Car Key Replacement Services

When your car remote key repair key fob stops working it can be extremely frustrating and annoying. Most locksmiths and dealers for automotive offer replacement keys for car keys that will restore your key to its original functioning condition.

Try a few easy things at home before you rush to the store or locksmith.

Lost or Stolen keys

It doesn't matter if you lost it or put it on the counter at the grocery store. Fortunately, most of these problems can be resolved by yourself, even without the assistance of a professional. You may require a replacement battery or the fob might be missing its pairing information -- both of which can be easily repaired.

Modern cars have remote control keys which communicate with the vehicle via a special radio frequency. When the fob is in use, it sends an alert that lets you lock and unlock the car from a distance and also to start the engine. The fob isn't a mechanical key and therefore you cannot have it cut at an hardware store and use it to open your car. The latest fobs come with transponders that must be programmed for your car to make the keyless entry work.

The most frequent issue with car fobs is when it fails to connect with the vehicle. This can happen if the battery goes out or is triggered by something as simple as a power outage. Check the owner's manual for instructions. While the majority of modern cars offer the option of reset and restore the pairing, you should also consult the manual. If resetting the fob does not fix the problem it must be reprogrammed, which typically will require a trip at a dealership or automotive locksmith.

It can be expensive to purchase a replacement key fob, and it may take a few days for a dealer to order it and program it. If your insurance policy does not cover the cost, it's worth contacting the maker of your car or a locksmith to find out whether you are able to have the fob replaced. They are often able to duplicate keys in a matter of minutes which will save you the cost and hassle of towing a truck. A locksmith can also make you a brand new, functional key and replace your current transponder chip. This will require that the receiver module in your vehicle be connected to the vehicle.

Bad Battery

Modern car remotes can be very convenient, and they can be a safer method to start a car. However, when they stop working, they can be a hassle. This is usually something that can be resolved by simply replacing the battery on the key fob.

Most modern remote key fobs make use of lithium coin cell batteries with ion. They are relatively cheap and do not have any limitations in terms of life. However they do have a limit on their lifespan. The battery of a remote key can get worn out faster than the normal if frequently used. This is possible when the battery is over-forced or exposed to moisture which can cause corrosion.

A dead or worn out battery is the most common cause of a car key not responding properly. This should be the first thing to check if your remote key has stopped working. This will often fix the issue. If not, you may require replacing the battery.

A battery is typically bad because of oxidation or corrosion. It could also be producing acidic fumes that could lead to poor connections between the battery terminals. This can be fixed by removing the old battery and cleaning all of the contacts with a solution of baking soda and water. After cleaning the connectors you can resolder them in place and test the remote.

While you are checking a dead or dying battery, it is also good to determine if any buttons have stopped functioning. This could be an indication of a larger issue with your remote car key repair. You'll need to seek out an expert to repair the issue. A specialist can inform you if the remote is repairable or must be replaced. You can either repair it in a single visit by using an onboard process or connect to your vehicle's OBD2 port to program the new key fob in an efficient and secure manner.

Bad Transponder Chip

The chip inside your car key transmits a unique code to the car's computer, just like the remote control for your garage door transmits signals to its receiver to allow it to close or open. The car is informed that it is the legitimate owner and prevents anyone from running the engine without authorization.

One of the first signs that your transponder chip has been damaged is when you attempt to start your car, but it fails to start. This could be due to a variety of reasons, but is typically a sign that it's time to get a new car key.

A transponder chip that is not working is another common indication. Your car won't lock using your key fob. If this happens, you will be required to manually lock your doors instead. This can be a hassle and unaffordable, particularly if you are already locked out of your vehicle.

The transponder may stop working when the battery in the fob's battery is depleted. Over time, the battery will gradually lose its charge. Always keep a spare key fob on hand so you can swap the battery if needed.

There are many other issues that can occur with the chip of a car's transponder but the ones listed above are the most frequent. Contact an auto locksmith as quickly as possible in the event that your key fob's battery is dead or the transponder chip is defective. They can either reprogram the key or replace it completely, depending on the requirements. A Queen Creek auto locksmith will be able to identify the problem for you and provide a dependable solution. They are usually cheaper than taking your vehicle to the dealership.

Pairings that are corrupted or lost

The key fob in your car isn't impervious to damage, and it's not uncommon for them to become obsolete as time passes. However, there are easy fixes to get your car's remote back up and running.

Try to lock and unlock your vehicle with a spare key. This will allow you to be sure that your fob isn't the issue and will also help to eliminate a mechanical issue in the locks if it does turn out to be an electrical issue.

Often, key fobs for cars just need to have their 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. Most automotive fobs are made to accept CR2025 or CR2032 batteries, although some may require other kinds. If you're not sure what kind of battery your remote uses, you can check the label or examine the inside of. The battery will usually have a printed or stamped number on it, or you can utilize a multimeter to determine what the voltage is.

A different set of batteries may also be utilized. Sometimes, the batteries in the fob could become corroded or worn out over time and replacement could restore the functionality of the remote.

If replacing the battery isn't working, try to clean out the fob and ensure that all buttons are working properly. The car key fobs aren't indestructible and can get dirty when they are tossed around in purses or pockets. In certain cases, taking them off and cleaning them and bending them in and out will get your remote working again.

If you've tried every step on this list, and the car key fob isn't working, you'll likely require it to be reprogrammed. Grays Locksmiths will do this and can provide you with either the new one or a reconditioned one, if required.