When your car remote key fob isn't working, it can be frustrating. Luckily, most automotive locksmiths and dealerships provide replacement car keys services that can help you get your key functioning properly.
Try a few easy things at home before heading to the store or locksmith.
Keys stolen or lost
It doesn't matter if lost it or left it on the counter in the grocery store. Fortunately, the majority of these problems can be fixed on your own, even without the help of an expert. It is possible that you need to change the battery or the fob could be missing the pairing information. Both of these issues can be easily fixed.
Modern cars use remote controls that connect to their vehicle via radio frequency. If your fob is in use it sends a signal allowing you to lock and unlock your vehicle remotely, as being able to start the engine. The fob isn't a mechanical key. You cannot cut it in a hardware shop and use it to open your car. The latest fobs include a transponder that must be programmed in your vehicle to make keyless entry work.
The most common issue with a car key fob is that it has lost its connection with the vehicle. This can happen when the battery is dead or there is an issue with the power. Check the owner's manual for the correct procedure. Although most modern vehicles offer the option of reset and re-establish the pairing, you must also refer to the manual. If resetting the fob doesn't fix the problem the fob will need to be reprogrammed. This usually will require a trip at a dealership or automotive locksmith.
A replacement fob purchase can be expensive, and it takes several days for the dealer to get it and program it. Some car insurance policies cover the cost of replacing a fob however, if it's not covered, it's not a bad idea to get in touch with your car's manufacturer or a locksmith in your area to inquire about replacing the fob. They are often able to duplicate a key on the spot which will save you the cost and hassle of a tow truck. A locksmith can also cut keys and also replace the transponder chip. This will need to be synced with the receiver module of your vehicle.
Bad Battery
While modern car remotes are convenient and offer a more secure method to start your car, they can still be a hassle when they stop working. This issue can be solved by replacing the battery in the key fob.
Most modern remote key fobs utilize lithium coin cell batteries with ion. They are quite cheap and don't have any limits in life, but they do have a limit to how long they last. When a remote car key is in frequent use, the battery may wear out more quickly than it would normally. This can be caused by being pushed or pressed too hard or being exposed to moisture, which could cause corrosion.
The most common reason for a car key not to function properly is a worn or dead battery. This should be the first thing you check to determine if your remote has stopped working. This can often resolve the issue. If it is not the case, you may need to replace the battery.
The majority of the time, a battery is bad due to corrosion or oxidation. It could also be producing acidic fumes. This can lead to poor connections between battery terminals. It can be fixed by getting rid of the old battery and cleaning all contacts with a solution of baking soda and water. After cleaning the connectors, you can resolder them in place and test the remote.
When you're looking for a dead or dying battery, it is also good to see whether any buttons are no longer functioning. This could be a sign of a larger issue with your remote. You will need to consult an expert to repair the issue. A professional can tell you if the remote can be repairable or has to be replaced. It can be done on the spot with an onboard procedure, or by connecting to your car's OBD2 ports to create a key fob in a short time and securely.
Bad Transponder Chip
The chip inside your car key transmits a unique code to your vehicle's computer, in the same way that the remote control for your garage door transmits signals to its receiver to allow it to close or open. This informs the car that it is the correct owner and prevents anyone from running the engine without authorization.
If you attempt to start your car but it won't be able to start, it's a sign that your transponder is malfunctioning. This could be due to many reasons, but is usually an indication that you need a new key.
A transponder chip which has failed is a different sign. Your car won't lock using your key fob. In this situation you'll have to lock your car manually. This can be a hassle particularly if your car is already locked.
The transponder may cease to function when the battery in the fob's battery is depleted. Over time, the fob 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 required.
There are several other problems that can arise from a car's transponder chip however the ones mentioned above are the most frequent. Contact an auto locksmith as fast as you can when your key fob's power source is dead or if the transponder chip is defective. They can either reprogram the key or replace it entirely, depending on what is needed. A Queen Creek auto locksmith will be able to determine the issue and offer a solution that is reliable. Usually they are cheaper than taking your car to an auto dealer.
Corrupted or Lost Pairing
Your car key fob isn't impervious to damage and it's not uncommon to see them lose function over time. There are fortunately, easy fixes you can try to get your car's remote back up and running.
It is recommended to first lock and unlock the vehicle using a spare key. This will confirm that the fob isn't the problem, and also eliminate the possibility of an issue with the mechanical locks in the event that it proves to be electrical.
Batteries are usually the only thing needed to repair car key fobs. The cost of replacing the batteries isn't too expensive and you can do it yourself, without professional equipment.
It is important to use the appropriate type of battery. Most automotive remotes accept CR2025 and CR2032 batteries. However, some might utilize different types of batteries. You can look up the label on your remote or examine the inside if you're not certain. The battery will typically have a a printed or stamped number on it, or you could use a multimeter to see what the voltage is.
Another easy fix is to try a new battery. The batteries inside the remote could wear out or corrode over time. Replacing them may bring back its functionality.
If the battery change doesn't work you can clean the fob, and check that all the buttons are working. Car key fobs can become quite dirty due to being thrown around in purses and pockets, and they aren't indestructible. In some cases, simply removing and cleaning the buttons and flexing them in and out will get your remote back up and running.
If you have attempted all the steps in this list, but your car key fob isn't working, then you probably need it reprogrammed. Grays Locksmiths can do this for you, and will also be able to provide you with a brand new or used replacement if necessary.
