Car Key Replacement Services

If your car's remote key fob isn't working, it can be frustrating. Fortunately, the majority of automotive locksmiths and dealerships offer replacement of your car key services that can help you get your key back to working properly.

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

Lost or Stolen keys

It doesn't matter if you lost it or put it on the counter at the grocery store. Most of these issues can be easily fixed by you, even if you're not an expert. You may require replacing the battery or the fob may have lost its pairing information -- both of which can be easily fixed.

Modern cars have remote controls that communicate with their vehicle via radio frequency. When your fob is working, it sends a signal that allows you to 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 have it cut at a hardware store and used to unlock your car. The latest fobs come with transponders that must be programmed in your car to make the keyless entry work.

The most common problem with a car key fob is that it has lost its connection with the vehicle. This can happen when the battery dies or if there's an issue with the power. Consult your owner's guide for instructions. While the majority of modern cars can be reset and restore the pairing, you must also refer to the manual. If resetting the fob doesn't solve the issue the fob will need to be reprogrammed. This typically will require a trip at an automotive locksmith or a dealership.

A replacement fob purchase can be costly and takes several days for the dealer to get it and program it. Certain car insurance policies will cover the cost of replacing a fob, but if yours doesn't it's still worth getting in touch with your vehicle's manufacturer or a local locksmith to discuss having the fob replaced. You can save money and time by having a locksmith make copies of the key on site. Locksmiths can also cut you a new key and replace the transponder chip. This will need to be synced to your car's receiver module.

Bad Battery

Modern car remotes can be extremely useful, and they are a safer way to start a vehicle. However, if they stop working, it can be a hassle. Thankfully, this is often something that can be fixed by replacing the battery on the key fob.

The batteries used in most modern remote key fobs are lithium ion coin cells. They are quite cheap and don't have any limits in time, however they do have a limit to how long they last. The battery of a remote key may get worn out faster than the normal if it is frequently used. This can happen when the battery is pressed too hard, or exposed to moisture that can cause corrosion.

A dead or worn out battery is the main cause of a car key not responding correctly. This is the first thing to check whether your Remote car Key Repair key has stopped functioning. This will often fix the issue. If not, you might need to replace the battery.

A battery will usually be poor due to oxidation or corrosive corrosion. It could also be leaks acid or emitting acidic fumes, which can cause poor connections between the battery terminals. It is possible to fix this by taking the battery off and cleaning the contacts with a baking soda solution and water. After cleaning the connectors, you can then solder them in place and test the remote.

If you are looking for a dead battery or one that is dying, you should also check whether any buttons aren't functioning. This can be a sign that there is a more serious issue with your remote and you will need to contact an expert to fix it. A professional will be able to tell you whether the remote is repairable or if it is required to be replaced entirely. You can either repair car keys it on the spot 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

Similarly to the way the remote for your garage door transmits an exact signal to its receiver so that it can open or close, the chip inside the car key transmits an unique code to the computer system in your car. This tells the car that it is the right owner and prevents anyone from beginning the engine without authorization.

One of the first signs that your transponder chip has gone bad is when you try to start your car but it refuses. This could be due to a variety of reasons but is typically an indication that you need an entirely new key.

A transponder chip that has failed is a different indication. Your car will not lock using your key fob. If this happens, you'll be required to manually lock your doors instead. This can be very frustrating, especially if your car is locked.

In the end, if the battery of your key fob is dead, that can also cause the transponder to cease to function. Over time, the fob battery will gradually lose charge. It is always recommended to keep an extra key fob battery in your possession, so that you can replace it if needed.

There are a variety of other issues that can arise from the transponder chip in your car, but the ones listed above are the most frequent. Contact an auto locksmith as quickly as possible when your key fob's power source is dead or the transponder chip has become faulty. They can reprogram the key, or replace it entirely according to what's required. A Queen Creek auto lockout will be able to identify the issue and provide you with an effective solution. They will usually be more affordable than taking your car to an auto dealer.

Pairings that are lost or corrupted

Your car key fob isn't indestructible and it's not uncommon to see them lose function over time. There are a few quick solutions you can attempt to make your remote work again.

It is recommended to first lock and unlock your vehicle using a spare key. This will help to ensure that your fob isn't the problem and will also help to eliminate a mechanical issue in the locks if it turns out to be an electrical issue.

Often, car key fobs require a batteries replaced. It's not too expensive to replace the batteries, and you don't require any special equipment.

It is essential to choose the correct type of battery. The majority of automotive fobs accept CR2025 and CR2032 batteries. However, some use different types. You can verify the label on your remote, or take a look inside if not certain. The battery will have a code written or printed on it. You can also make use of a multimeter to determine the voltage.

A different set of batteries can also be used. Sometimes, the batteries inside a fob can wear out or become corroded over time and replacement could bring back the functionality of the remote.

If the battery change doesn't work you can clean your fob, and make sure that all the buttons are functioning. Car key fobs don't last forever and may get dirty if they are tossed around in purses and pockets. In some cases, removing the buttons and flexing in and out of them could bring your remote back to life.

If you've tried everything listed here and the car key fob still not functioning, you'll probably need to have it reset by an expert. Grays Locksmiths can do this for you, and they can also supply you with a brand-new or used replacement, if needed.