Car Key Replacement Services

When your car key fob remote stops working it can be extremely frustrating and inconvenient. Most automotive locksmiths and dealers offer car key replacements that can restore your key to its original condition.

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

Lost or Stolen Keys

It doesn't matter if lost it or left it on the counter in the grocery store. Luckily, most of these problems can be resolved on your own, even without the help of an expert. You might require a replacement battery or the fob may not have the pairing information -- both are easily fixed.

Modern cars have remote control keys which communicate with the vehicle using an exclusive radio frequency. When the fob is in use it transmits the signal that lets you lock and unlock the car from a distance and also to start the engine. The fob isn't a key that can be used mechanically and therefore you cannot cut it at a hardware store and used to unlock your car. The latest fobs come with a transponder that must be programmed into your vehicle to make keyless entry repair entry work.

The most frequent issue with a car's key fob is that it has lost its connection with the vehicle. This can occur if the battery is dead, or if there is a power failure. While the majority of modern automobiles can reset the fob and re-establish its pairing, you should refer to the owner's manual to find instructions. If resetting your fob does not solve the issue, then you'll need it reprogrammed. This typically requires a visit to an automotive locksmith or dealer.

It can be expensive to purchase a new key fob and it can take a while for a dealer to purchase it and program it. Certain car insurance policies cover the cost of replacing a fob however, if it's not covered, it's worth getting in touch with your vehicle's manufacturer or a local locksmith to see about having the fob replaced. You can save time and money by having a locksmith create an exact copy of the key on-site. Locksmiths can also cut a new key and replace the transponder chip, which will require synchronization with the receiver module of your vehicle.

Bad Battery

While modern car remotes are convenient and offer a safer way to start your vehicle however, they can be frustrating when they stop working. This issue can be solved by replacing the battery in the key fob.

Most modern remote key fobs use lithium ion coin cell batteries. They are relatively cheap and do not have any limitations in terms of their lifespan. However, they do have a limited lifespan. The battery of a remote key may wear out faster than normal if it is used frequently. This can be caused by being pushed or pressed hard or being exposed to moisture, which can cause corrosion.

A dead or worn out battery is the main reason for a car key not responding correctly. If your remote key is not working, you must check this first. This can often resolve the problem. If not, you might require replacing the battery.

A battery will usually be poor due to oxidation or corrosion. It could also give off acidic fumes or leaking acid from the battery. This can cause poor connections between the battery's terminals. It can be fixed by removing the old battery and cleaning all of the contacts using a solution of baking soda and water. After cleaning the connectors, you can solder them back in place and test the remote.

When checking for a dead battery or one that is failing, you should also check whether any buttons aren't functioning. This could be a sign that there is a more serious issue with your remote, and you'll have to contact a professional to repair it. A professional can tell you if the remote can be repairable, or if it has to be replaced. They can do this on the spot with an onboard procedure, or by connecting to your vehicle's OBD2 ports to program a key fob quickly and safely.

Bad Transponder Chip

The chip in your car key sends an unique code to your vehicle's computer, just like the remote control for your garage door sends signals to its receiver to shut or open it. This code informs the vehicle that it is the correct owner and blocks anyone else from starting the engine.

One of the first indications that your transponder chip has been damaged is when you try to start your car and it refuses. This could be due to a variety of reasons, but is usually a sign that it's time for an alternative car key.

Another sign that a transponder chip gone bad is when your vehicle won't lock with the key fob. In this situation you'll need to lock your car manually. This can be stressful and unsettling, especially in the event that you have already locked out of your vehicle.

The transponder may stop working when the battery in the fob's battery is depleted. Over time, the fob battery will gradually lose its charge. It is always an ideal idea to keep an extra battery for the key fob on hand, so that you can replace it if needed.

There are several other problems that can arise from the transponder chip in your car key repair cost however the ones mentioned above are the most common. If your key fob battery is drained or the chip is damaged it is important to call an auto locksmith in order to get the issue resolved quickly. They can reprogram the key, keys or replace it entirely according to what's required. A Queen Creek auto lockout will be able determine the problem and provide you with an effective solution. Usually they are cheaper than taking your car to dealers.

Corrupted or Lost Pairing

It's not uncommon to see your car's remote to lose its functionality in time. There are fortunately, simple fixes that may help you get your car's remote up and running.

The first thing you need to try is using a backup key to unlock and lock your car. This will allow you to be sure that your fob isn't the issue and also to rule out a mechanical problem in the locks if it turns out to be an electrical one.

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

It is essential to choose the appropriate type of battery. The majority of automotive fobs accept CR2025 and CR2032 batteries. However, some may utilize different types of batteries. You can check the label on your remote, or examine the inside if you're not certain. The battery will usually have an engraved or stamped number on it, or test it with a multimeter and determine what the voltage is.

Another solution is to test a different pair of batteries. Sometimes, the batteries inside the fob may 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 the fob and ensure that all the buttons are functioning. Car key fobs can become pretty dirty from being thrown around in purses and pockets They aren't impervious to damage. In some cases, removing the buttons and flexing them in and out of them can bring your remote back to life.

If you've tried everything on this list and your car key fob still not functioning then you'll likely require it to be reprogrammed by a professional. Grays Locksmiths will do this and can provide you with either the new one or a reconditioned one, if required.