Car Key Replacement Services
If your car's remote fob stops working and you are left frustrated. Most locksmiths and dealers in the automotive industry provide replacement keys for cars that will restore your key to its original condition.
Before you rush to the dealership or a locksmith professional take a few steps at home first.
Keys stolen or lost
It doesn't matter if lost it or left it on the counter at the grocery store. Luckily, most of these problems can be solved at home, without the assistance of a professional. You might require replacing the battery or the fob may be missing its pairing details -- both are easily fixed.
Modern cars use remote controls that communicate with the vehicle via radio frequency. When your fob works, it sends out an alert that allows you to lock and unlock the vehicle remotely, as in starting the engine. The fob itself isn't a mechanical key that's why you can't have it cut at a hardware store and used to open your car. The latest fobs also come with transponder chips that need to be programmed to your specific vehicle to allow keyless entry to function.
The most frequent issue with a car fob is when it loses its pairing with the vehicle. This can happen when the battery is dead, or if there is an electrical failure. Although most modern cars offer the option of resetting the fob and re-establish its pairing, consult your owner's manual for instructions. If resetting the fob doesn't solve the issue it must be reprogrammed. This usually requires a trip to the dealership or an automotive locksmith.
The cost of purchasing a replacement fob could be costly and can take several days for the dealer to order and program it. If your insurance policy doesn't cover the cost, it's worthwhile to contact the manufacturer of your vehicle or a locksmith to find out if you can have the fob replaced. Locksmiths can usually duplicate keys on the spot, saving you the cost and hassle of towing a truck. Locksmiths can also cut new keys and replace the transponder chip. The new one will require synchronization with the receiver module of your vehicle.
Bad Battery
Modern car remotes can be extremely useful, and they can be a safer method to start a car. However, when they stop working, it can be frustrating. This is usually a problem that can be solved by replacing the battery on the key fob.
The majority of modern remote key fobs use lithium coin cell batteries that are ion. They are quite cheap and don't have any limits in life, but they have a limit to how long they last. The battery of a remote key can wear out faster than normal if used frequently. This is possible when the battery is in a way that is too forceful or exposed to moisture that can cause corrosion.
key fob repairs worn or dead battery is the most common reason for a car keys not responding correctly. This is the first thing you check if your remote key has stopped functioning. In most cases, this will resolve the issue but if not, it is time to replace the battery.
A battery is usually bad due to oxidation or corrosion. It may also give off acidic fumes or leaking battery acid, which can cause poor connections between the battery's terminals. It can be fixed by getting rid of the old battery and cleaning all of the contacts with a solution of baking soda and water. After cleaning, you can connect the connectors back in place and then test the remote again.
While you are checking a dying or dead battery, it is also good to check if any buttons have stopped functioning. This could be a sign that there is a bigger issue with your remote and you'll need to get a professional to repair it. A professional will be able to tell you if the remote is repairable or whether it needs to be replaced entirely. They can do this immediately using an onboard procedure or by connecting to your vehicle's OBD2 ports to program a key fob swiftly and securely.
Bad Transponder Chip
The chip inside your car key transmits a unique code to the car's computer, in the same way that the remote control for your garage door sends signals to its receiver to open or close it. This tells the car that it is the legitimate owner and prevents anyone from beginning the engine without authorization.
One of the first signs that your transponder chip has gone bad is when you attempt to start your car and it refuses. This could be for many reasons, but is typically an indication that you require an entirely new key.
Another common sign that a transponder chip gone bad is when your vehicle won't lock using the key fob. In this case, you'll need to lock your vehicle manually. This can be a hassle especially if your vehicle is already locked.
The transponder could not function If the battery inside your key fob is dead. As time passes, the fob battery will gradually lose its charge. It is always an ideal idea to keep an extra key fob battery in the case that you can replace it if needed.
There are many other issues that could arise with the chip of a car's transponder, but the ones listed above are the most prevalent. If the battery for your key fob is drained or the chip has failed it is essential to call an auto locksmith to have the issue fixed as quickly as possible. They can reprogram the key or replace it entirely depending on the need. A Queen Creek auto locksmith will be able to pinpoint the problem for you and provide a dependable solution. They are usually more cost-effective than taking your car to an auto dealer.
Corrupted or lost pairing
It's not unusual to see your car's remote to lose its function as time passes. Luckily, there are some easy fixes you can try to help you get your car's remote up and running.
The first thing you must do is try using an alternate key to lock and unlock your car. This will ensure that the fob isn't the issue, and will also determine if there is any mechanical issues with the locks in the case that it proves to be electrical.
Often, key fobs for cars just need to have their batteries replaced. It's not costly to replace the batteries and you don't need any special equipment.
It is crucial to choose the right type of battery, however. The majority of automotive fobs accept CR2025 and CR2032 batteries. However, some might utilize different types of batteries. You can look up the label on the remote or look inside if you are not sure. The battery will usually have the number printed or stamped on it, or you can use a multimeter to see what the voltage is.
A different set of batteries can also be utilized. Sometimes, the batteries in a fob can wear out or become corroded over time and replacement could restore the functionality of the remote.
If the battery change doesn't work, you can clean the fob and ensure that all buttons are working. Car key fobs can become quite dirty due to being thrown around in purses and pockets and aren't completely indestructible. In some cases, removing the buttons and flexing in and out of them can bring your remote back to life.
If you have attempted all the steps in this list, but your car key fob doesn't work, you will likely require it to be reprogrammed. Grays Locksmiths will do this and will provide you with either a new replacement or a reconditioned one if you need it.