7 Things You Never Knew About Remote Car Key Repair
Car Key Replacement Services
If your car's remote fob isn't working and you are left frustrated. Fortunately, many locksmiths for automotive and dealerships offer replacement of your car key services that can help you get your key back to functioning properly.
Try a few things at home before heading to the dealer or locksmith.
Keys stolen or lost
If you dropped it in the car, left it on the counter when you ran into the grocery store or you simply lost it and not having your key fob is a big inconvenience. Luckily, most of these issues can be resolved on your own, even without the assistance of a professional. You might require a replacement battery or the fob may have lost its pairing details -- both are easily fixed.
Modern cars have remote controls that communicate with their vehicle using a radio frequency. When the fob is working, it sends out the signal that allows you to lock and unlock the vehicle remotely, as well as starting the engine. The fob isn't a mechanical key and therefore you cannot cut it at the hardware store and then use it to unlock your car. Modern fobs also include transponder chips that must be programmed for your specific vehicle to allow keyless entry to work.
The most frequent issue with a car's key fob is that it has lost its pairing with the vehicle. This can happen when the battery goes dead or if there's an issue with the power. Refer to the owner's manual for instructions. While the majority of modern cars have the option to reset and re-pair the pairing, you can also refer to the manual. If resetting the fob does not fix the problem the fob will need to be reprogrammed, which typically will require a trip to the dealership or an automotive locksmith.
Purchasing a replacement fob can be expensive and can take some time for the dealer to get it and program it. If your insurance policy doesn't cover the cost, it is still worth contacting your car's maker or locksmith to determine whether you can get the fob replaced. You can save time and money by having a locksmith create copies of the key in-person. A locksmith can also cut you a new key and also replace the transponder chip. This must be synchronized with your car's receiver module.
Bad Battery
While modern car remotes are very convenient and provide a much safer way to start your vehicle but they can be a hassle when they stop working. This is usually a problem that can be solved by replacing the battery on the key fob.
The majority of modern remote key fobs use lithium coin cell batteries with ion. They are relatively cheap and do not have any limitations in terms of their lifespan. However, they do have a limit on their time. The battery of a remote key can wear out faster than normal if used frequently. This could be due to being pushed or pressed 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 look into if your remote key has stopped functioning. In most cases, this will resolve the issue however, if it doesn't it's time to get a replacement battery.
A battery will usually be damaged due to oxidation or corrosion. It may also be producing acidic fumes that could lead to poor connections between battery terminals. This can be fixed by taking the old battery out and cleaning all of the contacts with a solution made of baking soda and water. After cleaning, you can connect the connectors back into place and then test the remote again.
When you're looking for a dying or dead battery it is also important to see the buttons that have stopped functioning. This could be an indication of a bigger issue with your remote. You will need to consult an expert for repair. A specialist can inform you if the remote can be repairable or must be replaced. They can do this either immediately using an onboard procedure, or by connecting to your car's OBD2 ports to program a key fob quickly and securely.
Bad Transponder Chip
Similar to how the remote to your garage door sends a specific signal to its receptor so that it opens or closes and closes, the chip in the car key transmits 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.
When you try to start your car and it doesn't start begin, it's a sign that your transponder is malfunctioning. This could be due to a variety of reasons, but it's typically a sign that it's time to purchase an alternative car key.
A transponder chip that has failed is another indication. Your car won't lock with your key fob. If this happens, you will be required to manually lock your doors instead. This can be frustrating, especially if your car is locked.
The transponder could not function if the battery in your key fob is not functioning. This can happen over time, because the fob battery slowly loses its charge. Always keep an extra key fob in your pocket so you can replace the battery when required.
There are many other issues with the transponder chip of a car, but these are the most prevalent. 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 reprogram the key, or replace it entirely according to what's required. A Queen Creek auto lockout will be able to determine the issue and provide you with an efficient solution. Usually they are less expensive than taking your car to dealers.
Pairings that are corrupted or lost
It's not uncommon to see your car's key fob to lose function in time. However, there are read this article to help you get your car's remote back up and running.
Try to lock and unlock the vehicle with an alternative key. This will confirm that the fob isn't the cause of the issue, and eliminate the possibility of a mechanical issue with the locks in the event it is found to be an electrical issue.
Often, key fobs for cars simply need to have their batteries replaced. It's not expensive to replace the batteries and you can do it yourself with no professional equipment.
It is important to use the correct 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 look inside if you are not certain. The battery will have a specific number written or printed on it. You can also utilize a multimeter to determine the voltage.
A different pair of batteries can also be utilized. The batteries in the remote could wear out or corrode over time. Removing them could help restore the functionality of the remote.
If the battery change doesn't work, you can try to clean out your fob and make sure all of the buttons are working correctly. Car key fobs don't last forever and may become dirty if they are tossed around in pockets or purses. In certain cases, taking them off and cleaning them and bending them in and out can get your remote working again.
If you've tried everything on this list and your car key fob not working then you'll likely require it to be reset by a professional. Grays Locksmiths will do this and will provide you with the new one or a used one, if required.