How Remote Car Key Repair Changed My Life For The Better
Car Key Replacement Services
When your car remote key fob isn't working and you are left frustrated. Fortunately, the majority of automotive locksmiths and dealerships offer car key replacement services that can get your key back to functioning correctly.
Try a few things at home before you rush to the dealer or a locksmith.
Keys that were stolen or lost are not found
It doesn't matter if you lost it or left it on the counter at the grocery store. Most of these issues can be easily fixed by you, even if you don't have an expert. You may need to replace the battery or the fob might not have the pairing information, both of which can be easily fixed.
Modern cars have remote controls that communicate with the vehicle via radio frequency. When the fob is in use, it sends an alert that lets you lock and unlock your car from a distance, and also to start the engine. The fob is not an electronic key. You can't have it cut in a hardware store and then use it to open your vehicle. Modern fobs also include a transponder chip that must be programmed for your specific vehicle to allow keyless entry to work.
The most frequent issue with car fobs is when it loses its pairing with the vehicle. This could happen when the battery goes out or it is caused by something as simple as a power failure. While the majority of modern automobiles can reset the fob and restore its pairing, you should refer to the owner's manual to find instructions. If resetting your fob does not solve the issue, then you will need to have it changed to a different program. This usually requires visiting an automotive locksmith or dealer.
A replacement fob purchase can be costly and can take several days for the dealer to get it and program it. If your insurance plan does not cover the cost, it's worth contacting your car's maker or locksmith to determine whether you are able to have the fob replaced. They can often copy a key in a matter of minutes, saving you the cost and hassle of a tow truck. A locksmith can also cut you new keys and also replace the transponder chip. The new one must be synchronized with your car's receiver module.
Bad Battery
While modern car remotes are very convenient and provide a much safer method of starting your car, they can still be frustrating when they stop functioning. This is usually a problem that can be solved by replacing the battery on the key fob.
Most modern remote key fobs use lithium ion coin cell batteries. They are relatively inexpensive and are not limited in their lifespan, but they have a limit to how long they will last. When a car key remote is used often, the battery may be worn out faster than the normal. This can be caused by being pushed or pressed hard or being exposed to moisture, which can cause corrosion.
A worn out or dead battery is the main reason for a car key not responding properly. If your remote key isn't working, you should check this first. This can often resolve the issue. If it is not the case, you may have to replace the battery.
Most of the time, the battery is damaged due to corrosion or oxidation. It may also give off acidic fumes or leaking battery acid, which can cause poor connections between the terminals of the battery. It can be fixed by getting rid of the old battery and cleaning all contacts with a solution made of baking soda and water. After cleaning the connectors you can resolder them in place and test the remote.
When you're checking for the battery for dead or dying, it is also good to determine if any buttons have stopped functioning. This could be an indication of a bigger issue with your remote. You'll need to consult an expert for repair. A professional can tell you if the remote can be repairable, or has to be replaced. They can do this immediately using an onboard procedure or connect to your vehicle's OBD2 port to program the new key fob in an efficient and secure method.
Bad Transponder Chip
Similar to how the remote to your garage door transmits an exact signal to its receiver so that it can open or close the door, the chip in your car key transmits a unique code to the computer system of your vehicle. This code informs the vehicle that it's the owner who is legitimate and prevents anyone else from starting the engine.
If you attempt to start your vehicle and it doesn't start begin, it's an indication that your transponder is not working. This could be due to a number of reasons, but it's typically a sign that it's time for new car keys.
A transponder chip that is not working is a different sign. Your car will not lock with your key fob. In this situation you'll need to lock your vehicle manually. This can be frustrating especially if your vehicle is already locked.
The transponder can stop working if the battery in your key fob is not functioning. Over time, the fob battery will slowly lose its charge. It is always recommended to keep an extra key fob battery in the case that you can replace it if needed.
There are many other problems with the transponder chip of a car, but these are the most common. If your key fob battery is dead, or if the chip has failed it is essential to call an auto locksmith to get the issue resolved quickly. They can either reprogram the key or replace it entirely, depending on the requirements. A Queen Creek auto lockout will be able to determine the issue and provide you with a reliable solution. They are usually cheaper than taking your vehicle to the dealership.
repair car key fob that are lost or damaged
The key fob in your car isn't indestructible and it's not unusual to see them lose function in time. There are a few quick fixes that you can try to make your remote work again.
The first thing you should do is to try using an alternate key to unlock and lock your car. This will allow you to be sure that your fob isn't the problem and also to eliminate a mechanical issue with the locks, if it turns out to be an electrical issue.
Often, key fobs for cars just need to have their battery replaced. It's not expensive to replace the batteries and you can do it yourself, without professional equipment.
It is crucial to select the correct type of battery. Most automotive fobs are designed to accept CR2025 or CR2032 batteries, though some may use other kinds. You can verify the label on your remote, or take a look inside if not certain. The battery will have a specific number written or printed on it. You can also make use of a multimeter to determine the voltage.
Another option is to try a new pair of batteries. Sometimes, the batteries in a fob can wear out or become corroded over time and replacement could bring back the functionality of the remote.
If the battery change doesn't work, you can clean the fob, and make sure that all the buttons are functioning. The car key fobs aren't indestructible and may get dirty if they are tossed around in purses and pockets. In certain cases, removing the buttons and flexing in and out of them could bring your remote back to life.
If you have attempted all the steps on this list, but your car key fob isn't working, you'll probably need it reprogrammed. Grays Locksmiths will do this and will provide you with a new replacement or a used one if you need it.