Car Key Replacement Services

If your car's remote key fob stops working it can be extremely frustrating and annoying. Fortunately, many locksmiths for automotive and dealerships offer car key and repair key replacement services that will get your key back to functioning properly.

Try a few simple things at home prior to heading to the store or locksmith.

Lost or Stolen keys

Whether you dropped it in the car, put it on the counter when you went into the grocery store or you simply lost it and not having your key fob can be a big problem. Luckily, most of these problems can be resolved on your own, even without the help of a professional. You might require a replacement battery, or the fob could be missing its pairing information, both of which can be easily fixed.

Modern cars use remote controls that connect to their vehicle via a radio frequency. If your fob is operating it sends out a signal that allows you to lock and unlock your car from a distance, as well as start the engine. The fob isn't a mechanical key and therefore you cannot get it cut at a hardware store and used to unlock your car. Modern fobs also include transponder chips that need to be programmed to your particular car in order for the keyless entry to work.

The most common issue with a car key fob is that it has lost its pairing with the vehicle. This can happen when the battery goes out, or it can be caused by something as minor as a power loss. Consult your owner's guide for the correct procedure. Although most modern vehicles have the option to reset and re-establish the pairing, you must also refer to the manual. If resetting your fob does not solve the issue, you will need to have it reset. This typically requires visiting an automotive locksmith or dealer.

It's costly to purchase a new fob for the key, and it may take a few days for a retailer to order it and program it. Some car insurance policies cover the cost of replacing a fob however, if it's not covered, it's worth getting in touch with your car's manufacturer or a local locksmith to see about replacing the fob. They are often able to duplicate a key in a matter of minutes and save you the expense and hassle of a tow truck. Locksmiths can also cut you a new key and replace the transponder chip. The new one must be synchronized 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, if they stop working they can be a hassle. This issue can be fixed by replacing the battery in the key fob.

Most modern remote key fobs make use of lithium ion coin cell batteries. These are fairly affordable and do not have a limit in their lifespan, but they do have a limit on the length of time they can last. The battery of a remote key can get worn out faster than the normal if used frequently. This can be caused by being pushed or pressed too hard, or by being exposed to moisture, which can cause corrosion.

The most common reason for a car key not to function properly is a worn-out or dead battery. If your remote key is not working, you should check this first. 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, a battery is bad due to corrosion or oxidation. It may also give acidic fumes, or leaking acid from the battery, which could result in poor connections between the battery's terminals. You can fix this by getting rid of the battery and cleaning the contacts with baking soda and water. After cleaning the connectors, you can then solder them in place and test the remote.

When you're looking for a dying or dead battery it is also important to check whether any buttons are no longer functioning. This could be a sign that there is a bigger problem with your remote and you'll have to contact an expert to fix it. A professional can tell you if the remote can be repairable or must be replaced. They can do this either 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

Similarly to the way the remote for your garage door sends a specific signal to its receptor so that it opens and closes and closes, the chip in the car key transmits a unique code to the vehicle's computer system. This tells the car that it is the correct owner and prevents anyone from starting the engine without authorization.

One of the first signs that the chip in your transponder has been damaged is when you try to start your car and it won't start. This could be for various reasons but it is generally an indication that you require an entirely new broken key repair.

A transponder chip that has failed is a different sign. Your car will not lock with your key fob. In this case you'll need to lock your vehicle manually. This can be a hassle and inconvenient, especially if you are already locked out of your vehicle.

Finally, if the battery of your key fob is dead, that can cause the transponder cease functioning. As time passes, the fob battery will gradually lose its charge. It is always a good idea to have an extra battery for the key fob on hand, so that you can replace it if required.

There are a variety of 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 dead, or if the chip is damaged it is important to contact an auto locksmith in order to get the issue fixed as quickly as possible. They can either reprogram the key or replace it completely, depending on what is needed. A Queen Creek auto locksmith will be able to identify the problem for you and provide a dependable solution. They will usually be more cost-effective than taking your car to the dealership.

Corrupted or Lost Pairing

Your car key fob isn't indestructible and it's not uncommon for them to become obsolete over time. There are a few easy fixes that you can try to get your remote working again.

It is recommended to first lock and unlock your car using a spare key. This will allow you to be sure that your fob isn't the problem and Broken Key Repair will also help to eliminate a mechanical issue in the locks if it does turn out to be an electrical issue.

Batteries are usually all that's needed to fix car key fobs. It's not too expensive to replace the batteries, and you don't require any special equipment.

It's important to use the correct type of battery However, it is important to use the correct type of battery. The majority of automotive remotes are designed to accept CR2025 or CR2032 batteries, but certain models may use different kinds. If you're not certain of the type of battery your remote runs it is possible to check the label or examine the inside of. The battery will have a code stamped or printed on it. You can also utilize a multimeter to determine the voltage.

A different pair of batteries can also be used. The batteries in a remote can be damaged or worn out over time. Replacing them may restore its functionality.

If the battery change isn't working, you can clean your fob, and check that all buttons are working. Car key fobs aren't indestructible and may become dirty if they're used in purses and pockets. In some cases, removing the buttons and flexing them in and out of them can bring your remote back to life.

If you have tried all the steps in this list, but your car key fob still isn't working, then you probably need it reprogrammed. Grays Locksmiths can do this for you, and can also supply you with a brand new or used replacement, if needed.