Car Key Replacement Services If your car's key fob remote stops working it can be frustrating and inconvenient. Luckily, most automotive locksmiths and dealerships offer replacement of your car key services that will get your key back to working properly. Try a few simple things at home prior to heading to the dealer or a locksmith. Keys that have been stolen or lost are It doesn't matter if lost it or put it on the counter in the grocery store. Luckily, most of these problems can be solved by yourself, even without the help of an expert. You might need to replace the battery, or the fob could not have the pairing information -- both are easily fixed. Modern cars use remote control keys that communicate with the vehicle by using a special radio frequency. If your fob is in use it sends an alert that allows you to lock and unlock the vehicle remotely, as being able to start the engine. The fob itself isn't a mechanical key that's why you can't get it cut at a hardware store and used to open your car. Newer fobs also have a transponder chip that must be programmed to your particular 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 could happen if the battery goes dead or there is an issue with the power. Although most modern cars have the option to reset the fob to restore its pairing, refer to the owner's manual to find instructions. If reseting your fob doesn't solve the issue, you'll need to have it changed to a different program. This typically requires a visit to an automotive locksmith or a dealership. It can be expensive to purchase a new key fob and it could take a while for a dealer to order it and program it. If your insurance policy does not cover the cost, it's worthwhile to contact your car's maker or locksmith to determine whether you are able to have the fob replaced. You can save money and time by having a locksmith create a copy of the key on-site. Locksmiths can also create you a new, working key and also replace your old transponder chip. This will require that the receiver module of your vehicle is synced. Bad Battery While modern car remotes are convenient and provide a much safer way to start your car, they can still be frustrating when they stop working. Fortunately, this is usually something that can be fixed by replacing the battery inside the key fob. The batteries that power the majority of modern remote key fobs are lithium ion coin cells. They are relatively inexpensive and don't have any limitations in terms of life. However they do have a limit on their lifespan. The battery of a remote key could be more worn than normal if used frequently. This can be caused by being pushed or pressed too hard, or by being exposed to moisture, which can cause corrosion. The most frequent reason for a car key to not function properly is a worn or dead battery. If your remote key isn't functioning, you should test this first. In most cases, this will resolve the issue but if not it's time to get a replacement battery. A battery is typically bad due to oxidation or corrosion. It might also be giving off acidic fumes or leaking acid from the battery. This can cause poor connections between the battery's terminals. It is possible to fix this by getting rid of the battery and cleaning the contacts using baking soda 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 and you need to determine if any buttons are not functioning. This could indicate that there is a more serious issue with your remote, and you will need to call in an expert to fix it. A professional can tell you if the remote is repairable or must be replaced. They can either do this on the spot with an onboard procedure or connect to your car's OBD2 port to program a new key fob an efficient and safe method. Bad Transponder Chip Similarly to the way the remote to your garage door sends an exact signal to its receptor, so that it opens and closes the door, the chip in the car key transmits a unique code to your vehicle's computer system. This informs the car that it is the legitimate owner and prevents anyone from beginning the engine without authorization. If you attempt to start your car but it fails be able to start, it's a sign that your transponder is not working. This could be due to a variety of reasons, but it's often an indication that it's time to purchase a new car key. A transponder chip that is not working is a different indication. Your car will not lock if you use your key fob. If this happens, you will need to manually lock your doors instead. This can be stressful and inconvenient, especially when you're locked out of your car. The transponder can cease to function when the battery in your key fob is not functioning. This will happen over time as the fob battery slowly loses its charge. It is always recommended to keep an extra key fob battery on hand, so that you can replace it if required. There are several other problems that can occur with a car's transponder chip, but the ones listed above are the most common. Contact an auto locksmith as soon as possible when your key fob's power source is dead or the transponder chip is defective. They can either reprogram the key or replace it completely depending on what is needed. A Queen Creek auto lockout will be able to determine the issue and provide you with an effective solution. They will generally be cheaper than taking your car to an auto dealer. Pairings that are lost or corrupted It's not unusual for the car key fob to lose functionality over time. Luckily, there are some easy fixes you can try to get your car's remote functioning. It is recommended to first lock and unlock your vehicle using an extra key. This will help ensure that your fob isn't the issue and will also help to eliminate a mechanical issue with the locks if it turns out to be an electrical one. Batteries are typically all you need to fix car key fobs. It's not too expensive to replace the batteries and you don't require special equipment. It's important to use the correct type of battery, however. The majority of automotive fobs are made to accept CR2025 or CR2032 batteries, although certain models may use different types. You can check the label on your remote or take a look inside if not certain. The battery will have a specific number printed or stamped on it. You can also make use of a multimeter to determine the voltage. Another solution is to try a different pair of batteries. Sometimes, the batteries inside the fob could become corroded or worn out over time and replacement could bring back the functionality of the remote. If the battery change isn't working, you can clean the fob, and make sure that all buttons are working. Car key fobs can become pretty dirty from being bashed around in purses and pockets and aren't completely indestructible. In certain cases, removing the buttons and then flexing in and out of them could bring your remote back to life. If key fob repairs tried all the steps 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 the new one or a reconditioned one, if required.
key fob repairs
