Car Key Replacement Services

When your car remote key fob fails to function, it can be frustrating. Many locksmiths and dealers in the automotive industry offer car key replacements that will restore your key to its original working condition.

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

Keys stolen or lost

Whether you dropped it in the car, put it on the counter while you went into the grocery store or you simply lost it, not having your key fob is an enormous problem. Fortunately, the majority of these issues can be fixed on your own, even without the assistance of a professional. You may need to replace the battery, or the fob could be missing its pairing information -- both are easily repaired.

Modern cars have remote controls that connect to their vehicle using a radio frequency. When the fob is working it sends a signal allowing you to lock and unlock your car remotely, as well in starting the engine. The fob isn't a mechanical key. It isn't possible to have it cut in an establishment that makes hardware and use it to open your car. Newer fobs also have a transponder chip that must be programmed to your particular vehicle to allow keyless entry to work.

The most frequent problem with a car key fob is that it has lost its pairing with the vehicle. This can happen when the battery fails or it is caused by something as minor as a power failure. Although most modern cars can reset the fob and restore its pairing, you should check the owner's manual for instructions. If reseting the fob doesn't solve the issue it must be reprogrammed, which typically will require a trip to an automotive locksmith or a dealership.

Purchasing a replacement fob can be costly, and it takes several days for the dealer to purchase and program it. Certain insurance policies cover the cost of replacing a fob however, if it's not covered, it's not a bad idea to get in touch with your vehicle's manufacturer or a locksmith in your area to discuss getting the fob replaced. You can save money and time by having a locksmith create an exact copy of the key on-site. Locksmiths can also cut new keys and replace the transponder chip, which will need to be synced with the receiver module of your vehicle.

Bad Battery

While modern car key remote repair remotes are very convenient and offer a safer way to start your vehicle but they can be frustrating when they stop functioning. Thankfully, this is often something that can be solved by replacing the battery inside the key fob.

The majority of modern remote key fobs make use of lithium ion coin cell batteries. They are quite cheap and don't have any limits in time, however they do have a limit to how long they will last. When a car key remote is in frequent use the battery could get worn out more quickly than normal. This could be due to being pushed or pressed hard, or by being exposed to moisture, which can cause corrosion.

The most common reason for a car key not to work properly is a worn or dead battery. If your remote key is not working, you should check this first. Most of the time, this will fix the problem, but if not, it is time to replace the battery.

A battery is usually poor due to oxidation or corrosive corrosion. It may also be leaks acid or emitting acidic fumes. This can result in weak connections between the battery's terminals. This can be repaired by getting rid of 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 it is also important to check if any buttons are not functioning. This could be a sign that there is a bigger problem with your remote and you will need to contact an expert to fix it. A specialist can inform you if the remote is repairable, or if it must be replaced. You can either repair it in a single visit with an onboard procedure or connect to your vehicle's OBD2 port to program a new key fob an efficient and secure manner.

Bad Transponder Chip

The chip inside your car key sends an unique code to the car's computer, just like the remote control for your garage door car remote key fob repair sends signals to its receiver to allow it to close or open. This code informs the vehicle that it is the owner who is legitimate and prevents anyone else from starting the engine.

One of the first indications that your transponder chip is been damaged is when you try to start your car but it refuses. This could be due to various reasons but is typically an indication that you require an entirely new key.

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

In the end, if the battery in your key fob is dead, that can cause the transponder stop working. This can happen over time, as the fob battery gradually loses its charge. It is always a good idea to have an additional key fob battery in your possession, so that you can replace it when required.

There are many other issues with the transponder chip in a car, but these are the most common. Contact an auto locksmith as soon as possible if your key fob's battery is dead or the chip that controls transponder has become malfunctioning. They can either reprogram the key or replace it entirely, depending on what is needed. A Queen Creek auto lockout will be able determine the problem and offer a reliable solution. Usually they are cheaper than taking your car to a dealer.

Pairings that are corrupted or lost

It's not unusual to see your Car Remote Key Fob Repair's key fob to lose its function as time passes. There are a few easy solutions you can attempt to get your remote working again.

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

Often, car key fobs require a batteries replaced. It's not costly to replace the batteries and car remote key fob repair you don't require special equipment.

It is essential to choose the correct type of battery. Most automotive fobs are designed to accept CR2025 or CR2032 batteries, but certain models may use different types. If you're not certain of the kind of battery your remote runs, you can check the label or go inside. The battery will have a number written or printed on it. You can also utilize a multimeter to determine the voltage.

Another easy fix is to try a new battery. Sometimes, the batteries inside the fob could become corroded or worn out over time, and replacing them may restore the functionality of the remote.

If the battery change doesn't work you can clean the fob and ensure that all buttons are functioning. Key fobs for cars can get pretty dirty from being thrown around in pockets and purses, and they aren't indestructible. In some instances, just taking the buttons off and cleaning them and flexing them back and out can get your remote back up and running.

If you've tried all the steps in this list, but the car key fob doesn't work, you will likely require it to be reprogrammed. Grays Locksmiths will do this and offer you a new replacement or a used one, if required.