When your car remote for the key fob stops working, it can be extremely frustrating and inconvenient. Fortunately, many locksmiths for automotive and dealerships provide replacement car keys services that will get your key back to working properly.
Before you rush to the dealership or a locksmith professional take a few steps at home first.
Lost or Stolen keys
Whether you dropped it in the car, left it on the counter when you went to the store for groceries, or just plain lost it, not having your key fob is an inconvenience. The majority of these issues can be easily solved by you even if you don't have a professional. You may need to change the battery or the fob could be missing pairing information. Both of these problems can be fixed easily.
key fob repairs are equipped with remote control keys which communicate with the vehicle by using an exclusive radio frequency. When the fob is working it transmits a signal allowing you to lock and unlock the car remotely, as well being able to start the engine. The fob is not a mechanical key. You can't get it cut at a hardware store and then use it to open your car. The newer fobs have transponders that must be programmed in your car to make the keyless entry function.
The most common problem with a car fob is when it loses its pairing with the vehicle. This could happen if the battery is dead or there is an electrical failure. While most modern car models have the option to reset the fob to restore its pairing, consult your owner's manual for instructions. If resetting the fob doesn't solve the issue, it will need to be reprogrammed. This typically will require a trip to the dealership or an automotive locksmith.
It can be expensive to purchase a new fob for your key, and it may take a few days for a dealer to purchase it and program it. Certain insurance policies cover the cost of replacing a fob however if it doesn't, it's still worth getting in touch with the car's manufacturer or a locksmith in your area to see about having the fob replaced. Locksmiths can usually duplicate keys immediately, saving you the cost and hassle of towing a truck. A locksmith can also cut you a new key and replace the existing transponder chip. This must be synchronized with the receiver module of your vehicle.
Bad Battery
While modern car remotes are very convenient and provide a much safer method of starting your car however, they can be a hassle when they stop functioning. This issue can be resolved by simply replacing the battery on the key fob.
Most modern remote key fobs utilize 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 short lifespan. The battery of a remote key could wear out faster than normal if it is frequently used. This is possible when the battery is pushed or pressed too hard, or exposed to moisture, which could cause corrosion.
The most frequent reason for the car key to not function is a worn or dead battery. This is the first thing to check if your remote key has stopped working. Often, this will fix the issue, but if not, it is time to get a replacement battery.
A battery is typically poor due to oxidation or corrosion. It may also be leaking acid or emitting acidic fumes. This can result in weak connections between the battery's terminals. This can be repaired by taking the old battery out and cleaning all contacts with a solution of baking soda and water. After cleaning, you can put the connectors back into place and then test the remote again.
If you're looking for a dead battery or one that is dying and you need to determine whether any buttons aren't functioning. This can be a sign that there is a serious issue with your remote and you will need to contact a professional to repair it. A specialist can tell you if the remote is repairable or must be replaced. They can do this either directly on the spot using an onboard procedure, or by connecting to your car's OBD2 ports to program a key fob swiftly and safely.
Bad Transponder Chip
The chip in your car keys transmits a unique code to your vehicle's computer, in the same way that the remote control for your garage door sends signals to its receiver to shut or open it. The code informs the vehicle that it is 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, this is an indication that your transponder has failed. This could be for many reasons, but is typically an indication that you need an entirely new key.
Another sign that a transponder chip gone bad is when your car doesn't lock with the key fob. If this happens, you will have to lock manually your doors instead. This can be a hassle and unaffordable, particularly in the event that you have already locked out of your vehicle.
The transponder can stop working when the battery in your key fob is not functioning. Over time, the battery will gradually lose its charge. It is always an ideal idea to keep an additional key fob battery in your possession, so that you can replace it if necessary.
There are a variety of other issues with the transponder chip in cars however, these are the most common. Contact an auto locksmith as fast as possible if your key fob's battery is dead or if the transponder chip has become malfunctioning. They can reprogram the key, or replace it entirely depending on the need. A Queen Creek auto lockout will be able to identify the issue and provide you with a reliable solution. Usually, they are more affordable than taking your car to an auto dealer.
Pairings that are corrupted or lost
It's not unusual for your car key fob to lose functionality in time. However, there are simple fixes to get your car's remote functioning.
The first thing you need to do is try using a backup key to unlock and lock your vehicle. This will allow you to be sure that your fob isn't the issue and will also help to eliminate a mechanical issue with the locks, if it does turn out to be an electrical issue.
Often, car key fobs require a battery replaced. It's not costly to replace the batteries, and you don't require any special equipment.
It is important to use the right type of battery. The majority of automotive fobs accept CR2025 and CR2032 batteries. However, some use different types. If you're not certain of the kind of battery your remote is using, you can check the label or look inside. 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 solution is to test a different battery. The batteries in the remote may wear out or corrode over time. Removing them could restore its functionality.
If changing the battery doesn't work, you can try to clean out the fob and ensure all of the buttons are functioning properly. Car key fobs can become pretty dirty from being bashed around in purses and pockets and aren't completely indestructible. In certain cases, taking them off and cleaning them and flexing them back and out can get your remote working again.
If you've tried all the steps on this list, but your car key fob still isn't working, then you likely need to reprogramme it. Grays Locksmiths can do this for you, and can also supply you with a new or used replacement if necessary.
