Car Key Replacement Services

If your car's remote key fob fails to function it can be a frustrating. Luckily, most automotive locksmiths and dealerships provide replacement car keys services that will get your key back to working properly.

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

Keys stolen or lost

It doesn't matter if you lost it or left it on the counter at the grocery store. Fortunately, the majority of these issues can be resolved at home, without the assistance of an expert. You may require replacing the battery or the fob may be missing its pairing information -- both are easily fixed.

Modern cars use remote controls that communicate with their vehicle via radio frequency. When the fob is in use it transmits an alert that allows you to lock and unlock the car from a distance, and local also start the engine. The fob is not an electronic key fob repairs near me. You cannot have it cut in an establishment that makes hardware and use it to unlock your car. The latest fobs come with transponders that must be programmed into your vehicle to make keyless entry work.

The most frequent issue with a car fob is when it fails to connect with the vehicle. This can happen if the battery dies or is caused by something as simple as a power failure. Consult your owner's guide for specific instructions. Although most modern vehicles have the option to reset and re-pair the pairing, you should also refer to the manual. If reseting your fob doesn't fix the issue, you will need to have it changed to a different program. This usually requires the assistance of an automotive locksmith or dealership.

It can be expensive to purchase a new fob for the key and it can take a while for a retailer to order it and program it. Some car insurance policies will cover the cost of replacing a fob, but if yours doesn't it's not a bad idea to get in touch with the car's manufacturer or a local locksmith to see about replacing the fob. They are often able to duplicate keys immediately which will save you the cost and hassle of towing a truck. A locksmith can also cut new keys and replace the existing transponder chip. This will need to be synced to your car's receiver module.

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, they can be a hassle. This is usually something that can be solved by replacing the battery on the key fob.

Most modern remote key fobs use lithium coin cell batteries that are ion. They are quite cheap and don't have any limits in time, however they have a limit to the length of time they can last. The battery of a remote key may wear out faster than normal if used frequently. This could be due to being pushed or local pressed hard or exposed to moisture, which could cause corrosion.

The most common reason for the car key to not function properly is a worn or dead battery. If your remote key isn't working, you must check this first. This can often resolve the issue. If not, you might require replacing the battery.

The majority of the time, the battery is damaged because of oxidation or corrosion. It may also give off acidic fumes or leaking battery acid, which can cause weak connections between the battery's terminals. This can be fixed by taking the old battery out and cleaning all of the contacts with a solution made of baking soda and water. After cleaning the connectors, you can resolder them in place and test the remote.

While you are checking a dead or dying battery it is also important to see whether any buttons are no longer functioning. This could be an indication of a more serious problem with your remote. You'll need to consult a professional for repair. A professional can tell you if your remote is repairable, or has to be replaced. They can do this on the spot with an onboard procedure or connect to your car's OBD2 port to program a new key fob in a safe and fast method.

Bad Transponder Chip

Similarly to the way the remote to your garage door sends a specific signal to its receptor so that it opens or closes, the chip inside the car key transmits an unique code to the computer system in your car. The code informs the vehicle that it's the right owner and prevents anyone else from starting the engine.

One of the first signs that the chip in your transponder has been damaged is when you attempt to start your car but it won't start. This could be due to a variety of reasons, but is often an indication that it's time for new car keys.

Another indication that a transponder chip gone bad is when your car won't lock using the key fob. In this instance you'll have to lock your car manually. This can be a hassle especially if your vehicle is already locked.

The transponder can stop working if the battery in your key fob is not functioning. This can happen over time, as the fob battery slowly loses its charge. Always keep an extra key fob in your pocket so you can swap the battery when needed.

There are a variety of other issues that can occur with a car's transponder chip but the ones listed above are the most frequent. If your battery for the key fob is dead, or if the chip is damaged, it's important to call an auto locksmith in order to get the issue fixed as quickly as possible. They can reprogram the key, or replace it completely, depending on what's needed. A Queen Creek auto lockout will be able determine the problem and provide you with an effective solution. They will usually be more affordable than taking your vehicle to a dealership.

Corrupted or Lost Pairing

The key fob in your car remote key repair isn't indestructible and it's not uncommon to see them lose function in time. However, there are simple 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 any mechanical issues with the locks in the case that it proves to be electrical.

Often, key fobs for cars simply need to have their batteries replaced. It's not too expensive to replace the batteries and you don't require any special equipment.

It is important to use the appropriate type of battery. Most automotive remotes accept CR2025 and CR2032 batteries. However, some might utilize different types. If you're not certain of the type of battery your remote uses, you can check the label or go inside. The battery will have a code stamped or printed on it. You can also make use of a multimeter to determine the voltage.

Another solution is to try a new pair of batteries. Sometimes, the batteries inside the fob could be worn out or corroded over time and replacing them could bring back the functionality of the remote.

If the battery change doesn't work you can clean your fob, and make sure that all buttons are working. The car key fobs don't last forever and may get dirty if they are tossed around in purses or pockets. In some cases, simply removing and cleaning the buttons and bending them in and out can help get your remote working again.

If you've tried everything on this list and your car key fob is not working it is likely that you need to have it changed by a professional. Grays Locksmiths will do this and will offer you an entirely new replacement or an old one if you need it.