Car Key Replacement Services
If your car's remote key fob stops working it can be extremely frustrating and frustrating. Luckily, most automotive locksmiths and dealerships provide replacement car keys services that can help you get your key back to working properly.
Before you rush to the dealership or a locksmith professional take a few steps at home first.
Keys that were stolen or lost are not found
It doesn't matter if you dropped it off in the car, left it on the counter while you went to the supermarket, or just plain lost it or lost your key fob can be a big problem. Fortunately, most of these problems can be fixed on your own, even without the help of a professional. You may require a replacement battery or the fob may have lost its pairing information, both of which can be easily fixed.
Modern cars are equipped with remote controls that connect to their vehicle using a radio frequency. If your fob is in use, it sends out a signal allowing you to lock and unlock your vehicle remotely, as well being able to start the engine. The fob is not an electronic key. You cannot have it cut in a hardware store and then use it to open your car. Modern fobs also include transponder chips that need to be programmed to your specific car in order for the keyless entry to function.
The most frequent issue with a car fob is when it loses its pairing with the vehicle. This can happen if the battery fails or is caused by something as minor as a power failure. Although most modern cars have the option to reset the fob to restore its pairing, you should check the owner's manual for instructions. 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 visiting an automotive locksmith or dealership.
A replacement fob purchase can be costly, and it takes several days for the dealer to get it and program it. Certain insurance policies cover the cost of replacing a fob however if it doesn't, it's still worth getting in touch with your vehicle's manufacturer or a locksmith in your area to inquire about replacing the fob. They can often copy a key immediately, saving you the cost and hassle of a tow truck. Locksmiths can also cut you keys and also replace the transponder chip, which must be synchronized to your car's receiver module.
Bad Battery
Modern car remotes can be extremely useful, and they are a safe way to start a car. However, if they stop working, it can be frustrating. Luckily, this is something that can be solved by replacing the battery on the key fob.
Most modern remote key fobs make use of lithium ion coin cell batteries. They are relatively cheap and do not have any limitations in terms of life. However, they do have a limit on their life span. When a car key remote is in frequent use the battery could be worn out faster than the normal. This could happen if the battery is pressed too hard, or exposed to moisture that could cause corrosion.
A worn out or dead battery is the most frequent reason for a car keys not working properly. If your remote key isn't functioning, you should test this first. Often, this will fix the issue but if not it's time to purchase a new battery.
Most of the time, the battery is damaged due to corrosion or oxidation. It could also give off acidic fumes or leaking battery acid, which can cause weak connections between the terminals of the battery. It can be fixed by removing the old battery and cleaning all contacts with a solution made of baking soda and water. After cleaning the connectors, you can solder them back in place and test the remote.
If you are looking for a dead battery or one that is dying, you should also check if any buttons are not working. This could indicate that there is a bigger issue with your remote, and you will need to get an expert to fix it. A specialist can inform you if your remote is repairable or needs to be replaced. They can do this directly on the spot using an onboard procedure, or by connecting to your car's OBD2 ports to program a key fob quickly and securely.
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 open or close it. The car is informed that it is the legitimate owner and prevents anyone from running the engine without authorization.
One of the first indications that your transponder chip has gone bad is when you try to start your car but it won't start. This could be for many reasons, but is typically an indication that you need an entirely new key.
A transponder chip that is not working is a different indication. Your car won't lock with your key fob. If this happens, you will be required to manually lock your doors instead. This can be a hassle particularly if your car is locked.
The transponder may not function If the battery inside the fob's battery is depleted. This could happen over time, because the fob battery slowly loses its charge. Always keep a spare key fob on hand so you can replace the battery if required.
There are a variety of other issues with the transponder chip on a car, but these are the most common. Contact an auto locksmith as fast as possible if your key fob's battery is dead or if the transponder chip is malfunctioning. They can reprogram the key or replace it entirely depending on the need. A Queen Creek auto locksmith will be able to determine the issue for you and provide a reliable solution. Usually, they are more affordable than going to dealers.
Lost or Corrupted Pairing
Your car key fob isn't impervious to damage and it's not unusual for them to lose functionality in time. There are a few quick solutions you can attempt to get your remote back to working.
The first thing you should do is to try using an alternate key to unlock and lock your car. This will ensure that the fob isn't the issue, and will also rule out any mechanical issues with the locks in the case that it proves to be electrical.
Batteries are typically all that's needed to fix car key fobs. It's not expensive to replace the batteries and you can do it yourself with no professional equipment.
It is crucial to choose the correct type of battery However. Most automotive fobs are designed to work with CR2025 or CR2032 batteries, although some may require other types. If you're unsure of the type of battery your remote runs, you can check the label or look inside. The battery will have a code printed or stamped on it. You can also make use of a multimeter to determine the voltage.
Another solution is to try a different battery. The batteries in the remote could wear out or corrode over time. Removing car key repair near me could restore its functionality.
If the battery change isn't working, you can clean the fob and ensure that all buttons are functioning. Car key fobs don't last forever and may get dirty if they are tossed around in pockets or purses. In some cases, simply removing and cleaning the buttons and flexing them back and out will get your remote back up and running.
If you've tried every step on this list, but the car key fob doesn't work, you will likely require it to be reprogrammed. Grays Locksmiths will do this and will offer you a new replacement or a reconditioned one, if required.