Car Key Replacement Services
If your car's key fob remote stops working it can be a frustrating and annoying. Luckily, most automotive locksmiths and dealerships offer replacement of your car key services that can get your key back to working properly.
Before you rush 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 when you ran to the store for groceries, or just plain lost it and not having your key fob is a big hassle. Fortunately, the majority of these problems can be fixed on your own, even without the assistance of a professional. It is possible that you need to change the battery, or the fob may be missing pairing information. Both of these issues are easily fixable.
Modern cars use remote control keys that communicate with the vehicle using a special radio frequency. If your fob is operating it transmits an alert that allows you to lock and unlock the car from a distance and also to start the engine. The fob isn't a mechanical key. You can't get it cut at a hardware store and then use it to open your car. Newer fobs also have transponder chips that need to be programmed to your specific vehicle to allow keyless entry to function.
The most common problem with a car key fob is that it has lost the connection with the vehicle. This can happen when the battery fails, or it can be caused by something as simple as a power outage. Check the owner's manual for the correct procedure. While the majority of modern cars offer the option of reset and re-establish the pairing, you should also consult the manual. If resetting the fob does not fix the problem, it will need to be reprogrammed. This usually requires a trip to the dealership or an automotive locksmith.
It can be expensive to purchase a replacement fob for your key, and it may take a while for a retailer to order it and program it. Certain car insurance policies will cover the cost of a replacement, but if yours doesn't it's not a bad idea to get in touch with your car's manufacturer or a locksmith in your area to see about having the fob replaced. They can often copy keys in a matter of minutes which will save you the cost and hassle of a tow truck. A locksmith can also cut keys and also replace the transponder chip. The new one will need to be synced with the receiver module of your vehicle.
Bad Battery
Modern car remotes can be very convenient, and they are a safe way to start a car. However, when they stop working, they can be a hassle. Luckily, this is something that can be solved by replacing the battery in the key fob.
Most modern remote key fobs utilize lithium coin cell batteries with ion. They are relatively cheap and do not have any limitations in terms of their lifespan. However, they do have a limit on their time. When a car key remote is used frequently, the battery may wear out more quickly than it would normally. This can happen when the battery is over-forced or exposed to moisture, which can cause corrosion.
The most frequent reason for the car key to not function properly is a worn or dead battery. This is the first thing you look into whether your remote key has stopped functioning. In most cases, this will resolve the issue however, if it doesn't, it is time to replace the battery.
Most of the time a battery is bad due to corrosion or oxidation. It could also give off acidic fumes or leaking acid from the battery, which could cause poor connections between the terminals of the battery. This can be fixed by taking the battery off and cleaning the contacts using baking soda and water. After cleaning, you can put the connectors back to their original positions and test the remote once more.
If you're looking for a dead battery or one that is dying, you should also check if any buttons are not functioning. This could be an indication of a more serious problem with your remote. You will need to consult a professional for repair. A specialist can inform you if the remote is repairable or must be replaced. They can either do this immediately with an onboard procedure or connect to your car's OBD2 port to program a new key fob in an efficient and secure manner.
Bad Transponder Chip
The chip inside your car key transmits a unique code to your vehicle's computer, similar to how the remote control for your garage door transmits signals to its receiver to shut or open it. This tells the car that it is the right owner and stops anyone from starting the engine without authorization.
When you try to start your car but it doesn't start begin, it's an indication that your transponder has failed. This could be due to a variety of reasons, but it's often an indication that it's time to purchase a new car key.
Another indication that a transponder chip gone bad is when your car won't lock when you use the key fob. In this situation you'll have to lock your car manually. This can be stressful and unsettling, especially in the event that you have already locked out of your vehicle.
In the end, if the battery of your key fob is dead, that can also cause the transponder to cease to function. This could happen over time, because the fob battery slowly loses its charge. It is always an ideal idea to keep an additional key fob battery on hand, so that you can replace it as required.
There are many other issues that can arise from a car's transponder chip, but the ones listed above are the most common. If key fob repair service for your key fob is dead, or if the chip has failed it is important to call an auto locksmith to have the issue resolved quickly. They can reprogram the key, or replace it completely depending on the need. A Queen Creek auto locksmith will be able to identify the problem for you and provide a reliable solution. They will usually be cheaper than taking your car to the dealership.
Pairings that are lost or damaged
It's not unusual for the car remote to lose its functionality in time. There are a few simple fixes that you can try to make your remote work again.
You should first try to lock and unlock your vehicle with an alternative key. This will ensure that the fob isn't the problem, and also determine if there is a mechanical issue with the locks in the event that it proves to be electrical.
Often, car key fobs just need to have their battery replaced. It's not expensive to replace the batteries, and you don't need any special equipment.
It is essential to choose the right type of battery. The majority of automotive fobs are designed to accept CR2025 or CR2032 batteries, but some may use other kinds. You can check the label on the remote or examine the inside if you're not certain. The battery will have a number printed or stamped on it. You can also use a multimeter in order to determine the voltage.
Another solution is to test a different battery. Sometimes, the batteries inside the fob may wear out or become corroded over time, and replacing them may restore the functionality of the remote.
If changing the battery does not work, try cleaning out your key fob and check all of the buttons are working correctly. Car key fobs don't last forever and may become dirty if they are tossed around in purses or pockets. In some instances, just removing and cleaning the buttons and flexing them back and out will get your remote back up and running.
If you've tried everything listed here and your car key fob still not working it is likely that you need to have it reprogrammed by an expert. Grays Locksmiths can do this for you, and they can also supply you with a brand new or used replacement if necessary.