Car Key Replacement Services

If your car's remote for the key fob stops working, it can be a frustrating and annoying. Luckily, most automotive locksmiths and dealerships offer car key replacement services that will get your key functioning correctly.

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

Lost or Stolen keys

Whether you dropped it in the car, put it on the counter while you went to the supermarket, or simply lost it or lost your key fob is an enormous hassle. The majority of these issues can be easily fixed by you, even if there's no need for a professional. You may need to change the battery or the fob might be missing the pairing information. Both of these issues can be easily fixed.

Modern cars are equipped with remote control keys which communicate with the vehicle via a special radio frequency. If your fob is operating it transmits an alert that allows you to lock and unlock your car from a distance and also to start the engine. The fob isn't a mechanical key. You can't cut it in a hardware store and then use it to unlock your car. The latest fobs also come with transponder chips that must be programmed to your specific car in order for the keyless entry to work.

The most common problem with a car fob is when it loses its pairing with the vehicle. This can happen when the battery goes out or it is caused by something as minor as a power outage. While the majority of modern automobiles have the option to reset the fob to restore its pairing, consult your owner's manual for instructions. If reseting the fob doesn't solve the issue, it will need to be reprogrammed, which typically will require a trip to the dealership or an automotive locksmith.

Purchasing a replacement fob can be expensive and takes some time for the dealer to get it and program it. Certain car insurance policies cover the cost of replacing a fob however if it doesn't, it's worth getting in touch with the car's manufacturer or a local locksmith to see about replacing the fob. They are often able to duplicate keys immediately and save you the expense and hassle of towing a truck. A locksmith can also cut keys and replace the transponder chip, which will need to be synced to your car's receiver module.

Bad Battery

While modern car remotes are very practical and offer a more secure method to start your car, they can still be frustrating when they stop working. This is usually a problem that can be resolved by simply replacing the battery on the key fob.

The majority of modern remote key fobs use lithium ion coin cell batteries. They are fairly inexpensive and don't have any limitations on their life. However they do have a short lifespan. When a car key remote is used frequently the battery could wear out more quickly than normal. This could be due to being pushed or pressed hard or being exposed to moisture, which can cause corrosion.

A worn out or dead battery is the main reason for a car key not responding properly. If your remote key isn't working, you must check this first. This can often resolve the problem. If not, you may require replacing the battery.

A battery is typically poor due to oxidation or corrosion. It could also give acidic fumes or leaks of battery acid, which can cause poor connections between the battery's terminals. This can be fixed by getting rid of the battery and cleaning the contacts using baking soda and water. After cleaning the connectors you can solder them back in place and test the remote.

When you're checking for a dying or dead battery, it is also good to check if any buttons have stopped functioning. This can be a sign that there is a more serious issue with your remote and you will need to get a professional to repair key it. A specialist can tell you if the remote is repairable or if it is required to be replaced completely. You can either repair it immediately with an onboard procedure or connect to your car's OBD2 port to program the new key fob in an efficient and safe 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 sends signals to its receiver to allow it to close or open. This tells the car that it is the right owner and prevents anyone from running the engine without authorization.

When you try to start your vehicle and it won't, this is a sign that your transponder is not working. This could be due to a variety of reasons, but it is typically a sign that it's time to purchase a new car key.

Another sign that a transponder chip gone bad is when your vehicle won't lock when you use the key fob. In this situation you'll need to lock your vehicle manually. This can be frustrating especially if your vehicle is already locked.

If the battery of your key car repair fob is depleted, it can cause the transponder to stop working. Over time, the battery will slowly lose its charge. Always keep an extra fob for your key in case you can swap the battery if needed.

There are several other problems that could arise with the chip of a car key fob repair service's transponder but the ones listed above are the most frequent. If your key fob battery is drained or the chip has failed it is important to contact an auto locksmith to have the issue resolved quickly. They can reprogram the key, or replace it entirely according to what's required. A Queen Creek auto key repair locksmith will be able to pinpoint the problem for you and offer a solution that is reliable. Usually, they are more affordable than going to a dealer.

Pairings that are lost or corrupted

The key fob in your car isn't a piece of cake and it's not unusual for them to lose functionality in time. Luckily, there are some easy fixes that may help you get your car's remote back up and running.

Try to lock and unlock your vehicle using an alternative key repair (click through the following document). This will ensure that the fob isn't the issue, and will also eliminate the possibility of any mechanical issues with the locks in the case that it proves to be electrical.

Often, key fobs for cars require a battery replaced. The cost of replacing the batteries isn't too expensive and you can do it yourself without any professional equipment.

It is important to use the right type of battery. The majority of automotive fobs accept CR2025 and CR2032 batteries. However, some might use different types. If you're unsure of the type of battery your remote uses it is possible to check the label or look inside. The battery will have a number stamped or printed on it. You can also make use of a multimeter to determine the voltage.

Another easy fix is to try a different battery. Sometimes, the batteries inside a fob can be worn out or corroded over time and replacing them could bring back the functionality of the remote.

If replacing the battery doesn't work, you can try cleaning the fob and ensure that all buttons are working properly. Key fobs for cars can get pretty dirty from being bashed around in purses and pockets, and they aren't indestructible. In some cases, removing the buttons and flexing in and out of them could bring your remote back to life.

If you've tried all the suggestions on this list but your car key fob is still not functioning it is likely that you require it to be reprogrammed by a professional. Grays Locksmiths can do this for you, and can also provide you with a new or used replacement, if needed.