Car Key Replacement Services
When your car remote for the key fob stops working, it can be extremely frustrating and annoying. Most locksmiths and dealers in the automotive industry offer car key replacements that will restore your key to its original functioning condition.
Try a few simple things at home before heading to the dealer or a locksmith.
Keys stolen or lost
It doesn't matter if you dropped it off in the car, left it on the counter when you ran into the grocery store or just plain lost it and not having your key fob can be a big problem. Luckily, most of these issues can be solved by yourself, even without the help of an expert. You may require a replacement battery or the fob might have lost its pairing details -- both of which can be easily repaired.
Modern cars are equipped with remote controls that connect to their vehicle via a radio frequency. When your fob is working, it sends the signal that lets you lock and unlock your vehicle from a distance as well as start the engine. The fob isn't a mechanical key, so you can't simply get it cut at an hardware store and use it to unlock your car. The newer fobs have transponders that need to be programmed for your vehicle to make keyless entry function.
The most common issue with a car's key fob is that it has lost the connection with the vehicle. This can happen if the battery dies, or it can be triggered by something as simple as a power loss. Refer to the owner's manual for the correct procedure. While most modern cars have the option to reset and re-establish the pairing, you should also consult the manual. If resetting the fob doesn't fix the problem, it will need to be reprogrammed. This usually requires a trip to an automotive locksmith or a dealership.
A replacement fob purchase can be costly and can take several days for the dealer to order and program it. If your insurance policy doesn't cover the cost, it's still worth contacting the manufacturer of your vehicle or a locksmith to find out whether you can get the fob replaced. You can save time and money by having a locksmith make an exact copy of the key on-site. Locksmiths can also create you a new, working key and replace your existing transponder chip. This requires that the receiver module of your vehicle be synced.
Bad Battery
Modern car remotes can be extremely convenient, and are a safer way to start a vehicle. However, when they stop working, they can be a hassle. Thankfully, this is often something that can be fixed by replacing the battery in the key fob.
The batteries used in most modern remote key fobs are lithium ion coin cells. They are quite affordable and do not have a limit in their lifespan, but they have a limit to how long they last. When a car key remote is in frequent use the battery could wear out more quickly than the normal. This could be due to being pushed or pressed hard or being exposed to moisture, which can cause corrosion.
The most common reason for a car key to not work properly is a dead or worn-out battery. This should be the first thing you check to determine if your remote has stopped working. This can often resolve the issue. If not, you might need to replace the battery.
A battery is typically damaged due to oxidation or corrosive corrosion. It might also be giving acidic fumes or leaks of acid from the battery, which could cause poor connections between the terminals of the battery. It can be fixed by getting rid of the old battery and cleaning all contacts using a solution of baking soda and water. After the cleaning, you can connect the connectors back to their original positions and test your remote again.
When you're checking for the battery for dead or dying it is also important to determine the buttons that have stopped functioning. This could be a sign that there is a serious issue with your remote and you'll need to get an expert to fix it. A specialist can tell you if the remote is repairable or has to 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 in an efficient and secure method.
Bad Transponder Chip
The chip inside your car keys transmits a unique code to your vehicle's computer, in the same way that the remote control for your garage door transmits signals to its receiver to shut or open it. This code informs the vehicle that it's the owner who is legitimate and prevents 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, but it refuses. This could be for various reasons but is usually an indication that you require an entirely new key.
Another indication that a transponder chip has gone bad is when your vehicle won't lock using 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.
If the battery of your key fob is depleted, it can cause the transponder to cease to function. As time passes, the fob battery will slowly lose its charge. It is always recommended to keep an additional key fob battery in the case that you can replace it if necessary.
There are a variety of other issues that could arise with the transponder chip in your car however the ones mentioned above are the most prevalent. Contact an auto locksmith as soon as you can when your key fob's power source is dead or if the transponder chip is faulty. They can either reprogram the key or replace it completely, depending on what is needed. A Queen Creek auto locksmith will be able to pinpoint the problem for you and provide a reliable solution. Usually they are cheaper than going to a dealer.
Corrupted or Lost Pairing
It's not unusual for the car remote to lose its function in time. There are a few quick solutions you can try to get your remote working again.
https://jsfiddle.net/facejeans8/uhb69cp5/ should first try to lock and unlock the car with a spare key. This will help to ensure that your fob isn't the issue and also to determine if there is a mechanical issue with the locks if it turns out to be an electrical issue.
Often, key fobs for cars simply need to have their battery replaced. It's not expensive to replace the batteries, and you can usually do it yourself, without professional equipment.
It is essential to choose the appropriate type of battery. The majority of automotive remotes accept CR2025 and CR2032 batteries. However, some use different types. If you're not sure what type of battery your remote is using, you can check the label or examine the inside of. The battery will have a specific number written or printed on it. You can also use a multimeter in order to determine the voltage.
Another easy fix is to test a different pair of batteries. The batteries inside the remote may be damaged or worn out over time. Removing them could help restore the functionality of the remote.
If replacing the battery isn't working, try to clean out your fob and make sure all of the buttons are functioning correctly. The car key fobs aren't indestructible and can get dirty when they're beaten around in purses or pockets. In some cases, simply removing and cleaning the buttons and flexing them in and out will get your remote working again.
If you have tried every step on this list, but the car key fob doesn't work, you will probably need it reprogrammed. Grays Locksmiths will do this and provide you with either an entirely new replacement or a reconditioned one, if required.