Car Key Replacement Services
When your car remote key fob isn't working, it can be frustrating. Luckily, most automotive locksmiths and dealerships offer car key replacement services that can get your key back to working properly.
Try a few things at home before heading to the store or locksmith.
Lost or Stolen Keys
It doesn't matter if you dropped it off in the car, left it on the counter when you went to the supermarket, or simply lost it, not having your key fob is an inconvenience. Fortunately, most of these issues can be solved by yourself, even without the help of a professional. It is possible that you need to change the battery or the fob could not have the pairing information. Both of these issues are easily fixable.
Modern cars are equipped with remote controls that communicate with the vehicle via radio frequency. When your fob works it sends an alert that allows you to lock and unlock the vehicle remotely, as well as starting the engine. The fob isn't an electronic key. You can't cut it in a hardware shop and use it to open your vehicle. The latest fobs also come with transponder chips that must be programmed to your particular car in order for the keyless entry to function.
The most frequent issue with a car's key fob is that it has lost its connection with the vehicle. This can happen when the battery dies, or if there is an electrical failure. While the majority of modern automobiles can reset the fob and re-establish its pairing, check the owner's manual for instructions. If reseting the fob doesn't fix the problem it must be reprogrammed. This usually will require a trip at a dealership or automotive locksmith.
Purchasing a replacement fob can be expensive, and it takes several days for the dealer to purchase and program it. If your insurance policy doesn't cover the cost, it is still worth contacting the maker of your car or locksmith to determine whether you can get the fob replaced. Locksmiths can usually duplicate a key immediately, saving you the cost and hassle of the tow truck. A locksmith can also give you a working, new key and replace your current transponder chip. This will require that the receiver module in your vehicle is connected to the vehicle.
Bad Battery
Modern car remotes can be extremely convenient, and are a safer way to start a vehicle. However, if they stop working, they can be a hassle. This issue can be resolved by simply 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 relatively cheap and don't have any limits in time, however they do have a limit on the length of time they can last. The battery of a remote key can be more worn than normal if it is frequently used. This could happen if the battery is pushed or over-forced or exposed to moisture that can cause corrosion.
The most frequent reason for a car key to not function is a worn-out or dead battery. If your remote key isn't working, you must check this first. This is usually the solution to the issue. If not, you might have to replace the battery.
A battery is usually poor due to oxidation or corrosive corrosion. It may also give off acidic fumes or leaking acid from the battery, which could cause poor connections between the terminals of the battery. You can fix this by taking the battery off and cleaning the contacts with a baking soda solution and water. After cleaning, you can connect the connectors back into place and then test the remote again.
When you're checking for a dying or dead battery, it is also good to determine whether any buttons are no longer functioning. This could be a sign of a bigger issue with your remote. You will need to contact an expert to fix the problem. A specialist can tell you if the remote can be repairable, or has to be replaced. They can either do this immediately with an onboard procedure or connect to your vehicle's OBD2 port to program a new key fob in a safe and fast way.
Bad Transponder Chip
Similar to the way that the remote for your garage door transmits a specific signal to its receptor so that it opens and closes and closes, the chip in your car key sends a unique code to your computer system of your vehicle. The car is informed that it is the legitimate owner and stops anyone from starting the engine without authorization.
When you try to start your vehicle and it won't begin, it's a sign that your transponder is malfunctioning. This could be for a variety of reasons but is usually an indication that you need a new key.
A transponder chip which has failed is another sign. Your car won't lock using your key fob. In this case you'll have to lock your vehicle manually. This can be frustrating and inconvenient, especially when you're locked out of your vehicle.
If the battery of your key fob is depleted, it can cause the transponder stop working. This can happen over time, as the fob battery slowly 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 as needed.
There are a variety of other issues with the transponder chip on cars but these are the most prevalent. If your key fob battery is dead, or if the chip has gone bad it is important to contact an auto locksmith to have the problem fixed quickly. They can either reprogram the key or replace it completely depending on what is needed. A Queen Creek auto locksmith will be able to determine the issue and provide a reliable solution. Usually they are cheaper than going to an auto dealer.
Pairings that are lost or damaged
It's not unusual for your car key fob to lose function over time. Luckily, there are some simple fixes to help you get your car's remote up and running.
The first thing you need to do is to try using an additional key to unlock and lock your vehicle. This will allow you to be sure that your fob isn't at fault and also to eliminate a mechanical issue in the locks if it turns out to be an electrical one.
Often, car key fobs require a battery replaced. It's not too expensive to replace the batteries, and you don't require special equipment.
It is essential to select the correct type of battery, however. The majority of automotive remotes are made to accept CR2025 or CR2032 batteries, but some may use other kinds. If you're not certain of the kind of battery your remote is using, you can check the label or go inside. The battery will have a specific number written or printed on it. G28 Car Keys can also utilize a multimeter to determine the voltage.
Another option is to try a different pair of batteries. The batteries inside the remote may wear out or corrode over time. Removing them could bring back its functionality.
If the battery change isn't working, you can clean the fob and ensure that all buttons are working. Key fobs for cars can get quite dirty due to being thrown around in purses and pockets, and they aren't indestructible. In some cases, simply removing and cleaning the buttons and flexing them back and out will get your remote back up and running.
If you've tried all the suggestions on this list but the car key fob still not working it is likely that you require it to be reprogrammed by an expert. Grays Locksmiths will do this and can offer you a new replacement or a used one if needed.