10 Unexpected Remote Car Key Repair Tips
Car Key Replacement Services
If your car's remote fob fails to function it can be a frustrating. Fortunately, many locksmiths for automotive and dealerships offer car key replacement services that can help you get your key back to working properly.
Before rushing to the dealership or a locksmith professional try a few easy steps at home first.
Lost or Stolen Keys
Whether you dropped it in the car, put it on the counter when you ran to the store for groceries, or just plain lost it and not having your key fob is an enormous problem. Fortunately, most of these problems can be resolved by yourself, even without the assistance of an expert. You may require a replacement battery or the fob may have lost its pairing information, both are easily repaired.
Modern cars are equipped with remote controls that connect to their vehicle via radio frequency. When your fob is working it transmits the signal that allows you to lock and unlock the car from a distance, and also start the engine. The fob isn't a mechanical key and therefore you cannot get it cut at the hardware store and then use it to unlock your car. The latest fobs come with transponders that need to be programmed into your car to make the keyless entry work.
The most frequent problem with a car key fob is that it has lost the connection with the vehicle. This could happen if the battery dies or if there's an issue with the power. Refer to the owner's manual for instructions. While the majority of modern cars offer the option of reset and re-pair the pairing, you should also refer to the manual. If reseting your fob doesn't fix the issue, you will need to have it reset. This usually requires the assistance of an automotive locksmith or dealership.
It's costly to purchase a replacement fob for your key and it can take a few days for a dealer to order it and program it. Certain insurance policies cover the cost of replacing a fob however if it doesn't, it's worth getting in touch with the car's manufacturer or a locksmith in your area to see about getting the fob replaced. You can save money and time by having a locksmith make a copy of the key in-person. A locksmith can also cut you keys and replace the existing transponder chip. The new one must be synchronized with your car's receiver module.
Bad Battery
Modern car remotes can be extremely convenient, and are a safe way to start a vehicle. However, if they stop working, it can be very frustrating. Luckily, this is something that can be solved by replacing the battery on the key fob.
The batteries used in most modern remote key fobs are lithium ion coin cells. 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 used frequently, the battery may get worn out more quickly than normal. This can be caused by being pushed or pressed too hard or being exposed to moisture, which can cause corrosion.
The most frequent reason for a car key to not function is a worn or dead battery. This should be the first thing you look into if your remote key has stopped functioning. This can often resolve the problem. If not, you may require replacing the battery.
Most of the time, batteries fail due to corrosion or oxidation. It might also be giving acidic fumes or leaks of acid from the battery. This can cause weak connections between the terminals of the battery. It can be fixed by removing the old battery and cleaning all of the 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 looking for a dead or dying battery It is also a good idea to see the buttons that have stopped functioning. This could be a sign of a bigger issue with your remote. It is recommended to consult a professional for repair. A professional will be able to inform you whether the remote is repairable or if it requires replacement entirely. G28 Car Keys can do this directly on the spot 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 the way that the remote for your garage door transmits an exact signal to its receptor so that it can open or close, the chip inside the car key transmits a unique code to the computer system in your car. This code informs the vehicle that it is the owner who is legitimate and prevents anyone else from starting the engine.
When you try to start your vehicle and it doesn't start begin, it's a sign that your transponder is not working. This could be due to a variety of reasons but is typically an indication that you need a new key.
A transponder chip which has failed is another common sign. Your car won't lock with your key fob. In this case you'll need to lock your car manually. This can be very frustrating particularly if your car is locked.
The transponder can stop working If the battery inside your key fob is dead. This could happen over time, because the fob battery slowly loses its charge. It is always recommended to keep an extra battery for the key fob in your possession, so that you can replace it if required.
There are many other problems with the transponder chip on automobiles however, these are the most common. If your battery for the key fob is drained or the chip is damaged it is important to contact an auto locksmith to have the issue resolved quickly. They can either reprogram the key or replace it entirely, depending on the requirements. A Queen Creek auto locksmith will be able to determine the issue for you and provide a dependable solution. They will usually be more cost-effective than taking your car to an auto dealer.
Lost or Corrupted Pairing
Your car key fob isn't impervious to damage, and it's not uncommon for them to become obsolete in time. There are a few quick fixes that you can try to get your remote back to working.
Try to lock and unlock the vehicle with an extra key. This will allow you to be sure that your fob isn't the issue and also to rule out a mechanical problem with the locks if it turns out to be an electrical issue.
Often, car key fobs 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 use different types. You can check the label on the remote or take a look inside if not sure. The battery is usually marked with a the number printed or stamped on it, or you can utilize a multimeter to determine what the voltage is.
Another option is to test a different battery. Sometimes, the batteries in the fob could be worn out or corroded over time and replacing them could restore the functionality of the remote.
If the battery change isn't working, you can clean your fob and ensure that all buttons are functioning. Car key fobs can become pretty dirty from being bashed around in pockets and purses, and they aren't indestructible. In some instances, taking out the buttons and flexing them in and out of them can bring your remote back to life.
If you've tried every step on this list, and the car key fob isn't working, you'll likely require it to be reprogrammed. Grays Locksmiths can do this for you, and can also supply you with a brand-new or a used replacement if you need it.