Car Key Replacement Services

If your car's remote fob isn't working and you are left frustrated. Fortunately, many locksmiths for automotive and dealerships provide replacement car keys services that can help you get your key working properly.

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

Lost or Stolen keys

It doesn't matter if lost it or put it on the counter in the grocery store. Fortunately, the majority of these issues can be resolved at home, without the assistance of a professional. You may need to replace the battery or the fob may be missing its pairing information -- both of which can be easily repaired.

Modern cars are equipped with remote controls that communicate with their vehicle using a radio frequency. If your fob is in use it sends the signal that allows you to lock and unlock your vehicle remotely, as as starting the engine. The fob is not a mechanical key. You can't get it cut at an establishment that makes hardware and use it to unlock your vehicle. The latest fobs include transponders that must be programmed into your car to allow keyless entry function.

The most common problem with a car key fob is that it has lost its connection with the vehicle. This could happen when the battery fails, or it can be caused by something as minor as a power outage. Check the owner's manual for specific instructions. Although most modern vehicles can be reset and restore the pairing, you should also consult the manual. If resetting the fob does not fix the problem, it will need to be reprogrammed. This typically requires a trip to an automotive locksmith or a dealership.

It's costly to purchase a replacement fob for the key, and it may take a few days for a dealer to order it and program it. Certain car insurance policies cover the cost of replacing a fob however, if it's not covered, it's still worth getting in touch with your vehicle's manufacturer or a locksmith in your area to see 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 cut new keys and replace the existing transponder chip, which will require synchronization to your car's receiver module.

Bad Battery

While modern car remotes are very convenient and provide a much more secure method to start your vehicle, they can still be frustrating when they stop working. This is usually something that can be fixed by replacing the battery in the key fob.

The majority of modern remote key fobs utilize lithium ion coin cell batteries. They are relatively inexpensive and are not limited in time, however they do have a limit on how long they will last. When a remote car key is in frequent use, the battery may wear out more quickly than normal. This can be caused by being pushed or pressed too hard or being exposed to moisture, which can cause corrosion.

The most frequent reason for a car key not to function properly is a worn or dead battery. This is the first thing to check if your remote key has stopped functioning. Most of the time, this will fix the problem, but if not then it's time to purchase a new battery.

A battery will usually be bad due to oxidation or corrosive corrosion. It could also give acidic fumes, or leaking acid from the battery, which could cause poor 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, you can solder the connectors back in place and then test the remote again.

When you're looking for a dying or dead battery it is also important to check the buttons that have stopped functioning. This could be an indication of a larger issue with your remote. You will need to consult a professional to repair the issue. A specialist will be able to tell you if the remote is repairable or if it needs to be replaced completely. They can either do this in a single visit using an onboard procedure or connect to your vehicle's OBD2 port to program a new key repair car fob an efficient and safe way.

Bad Transponder Chip

The chip in your car key transmits a unique code to the car's computer, just like the remote control for your garage door transmits signals to its receiver to shut or open it. The car is informed that it is the correct owner and stops anyone from running the engine without authorization.

One of the first indications that the chip in your transponder has gone bad is when you try to start your car but it fails to start. This could be due to a variety of reasons, but it's often an indication that it's time for an alternative car key.

A transponder chip that has failed is another common indication. Your car won't lock if you use your key fob. If this happens, you will have to lock manually your doors instead. This can be stressful and unaffordable, particularly in the event that you have already locked out of your car.

The transponder can cease to function if the battery in your key fob is not functioning. Over time, the battery will gradually lose its charge. Always keep a spare key fob on hand so you can recharge 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. Contact an auto locksmith as soon as you can in the event that your key fob's battery is dead or the transponder chip is defective. They can either reprogram the key or replace it completely, depending on what is needed. A Queen Creek auto lockout will be able to identify the issue and offer an efficient solution. They will usually be more affordable than taking your car to an auto dealer.

Corrupted or Lost Pairing

It's not uncommon to see your car's key fob to lose function over time. There are a few simple solutions you can try to make your remote work again.

The first thing you need to do is try using an additional key to unlock and lock your car. This will allow you to be sure that your fob isn't at fault and will also help to eliminate a mechanical issue with the locks if it turns out to be an electrical one.

Often, key fobs for cars just need to have their batteries replaced. The cost of replacing the batteries isn't too expensive and you can do it yourself with no professional equipment.

It is essential to select the correct type of battery, however. The majority of automotive remotes are designed to accept CR2025 or CR2032 batteries, although certain models may use different kinds. If you're unsure of the type of battery your remote is using it is possible to check the label or examine the inside of. The battery will usually have a printed or stamped number on it, or you can test it with a multimeter and determine what the voltage is.

Another solution is to test a different battery. Sometimes, the batteries in the fob could wear out or become corroded over time, and replacing them may bring back the functionality of the remote.

If the battery change does not work, try to clean out your key fob and check all of the buttons are functioning properly. The car key fobs don't last forever and may become dirty if they're used in pockets or purses. In some instances, taking out the buttons and then flexing in and out of them can bring your remote back to life.

If you've tried all the suggestions on this list but the car key fob still not functioning it is likely that you need to have it reprogrammed by an expert. Grays Locksmiths can do this for you, and will also be able to provide you with a brand new or a used replacement if you need it.