Car Key Replacement Services

When your car remote key fob stops working it can be extremely frustrating and inconvenient. Fortunately, the majority of automotive locksmiths and dealerships offer car key replacement services that can get your key functioning properly.

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

Keys stolen or lost

It doesn't matter if you dropped it off in the car, put it on the counter when you ran to the store for groceries, or just plain lost it and not having your key fob is an problem. The majority of these issues can be easily fixable by you, even if you're not a professional. You may require a replacement battery or the fob may have lost its pairing details -- both are easily repaired.

Modern cars are equipped with remote control keys which communicate with the vehicle via an exclusive radio frequency. If your fob is in use it transmits a signal allowing you to lock and unlock your car remotely, as well in starting the engine. The fob itself isn't a mechanical key and therefore you cannot have it cut at a hardware store and used to unlock your car. The latest fobs include transponders that need to be programmed into your car to make the keyless entry function.

The most frequent issue with car fobs is when it loses its connection with the vehicle. This could happen if the battery dies or there is a power failure. Refer to the owner's manual for instructions. Although most modern vehicles offer the option of reset and restore the pairing, you must also consult the manual. If resetting the fob does not solve the issue, it will need to be reprogrammed. This usually will require a trip at an automotive locksmith or a dealership.

It can be expensive to purchase a new fob for your key and it could take a while for a dealer to purchase it and program it. If your insurance plan does not cover the cost, it is still worth contacting the manufacturer of your vehicle or locksmith to determine whether you can get the fob replaced. You can save money and time by having a locksmith make a copy of the key in-person. A locksmith can also make you a working, new key and replace your existing transponder chip. This will require that the receiver module of your vehicle be connected to the vehicle.

Bad Battery

While modern car key fob repair remotes are very convenient and offer a more secure method to start your vehicle however, they can be frustrating when they stop functioning. This issue can be solved by replacing the battery in the key fob.

The batteries used in most modern remote key fobs are coin cells made of lithium ion. They are quite inexpensive and are not limited in time, however they do have a limit on how long they will last. When a car key remote is in frequent use it is possible that the battery will get worn out more quickly than the normal. This can be caused by being pushed or pressed too hard or exposed to moisture, which can cause corrosion.

A worn out or dead battery is the most common cause of a car key not responding properly. This is the first thing you check whether your remote key has stopped working. This will often fix the problem. If it is not the case, you may require replacing the battery.

A battery will usually be damaged because of oxidation or corrosion. It may also give off acidic fumes or leaking battery acid, which can cause weak connections between the battery's terminals. It is possible to fix this by getting rid of the battery and cleaning the contacts with a baking soda solution and water. After cleaning the connectors, you can resolder them 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 working. This can be a sign that there is a serious issue with your remote and you'll need to contact a professional to repair it. A specialist will be able to tell you if the remote is repairable or whether it needs to be replaced completely. You can either repair it immediately with an onboard procedure or connect to your car's OBD2 port to program a new key fob an efficient and secure manner.

Bad Transponder Chip

Similarly to the way the remote to your garage door transmits a specific signal to its receiver so that it opens and closes, the chip inside the car Ignition key Repair near me transmits a unique code to the vehicle's computer system. This informs the car that it is the right owner and prevents anyone from starting the engine without authorization.

One of the first indications that your transponder chip has gone bad is when you attempt to start your car, but it won't start. This could be for a variety of reasons but is typically an indication that you need an entirely new key.

Another indication that a transponder chip gone bad is when your car won't lock when you use the key fob. In this instance you'll have to lock your vehicle manually. This can be stressful and unaffordable, particularly in the event that you have already locked out of your car.

Finally, if the battery in your key fob is dead, that can also cause the transponder to cease to function. Over time, the fob battery will slowly lose its charge. It is always recommended to keep an additional key lock repair near me fob battery in the case that you can replace it if needed.

There are many other problems with the transponder chip in cars however, these are the most prevalent. Contact an auto key repair locksmith as fast as you can if your key fob's battery is dead or the transponder chip has become 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 determine the issue and provide you with a reliable solution. They will generally be more cost-effective than taking your vehicle to an auto dealer.

Corrupted or lost pairing

It's not unusual to see your car's key fob to lose its function as time passes. There are a few easy fixes that you can try to get your remote back to working.

It is recommended to first lock and unlock your vehicle using a spare key. This will confirm that the fob is not the cause of the issue, and rule out any mechanical issues with the locks in the case that it turns out to be electrical.

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 with no professional equipment.

It is crucial to select the correct type of battery. The majority of automotive fobs accept CR2025 and CR2032 batteries. However, some utilize different types. You can verify the label on your remote or examine the inside if you're not sure. The battery will have a code written or printed on it. You can also use a multimeter in order to determine the voltage.

Another solution is to try a different pair of batteries. The batteries in a remote can be damaged or worn out over time. Replacing them can restore its functionality.

If the battery change doesn't work, you can clean your fob, and check that all the buttons are working. Key fobs for cars can get quite dirty due to being thrown around in pockets and purses and aren't completely indestructible. In certain cases, removing the buttons and flexing them in and out of them can bring your remote back to life.

If you've tried every step on this list, and the car key fob isn't working, you'll likely require it to be reprogrammed. Grays Locksmiths will do this and will provide you with a new replacement or a used one if you need it.