Car Key Replacement Services

If your car's remote key fob fails to function it can be a frustrating. Many locksmiths and dealers for automotive offer car key replacements that can restore your key to its original functioning condition.

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

Keys stolen or lost

It doesn't matter if you lost it or left it on the counter at the grocery store. Fortunately, the majority of these issues can be fixed by yourself, even without the help of a professional. You might require replacing the battery, or the fob could have lost its pairing information, both are easily repaired.

Modern cars have remote controls that communicate with their vehicle via radio frequency. When the fob is in use, it sends a signal that allows you to lock and unlock the vehicle from a distance and also start the engine. The fob itself isn't a mechanical key, so you can't simply cut it at an hardware store and use it to unlock your car. Newer fobs also have transponder chips that must be programmed to your particular car in order for the keyless entry repairs entry to function.

The most common problem with a car key fob is that it has lost its pairing with the vehicle. This can happen when the battery fails or is triggered by something as simple as a power outage. Refer to the owner's manual for the correct procedure. While the majority of modern cars can be reset and re-establish the pairing, you can also consult the manual. If resetting the fob does not solve the issue, it will need to be reprogrammed. This typically will require a trip to a dealership or automotive locksmith.

It can be expensive to purchase a new ignition key repair near me fob and it could take several days for a dealer to order it and program it. If your insurance policy doesn't cover the cost, it is worthwhile to contact your car's maker or a locksmith to find out if you can have the fob replaced. You can save time and money by having a locksmith make an exact copy of the key on site. A locksmith can also give you a new, working key and replace your current transponder chip. This requires that the receiver module of your vehicle is synced.

Bad Battery

Modern car remotes are extremely convenient, and are a safe way to start a vehicle. However, if they stop working, it can be a hassle. Fortunately, this is usually something that can be solved by replacing the battery inside the broken key repair near me fob.

The batteries that are used in the majority of modern remote key fobs are coin cells made of lithium ion. These are fairly cheap and don't have any limits in time, however they do have a limit to how long they will last. When a remote car key is in frequent use the battery could be worn out faster than it would normally. This can be caused by being pushed or pressed hard, or by being exposed to moisture, which can cause corrosion.

The most common reason for the car key to not function properly is a worn-out or dead battery. This should be the first thing to check to determine if your remote has stopped working. Often, this will fix the issue but if not it's time to replace the battery.

The majority of the time, batteries fail due to corrosion or oxidation. It may also be producing acidic fumes that could lead to poor connections between the battery terminals. This can be fixed by removing the battery and cleaning the contacts using baking soda and water. After cleaning, you can put the connectors back in place and test the remote once more.

When checking 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'll need to contact an expert to repair the issue. A specialist can tell you if your remote is repairable or must be replaced. They can do this immediately using an onboard procedure or by connecting to your vehicle's OBD2 ports to program a key fob swiftly and safely.

Bad Transponder Chip

The chip in your car key sends an unique code to the car's computer, just like the remote control for your garage door transmits signals to its receiver to open or close it. The code informs the vehicle that it's the right owner and prevents anyone else from starting the engine.

One of the first signs that your transponder chip is gone bad is when you attempt to start your car and it refuses. This could be due to a variety of reasons, but it's often an indication that it's time to purchase new car keys.

Another sign that a transponder chip gone bad is when your car won't lock with the key fob. If this happens, you'll have to lock manually your doors instead. This can be a hassle especially if your vehicle is locked.

If your key fob battery is dead, that can cause the transponder to stop working. Over time, the fob battery will slowly lose its charge. Always keep a spare key fob in your pocket so you can swap the battery if needed.

There are many other issues that can occur with the transponder chip in your car, but the ones listed above are the most frequent. If the battery for your key fob is drained or the chip is damaged it is essential to call an auto locksmith to get the issue resolved quickly. They can reprogram the key or replace it entirely, depending on what's needed. A Queen Creek auto locksmith will be able to pinpoint the issue for you and offer a solution that is reliable. They are usually cheaper than taking your vehicle to an auto dealer.

Corrupted or lost pairing

The key fob in your car isn't a piece of cake and it's not unusual to see them lose function over time. There are fortunately, easy fixes to help you get your car's remote functioning.

The first thing you should do is to try using an alternate key to unlock and lock your vehicle. This will help ensure that your fob isn't at fault and also to determine if there is a mechanical issue with the locks if it does turn out to be an electrical issue.

Batteries are often all that's needed to fix car key fobs. Replacing the batteries isn't expensive and you can do it yourself with no professional equipment.

It's important to use the right type of battery, however. The majority of automotive fobs accept CR2025 and CR2032 batteries. However, some might utilize different types. You can check the label on your remote or look inside if you are not sure. The battery will have a specific number printed or stamped on it. You can also use a multimeter in order to determine the voltage.

A different pair of batteries could also be used. The batteries inside a remote can get worn out or corrode over time. Replacing them may restore its functionality.

If the battery change doesn't work, you can try cleaning your fob and make sure all the buttons are functioning correctly. Car key fobs can become pretty dirty from being thrown around in pockets and purses, and they aren't indestructible. In some instances, taking out the buttons and then flexing in and out of them can bring your remote back to life.

If you have tried every step in this list, but the car key fob isn't working, you'll likely need to reprogramme it. Grays Locksmiths will do this and offer you a new replacement or a reconditioned one if needed.