Five Remote Car Key Repair Lessons From The Professionals
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Car Key Replacement Services
When your car remote key fob fails to function it can be a frustrating. Most automotive locksmiths and dealers offer replacement keys for car keys that can restore your key to its original condition.
Before you rush to the dealership or a professional locksmith, try a few simple steps at home first.
Keys stolen or lost
It doesn't matter if you lost it or left it on the counter in the grocery store. Luckily, most of these issues can be fixed by yourself, even without the help of an expert. You may need to change the battery, or the fob may not have the pairing information. Both of these problems can be easily fixed.
Modern cars are equipped with remote controls that communicate with their vehicle using a radio frequency. When the fob is working it sends a signal allowing you to lock and unlock your vehicle remotely, as well in starting the engine. The fob is not a mechanical key. You cannot get it cut at a hardware store and then use it to open your car. The latest fobs also come with a transponder chip that must be programmed to your specific vehicle in order for keyless entry to work.
The most common issue with a car key fob is that it has lost the connection with the vehicle. This can occur if the battery dies or there is a power failure. Check the owner's manual for specific instructions. While the majority of modern cars can be reset and re-pair the pairing, you must also refer to the manual. If resetting the fob doesn't fix the problem, it will need to be reprogrammed, which typically will require a trip to a dealership or automotive locksmith.
Purchasing a replacement fob can be expensive and can take several days for the dealer to get it and program it. If your insurance plan does not cover the cost, it is worth contacting the maker of your car or a locksmith to find out whether you can get the fob replaced. Locksmiths can usually duplicate keys immediately, saving you the cost and hassle of a tow truck. Locksmiths can also cut you new keys and also replace the transponder chip. This will need to be synced with the receiver module of your vehicle.
Bad Battery
Modern car remotes are extremely useful, and they can be a safer method to start a car. However, when they stop working they can be very frustrating. This issue can be resolved by simply replacing the battery in the key fob.
The batteries used in most modern remote key fobs are lithium ion coin cells. They are relatively affordable and do not have a limit in life, but they do have a limit to the length of time they can last. When a remote car key is used frequently, the battery may wear out more quickly than it would normally. This can be caused by being pushed or pressed too hard or exposed to moisture, which can cause corrosion.
A dead or worn out battery is the most frequent reason for a car keys not working properly. If your remote key is not working, you must check this first. In most cases, this will resolve the issue, but if not it's time to replace the battery.
A battery is usually poor due to oxidation or corrosion. It could also give off acidic fumes or leaking battery acid, which can cause weak connections between the battery's terminals. You can fix this by getting rid of the battery and cleaning the contacts with baking soda and water. After the cleaning, you can solder the connectors back in place and test the remote once more.
When you're checking for the battery for dead or dying, it is also good to determine the buttons that have stopped functioning. This could mobile key repair near me be an indication of a bigger issue with your remote. It is recommended to contact an expert to fix the problem. A professional will be able to tell you whether the remote can be repaired or if it requires replacement entirely. You can either repair it in a single visit using an onboard procedure or connect to your vehicle's OBD2 port to program a new key fob an efficient and safe manner.
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 chip inside your car key sends a unique code to the computer system in your car. The code informs the vehicle that it's the right owner and prevents anyone else from starting the engine.
One of the first signs that the chip in your transponder has gone bad is when you attempt to start your car, but it refuses. This could be due to a number of reasons, but it's often an indication that it's time to get a new car key.
Another common sign that a transponder chip gone bad is when your car doesn't lock with the key fob. If this happens, you will need to manually lock your doors instead. This can be frustrating and unsettling, especially if you are already locked out of your car.
In the end, if your key fob battery is dead, that can also cause the transponder to cease functioning. Over time, the battery will gradually lose its charge. Always keep an extra key fob on hand so you can recharge the battery if required.
There are a variety of other issues that could arise with a car's transponder chip, but the ones listed above are the most common. Contact an auto locksmith as quickly as possible in the event that your key fob's battery is dead or if the transponder chip has become 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 pinpoint the problem for you and provide a reliable solution. They will usually be cheaper than taking your car to a dealership.
Corrupted or Lost Pairing
It's not unusual for your car key fob to lose its functionality as time passes. There are fortunately, easy fixes to help you get your car's remote functioning.
You should first try to lock and unlock your car with an extra key. This will ensure that the fob isn't the problem, and also rule out a mechanical issue with the locks in the event it turns out to be electrical.
Often, key fobs for cars require a battery replaced. It's not expensive to replace the batteries and you can do it yourself without any professional equipment.
It is essential to choose the right type of battery. Most automotive fobs are designed to accept CR2025 or CR2032 batteries, but some may require other types. If you're not sure what type of battery your remote uses you can look up the label or look inside. The battery will have a specific number printed or stamped on it. You can also use a multimeter in order to determine the voltage.
Another option is to try a different pair of batteries. The batteries inside a remote can be damaged or worn out over time. Replacing them may restore its functionality.
If the battery change isn't working, you can clean your fob, and make sure that all buttons are functioning. Car key fobs can become pretty dirty from being thrown around in purses and pockets and aren't completely indestructible. In some cases, removing the buttons and flexing them in and out of them could bring your remote back to life.
If you've tried all the suggestions on this list but your car key fob still not functioning it is likely that you require it to be reprogrammed by an expert. Grays Locksmiths will do this and can provide you with an entirely new replacement or a reconditioned one if needed.