by having a locksmith create an exact copy of the key on-site. A locksmith can also give you a new, working key and also replace your old transponder chip. This requires that the receiver module of your vehicle be synced.
Bad Battery
While modern car remotes are very convenient and offer a safer way to start your car however, they can be a hassle when they stop functioning. This is usually something that can be resolved by simply replacing the battery in the key fob.
The majority of modern remote key fobs make use of lithium coin cell batteries with ion. They are quite cheap and don't have any limits in life, but they do have a limit to how long they last. When a car key remote is used frequently, the battery may be worn out faster than the normal. This could happen if the battery is pushed or over-forced, or exposed to moisture, which can cause corrosion.
A dead or worn out battery is the most common reason for a car key not working properly. This should be the first thing you look into if your remote key has stopped functioning. This is usually the solution to the problem. If it is not the case, you may have to replace the battery.
The majority of the time, the battery is damaged due to corrosion or oxidation. Full Article may also be leaks acid or emitting acidic fumes. This can result in weak connections between the battery terminals. It can be fixed by removing the old battery and cleaning all of the contacts with a solution made of baking soda and water. After the cleaning, you can put the connectors back in place and test the remote once more.
When you're looking for a dying or dead battery, it is also good to check the buttons that have stopped functioning. This could indicate that there is a bigger problem with your remote and you will need to get a professional to repair it. A specialist can tell you if the remote is repairable, or must be replaced. They can do this immediately by using an onboard process or connect to your vehicle's OBD2 port to program a new key fob in an efficient and safe way.
Bad Transponder Chip
Similarly to the way the remote for your garage door transmits an exact signal to its receiver so that it opens or closes, the chip inside the car key transmits an unique code to the vehicle's computer system. This code informs the vehicle that it is the correct owner and blocks anyone else from starting the engine.
If you attempt to start your car and it fails be able to start, it's an indication that your transponder is malfunctioning. This could be due to a number of reasons, but it's typically a sign that it's time for a new car key.
A transponder chip that has failed is another sign. Your car won't lock with your key fob. In this situation you'll need to lock your car manually. This can be very frustrating particularly if your car is locked.
In the end, if the battery of your key fob is drained, it could also cause the transponder to cease to function. Over time, the fob battery will gradually lose its charge. Always keep an extra fob for your key in case you can swap the battery if needed.
There are many other problems with the transponder chip in automobiles 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 transponder chip has become faulty. 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 problem for you and provide a reliable solution. They are usually more affordable than taking your vehicle to a dealership.
Lost or Corrupted Pairing
The key fob in your car isn't a piece of cake and it's not unusual for them to become obsolete in time. There are a few quick fixes that you can try to make your remote work again.
Try to lock and unlock your car using a spare key. This will confirm that the fob isn't the problem, and also determine if there is an issue with the mechanical locks in the event that it is found to be an electrical issue.
Batteries are typically the only thing needed to repair car key fobs. 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. Most automotive remotes accept CR2025 and CR2032 batteries. However, some may utilize different types. You can look up the label on your remote, or examine the inside if you're not certain. The battery will have a specific number printed or stamped on it. You can also utilize a multimeter to determine the voltage.
Another option is to try a different pair of batteries. Sometimes, the batteries inside the fob could be worn out or corroded over time and replacing them could restore the functionality of the remote.
If the battery change isn't working, try to clean out your fob and make sure that all buttons are working correctly. Key fobs for cars can get pretty dirty from being bashed around in pockets and purses They aren't impervious to damage. In some cases, removing the buttons and flexing in and out of them can bring your remote back to life.
If you've tried all the steps on this list, and the car key fob 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 a used replacement if you need it.