10 Great Books On Remote Car Key Repair Car Key Replacement Services

When your car remote key fob stops working it can be a frustrating and annoying. Luckily, most automotive locksmiths and dealerships offer car key replacement services that can get your key functioning correctly.

Before heading to the dealer or a professional locksmith, try a few simple steps at home first.

Keys stolen or lost

Whether you dropped it in the car, left it on the counter when you went to the store for groceries, or you simply lost it and not having your key fob can be an enormous inconvenience. Luckily, most of these problems can be resolved on your own, even without the help of a professional. You may need to replace the battery, or the fob could be missing its pairing information, both of which can be easily fixed.

Modern cars have remote controls that connect to their vehicle using a radio frequency. If your fob is operating it transmits a signal that allows you to lock and unlock your car from a distance, and also start the engine. The fob itself isn't a mechanical key and therefore you cannot cut it at an hardware store and use it to unlock your car. Newer fobs also have a transponder chip that must be programmed for your specific car in order for the keyless entry to function.

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 out or is caused by something as simple as a power failure. While most modern car models can reset the fob and re-establish its pairing, check the owner's manual for instructions. If the reset of your fob fails to solve the issue, then you'll need it reset. This typically requires a visit to an automotive locksmith or a dealership.

The cost of purchasing a replacement fob could be expensive and can take some time for the dealer to purchase and program it. Certain insurance policies will cover the cost of replacing a fob however, if it's not covered, it's still worth getting in touch with your car's manufacturer or a locksmith in your area to inquire about replacing the fob. You can save time and money by having a locksmith create a copy of the key on-site. Locksmiths can also cut a new key and replace the transponder chip. This will require synchronization with your car's receiver module.

Bad Battery

While modern car remotes are very convenient and offer a more secure method to start your car, they can still be frustrating when they stop functioning. Thankfully, this is often something that can be solved by replacing the battery in the key fob.

The batteries that power the majority of modern remote key fobs are coin cells made of lithium ion. They are relatively inexpensive and are not limited in their lifespan, but they do have a limit to the length of time they can last. The battery of a remote key can get worn out faster than the normal if frequently used. 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 work properly is a worn-out or dead battery. If your remote key isn't working, you must check this first. Most of the time, this will fix the issue however, if it doesn't then it's time to get a replacement battery.

A battery is usually damaged due to oxidation or corrosion. It could also give off acidic fumes or leaking acid from the battery. car key repair near me can cause weak connections between the battery's terminals. It can be fixed by removing the old battery and cleaning all of the contacts using a solution of baking soda and water. After cleaning the connectors, you can resolder them in place and test the remote.

If you're looking for a dead battery or one that is dying and you need to determine if any buttons are not working. This could be an indication of a bigger issue with your remote. You'll need to contact an expert to fix the problem. A specialist can inform you if your remote is repairable, or if it has to 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 quickly and securely.

Bad Transponder Chip

The chip in your car key sends an unique code to your vehicle's computer, similar to how 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 right owner and stops anyone from running the engine without authorization.

When you try to start your car but it fails be able to start, it's a sign that your transponder has failed. This could be due to various reasons but is usually an indication that you need an entirely new key.

A transponder chip that has failed is another indication. Your car won't lock with your key fob. In this situation you'll need to lock your vehicle manually. This can be a hassle particularly if your car is already locked.

In the end, if the battery of your key fob is dead, that can cause the transponder to stop working. This can happen over time, as the fob battery slowly loses its charge. Always keep a spare key fob in your pocket so you can recharge the battery as needed.

There are many other issues that can occur with a car's transponder chip, but the ones listed above are the most prevalent. Contact an auto locksmith as soon as possible if your key fob's battery is dead or the transponder chip has become malfunctioning. They can either reprogram the key or replace it entirely, depending on the requirements. A Queen Creek auto locksmith will be able to identify the issue for you and offer a solution that is reliable. Usually, they are more affordable than going to dealers.

Pairings that are lost or corrupted

Your car key fob isn't a piece of cake and it's not uncommon to see them lose function over time. There are a few easy solutions you can attempt to get your remote back to working.

It is recommended to first lock and unlock your car using an extra key. This will allow you to be sure that your fob isn't the problem and will also help to determine if there is a mechanical issue in the locks if it does turn out to be an electrical one.

Often, key fobs for cars simply need to have their battery replaced. It's not too expensive to replace the batteries, and you don't require any special equipment.

It's important to use the right type of battery However. Most automotive remotes accept CR2025 and CR2032 batteries. However, some use different types. If you're unsure of the kind of battery your remote is using it is possible to check the label or go inside. The battery is usually marked with a an engraved or stamped number on it, or you could test it with a multimeter and determine what the voltage is.

A different set of batteries can also be used. The batteries in a remote can be damaged or worn out over time. Removing them could restore its functionality.

If replacing the battery isn't working, try to clean out the fob and ensure that all buttons are functioning correctly. Car key fobs can become pretty dirty from being bashed around in pockets and purses They aren't impervious to damage. In certain cases, taking them off and cleaning them and flexing them in and out can help get your remote working again.

If you have attempted all the steps in this list, but the car key fob isn't working, then you likely need to reprogramme it. Grays Locksmiths will do this and can provide you with an entirely new replacement or a used one if you need it.