Car Key Replacement Services

If your car's key fob remote stops working it can be extremely frustrating and inconvenient. Fortunately, the majority of 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 dealer or a locksmith.

Keys that were stolen or lost are not found

Whether you dropped it in the car, put it on the counter when you went to the supermarket, or just plain lost it and not having your key fob is an enormous problem. Luckily, most of these issues can be fixed at home, without the assistance of a professional. It is possible that you need to change the battery or the fob might be missing the pairing information. Both of these issues are easily fixable.

Modern cars are equipped with remote control keys which communicate with the vehicle by using a special radio frequency. If your fob is operating it transmits an alert that lets you lock and unlock your vehicle from a distance and also to start the engine. The fob is not a mechanical key. You cannot have it cut in a hardware store and then use it to open your vehicle. The latest fobs include transponders that need to be programmed in your vehicle to make keyless entry work.

The most common issue with a car key fob is that it has lost its pairing with the vehicle. This could happen when the battery fails or it is triggered by something as simple as a power outage. Check the owner's manual for specific instructions. While most modern cars have the option to reset and re-pair the pairing, you can also consult the manual. If resetting the fob doesn't fix the problem it must be reprogrammed. This typically will require a trip to the dealership or an automotive locksmith.

It's expensive to purchase a new key fob and it can take a while for a dealer to purchase it and program it. Certain insurance policies cover the cost of a replacement, but if yours doesn't it's worth getting in touch with the car's manufacturer or a local locksmith to inquire about replacing the fob. Locksmiths can usually duplicate a key on the spot which will save you the cost and hassle of a tow truck. A locksmith can also give you a working, new key and replace your current transponder chip. This requires that the receiver module of your vehicle is connected to the vehicle.

Bad Battery

Modern car remotes are very convenient, and they are a safer way to start a car. However, if they stop working, they can be a hassle. Luckily, this is something that can be solved by replacing the battery in the key fob.

The majority of modern remote key fobs use lithium coin cell batteries with ion. They are relatively cheap and don't have any limits in life, but they have a limit to how long they last. The battery of a remote key may wear out faster than normal if frequently used. This can be caused by being pushed or pressed too hard or exposed to moisture, which could cause corrosion.

The most frequent reason for the car key to not work properly is a worn or dead battery. This is the first thing you look into whether your remote key has stopped working. This can often resolve the problem. If not, you may have to replace the battery.

Most of the time a battery is bad because of oxidation or corrosion. It may also be producing acidic fumes. This can cause poor connections between battery terminals. You can fix this by taking the battery off and cleaning the contacts using a baking soda solution and water. After the cleaning, you can connect the connectors back into place and test your remote again.

While you are checking a dead or dying battery, it is also good to check the buttons that have stopped functioning. This could be an indication of a more serious problem with your remote. You'll need to contact an expert for repair. A professional 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 car's OBD2 ports to create a key fob in a short time and local securely.

Bad Transponder Chip

Similar to the way that the remote to your garage door sends a specific signal to its receptor, so that it opens and closes and closes, the chip in your car key transmits a unique code to the vehicle's computer system. This tells the car that it is the correct owner and prevents anyone from running the engine without authorization.

One of the first indications that your transponder chip has gone bad is when you attempt to start your car and it refuses. This could be due to many reasons, but it is generally an indication that you require a new key.

Another indication that a transponder chip has gone bad is when your car won't lock when you use the key fob. If this happens, you'll be required to manually lock your doors instead. This can be frustrating and unsettling, especially if you are already locked out of your vehicle.

In the end, if your key fob battery is dead, that can also cause the transponder to cease to function. As time passes, the fob battery will gradually lose charge. Always keep a spare key fob on hand so you can recharge the battery if required.

There are a variety of other issues that can occur with the transponder chip in your car, but the ones listed above are the most prevalent. If the battery for your key fob is dead, or if the chip is damaged it is important to contact an auto locksmith in order to get the problem fixed quickly. They can either 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 offer an efficient solution. Usually they are cheaper than going to a dealer.

Corrupted or Lost Pairing

It's not unusual for the car remote to lose its functionality over time. However, there are easy fixes you can try to get your car's remote up and running.

The first thing you need to do is try using an alternate key to lock and unlock your car. This will allow you to be sure that your fob isn't the problem and will also help to determine if there is a mechanical issue in the locks if it turns out to be an electrical one.

Batteries are typically the only thing needed to repair car key fobs. The cost of replacing the batteries isn't too expensive, and you can usually do it yourself without any professional equipment.

It is crucial to choose the right type of battery, however. The majority of automotive remotes are designed to work with CR2025 or CR2032 batteries, but some may use other kinds. You can check the label on your remote, or look inside if you are not sure. The battery is usually marked with a an engraved or stamped number on it, or you could test it with a multimeter and determine what the voltage is.

A different set of batteries can also be used. The batteries in a remote can be damaged or worn out over time. Removing them could bring back its functionality.

If the battery change isn't working, you can clean your fob, and make sure that all the buttons are working. Car key fobs can become pretty dirty from being bashed around in pockets and purses They aren't impervious to damage. In some instances, just taking them off and cleaning them and flexing them in and out can help get your remote working again.

If you have attempted all the steps in this list, but your car key fob repairs fob still doesn't work, you will probably need it reprogrammed. Grays Locksmiths can do this for you, and they can also supply you with a brand new or used replacement, if needed.