Car Key Replacement Services
If your car's remote fob isn't working it can be a frustrating. Many locksmiths and dealers for automotive offer replacement keys for car keys that will restore your key to its original functioning condition.
Try a few easy things at home before you rush to the dealer or locksmith.
Lost or Stolen Keys
It doesn't matter if you lost it or put it on the counter at the grocery store. Most of these problems are easily fixable by you, even if you don't have a professional. You may need to replace the battery or the fob might have lost its pairing information, both are easily repaired.
Modern cars have remote controls that communicate with the vehicle via radio frequency. When the fob is in use, it sends an alert that lets you lock and unlock your car from a distance, and also start the engine. The fob isn't a mechanical key that's why you can't have it cut at the hardware store and then use it to unlock your car. The latest fobs include transponders that need to be programmed into your car to make the keyless entry work.
The most common problem with a car fob is when it loses its connection with the vehicle. This can happen if the battery fails or it is caused by something as simple as a power outage. While most modern car models can reset the fob to restore its pairing, consult your owner's manual for instructions. If resetting your fob does not solve the issue, you will need to have it reprogrammed. This usually requires a visit to an automotive locksmith or dealership.
Purchasing a replacement fob can be costly and can take several days for the dealer to purchase and program it. Certain insurance policies will 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 locksmith in your area to inquire about replacing the fob. You can save money and time by having a locksmith create copies of the key in-person. A locksmith can also make you a working, new key and replace your existing transponder chip. This requires that the receiver module of your vehicle be synced.
Bad Battery
While modern car remotes are convenient and provide a much safer method of starting your vehicle, they can still be a hassle when they stop working. Fortunately, this is usually something that can be fixed by replacing the battery in the key fob.
The majority of modern remote key fobs make use of lithium coin cell batteries that are ion. They are relatively cheap and do not have any limitations on their life. However, they do have a limited time. When a remote car key is used frequently, the battery may get worn out more quickly than it would normally. This can be caused by being pushed or pressed too hard or exposed to moisture, which could cause corrosion.
The most common reason for a car key not to function is a dead or worn-out battery. If your remote key is not working, you should check this first. This will often fix the problem. If not, you might require replacing the battery.
A battery is typically poor due to oxidation or corrosive corrosion. It may also give acidic fumes, or leaking battery acid, which can cause weak connections between the battery's terminals. It is possible to fix this by taking the battery off and cleaning the contacts using baking soda and water. After the cleaning, you can put the connectors back into place and test the remote once more.
When mobile car key repair for the battery for dead or dying, it is also good to see the buttons that have stopped functioning. This could be a sign of a larger issue with your remote. It is recommended to seek out a professional for repair. A professional will be able to tell you if your remote can be repaired or if it needs to be replaced entirely. You can either repair it in a single visit using an onboard procedure or connect to your vehicle's OBD2 port to program a new key fob a safe and fast way.
Bad Transponder Chip
Similarly to the way the remote for your garage door transmits an exact signal to its receptor so that it can open or close and closes, the chip in the car key transmits an unique code to the computer system of your vehicle. The car is informed that it is the right owner and prevents anyone from beginning the engine without authorization.
One of the first indications that the chip in your transponder has gone bad is when you attempt to start your car but it refuses. This could be for various reasons but is usually an indication that you require a new key.
A transponder chip that is not working is another sign. Your car will not lock using your key fob. If this happens, you'll be required to manually lock your doors instead. This can be frustrating and inconvenient, especially in the event that you have already locked out of your vehicle.
Finally, if your key fob battery is depleted, it can cause the transponder to cease functioning. Over time, the fob battery will slowly lose its charge. Always keep an extra key fob on hand so you can swap the battery when required.
There are several other problems that can occur with the chip of a car's transponder, but the ones listed above are the most prevalent. Contact an auto locksmith as soon as possible when your key fob's power source is dead or the transponder chip is faulty. They can reprogram the key or replace it completely, depending on what's needed. A Queen Creek auto locksmith will be able to identify the issue for you and provide a reliable solution. They are usually more cost-effective than taking your car to the dealership.
Pairings that are corrupted or lost
It's not uncommon for the car key fob to lose its function in time. Luckily, there are some easy fixes to help you get your car's remote up and running.
The first thing you need to do is to try using an additional key to unlock and lock your car. This will confirm that the fob isn't the cause of the issue, and determine if there is a mechanical issue with the locks in the event that it is found to be an electrical issue.
Batteries are typically all that's needed to fix car key fobs. It's not expensive to replace the batteries, and you can usually do it yourself without any professional equipment.
It is important to use the appropriate type of battery. The majority of automotive remotes accept CR2025 and CR2032 batteries. However, some may use different types. If you're not certain of the kind of battery your remote uses, you can check the label or go inside. The battery will have a code printed or stamped on it. You can also utilize a multimeter to determine the voltage.
Another solution is to try a new battery. The batteries in a remote can get worn out or corrode over time. Removing them could bring back its functionality.
If the battery change doesn't work you can clean your fob, and check that all the buttons are working. The car key fobs are not indestructible and can get dirty when they're used in pockets or purses. In some instances, just taking the buttons off and cleaning them and flexing them in and out can help get your remote working again.
If you've tried all the suggestions on this list but your car key fob still not functioning it is likely that you need to have it reset by a professional. Grays Locksmiths can do this for you, and they can also provide you with a brand new or used replacement if necessary.