Car Key Replacement Services

If your car's remote for the key fob stops working, it can be extremely frustrating and inconvenient. Luckily, most automotive locksmiths and Emergency car key repair dealerships offer car key replacement services that can help you get your key working properly.

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

Lost or Stolen Keys

Whether you dropped it in the car, put it on the counter while you went to the supermarket, or you simply lost it or lost your key fob can be a big hassle. Fortunately, the majority of these issues can be resolved by yourself, even without the assistance of an expert. You may need to replace the battery or the fob might not have the pairing information -- both of which can be easily repaired.

Modern cars use remote controls that communicate with the vehicle using a radio frequency. When your fob is working it sends out the signal that allows you to lock and unlock your vehicle from a distance and also to start the engine. The fob isn't a mechanical key and therefore you cannot cut it at a hardware store and used to open your car. Newer fobs also have transponder chips that need to be programmed to your particular vehicle to allow keyless entry to work.

The most common problem with a car key fob is that it has lost the connection with the vehicle. This could happen if the battery goes dead, or if there is an issue with the power. Although most modern cars offer the option of resetting the fob and re-establish its pairing, consult your owner's manual for instructions. If reseting the fob doesn't fix the problem it must be reprogrammed, which typically will require a trip to the dealership or an automotive locksmith.

It can be expensive to purchase a new key fob, and it may take a few days for a dealer to purchase it and program it. If your insurance plan does not cover the cost, it's worth contacting the maker of your car or a locksmith to find out if you can have the fob replaced. Locksmiths can usually duplicate a key immediately which will save you the cost and hassle of the tow truck. A locksmith can also cut keys and replace the transponder chip, which will need to be synced with the receiver module of your vehicle.

Bad Battery

Modern car remotes are very convenient, and they are a safe way to start a car. However, if they stop working, they can be frustrating. Thankfully, this is often something that can be solved by replacing the battery inside the key fob.

Most modern remote key fobs utilize lithium coin cell batteries with ion. They are relatively inexpensive and are not limited in life, but they have a limit to how long they last. The battery of a remote key could be more worn than normal if it is frequently used. This can be caused by being pushed or pressed too hard, or by being exposed to moisture, which could cause corrosion.

A dead or worn out battery is the most frequent reason for a car key not responding correctly. If your remote key repair shop near me isn't working, you must check this first. Often, this will fix the issue but if not it's time to replace the battery.

The majority of the time, the battery is damaged due to corrosion or oxidation. It could also give off acidic fumes or leaking acid from the battery, which could result in poor connections between the battery's terminals. It can be fixed by removing the old battery and cleaning all contacts with a solution of baking soda and water. After cleaning the connectors you can then solder them in place and Emergency Car key Repair test the remote.

If you are looking for a dead battery or one that is failing, you should also check whether any buttons are not functioning. This could indicate that there is a more serious issue with your remote, and you'll have to contact an expert to fix it. A professional can tell you if the remote can be repairable, or must be replaced. It can be done directly on the spot using an onboard procedure, or by connecting to your car's OBD2 ports to program a key fob swiftly and securely.

Bad Transponder Chip

Similarly to the way the remote for your garage door transmits a specific signal to its receptor, so that it can open or close the door, the chip in the car key transmits a unique code to the computer system of your vehicle. This informs the car that it is the right owner and stops anyone from beginning the engine without authorization.

One of the first signs that your transponder chip has gone bad is when you attempt to start your car and it fails to start. This could be for a variety of reasons but is typically an indication that you require an entirely new key.

Another indication that a transponder chip gone bad is when your emergency car key repair won't lock with the key fob. If this happens, you will need to manually lock your doors instead. This can be a hassle particularly if your car is locked.

Finally, if your key fob battery is drained, it could also cause the transponder to cease to function. This will happen over time as the fob battery slowly loses its charge. Always keep a spare key fob on hand so you can swap the battery as required.

There are many other problems with the transponder chip on a car, but these are the most common. Contact an auto locksmith as soon as possible if your key fob's battery is dead or the transponder chip is faulty. They can either reprogram the key or replace it completely depending on the requirements. A Queen Creek auto lockout will be able to determine the issue and provide you with a reliable solution. Usually, they are more affordable than going to an auto dealer.

Pairings that are lost or corrupted

The key fob in your car isn't indestructible and it's not uncommon for them to become obsolete as time passes. There are a few quick fixes that you can try to make your remote key repair work again.

You should first try to lock and unlock your vehicle using an extra key. This will allow you to be sure that your fob isn't at fault and also to determine if there is a mechanical issue in the locks if it turns out to be an electrical one.

Often, key fobs for cars require a battery replaced. It's not too expensive to replace the batteries and you don't need 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 types. You can verify the label on your remote, or look inside if you are not sure. The battery will typically have a a printed or stamped number on it, or utilize a multimeter to determine what the voltage is.

A different pair of batteries may also be used. Sometimes, the batteries in a fob can be worn out or corroded over time, and replacing them may restore the functionality of the remote.

If the battery change doesn't work, you can try cleaning your key fob and check all the buttons are functioning properly. Car key fobs can get quite dirty due to being thrown around in purses and pockets, and they aren't indestructible. In certain cases, removing the buttons and then flexing in and out of them can bring your remote back to life.

If you've tried everything listed here and your car key fob not working, you'll probably require it to be reprogrammed by an expert. Grays Locksmiths will do this and can provide you with either a new replacement or a reconditioned one if needed.