Auto Key Repair: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly Auto Key Repair Near Me

You don't know when you'll lose your car keys. And if it does happen it usually happens at the most un-cooperative time.

You could call your dealership and ask them to create you a new key, but they charge huge amounts of money. In addition, they may not have the type of key you require.

Lost Keys

Not too long ago, misplacing or losing keys to your car was not a huge issue. You could find a replacement for it quickly and cheaply at a locksmith. However, as key repairs have become more technologically advanced, so do their keys, and changing one can be an expensive task. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, explains that based on the type of key you have the procedure of regaining access may be a lengthy process and can cost hundreds of dollars.

It can happen for many reasons, but typically it happens when you're in a rush or distracted and fail to remember where you put your keys. It's essential to keep a spare set keys in a secure location and to follow the steps you took in case you lost them.

Begin by thinking about the last time you've had them, then look through every possible place where you could have put them. Look in your pockets, the floor of your car (including the trunk), your office desk or wherever else you might have been sitting.

Also, think about whether you've handed the spare key to anyone. If so, you should contact the person to find out whether your key has been discovered. Make sure you look around your home, since keys are often hidden under couch cushions or on top of mail stacks.

If you are unable to locate your keys, it is important to determine what kind of key you have. Then, you can contact someone to get it replaced. In certain cases you may need go to a dealer to have a new key made, particularly if yours is equipped with a transponder chip or other technology that needs programming.

A locksmith will usually give you a replacement key on the spot if you have an old-fashioned key. In most cases, however, you'll need to bring your vehicle's registration, title or any other evidence of ownership to the dealership. You'll need to bring an ID photo along with any spare keys that you may have.

Transponder Keys

If you own a vehicle made in the past decade or two, it's nearly guaranteed that your key comes with a transponder chip. These chips are used to stop car thefts by making sure that only the owner of the vehicle is able to start it. The chips work by transmitting a message from the key to the antenna ring that surrounds the ignition cylinder. The computer inside your car will check the "password" that is sent by the key to an stored list of authorized codes, and if it matches the code, the engine will fire up.

Transponder keys can be extremely useful but can also be a problem when they get lost or stolen. They are, for one, very hard to duplicate because they contain a unique microchip. The only way to duplicate the transponder's key is using an original that's already been programmed. This can be done by a professional locksmith the dealership for the manufacturer of the car or a reputable automotive shop.

key fob repairs prefer to hire experts to program transponder keys. This is because there are a lot of steps involved, and every vehicle's anti-theft mechanism functions differently. A professional can also ensure that the key is properly programmed, and that it works in a correct manner.


Transponder keys need to be taken care of to ensure they continue to perform as they should. This means keeping it out of extreme temperatures or water and making sure you don't drop it. If you do accidentally drop your key it's a good idea to visit a professional locksmith or dealership for the car manufacturer as soon as possible to get it replaced.

It's much easier to replace a key operated mechanically however, you should keep a spare transponder. This will save you the hassle and cost of having your vehicle's computer system reprogrammed in the event that you lose your only functioning key. This is due to the anti-theft system that are built into the majority of vehicles will require the original key to be reprogrammed, and this process is time-consuming.

Key Fobs

It may seem far-fetched to think that your most important fob is at risk of failure, but it's entirely uncommon. Fobs are comprised of circuits and batteries that are susceptible to damage by a variety of causes. Unexpected shocks can cause them to stop working in addition to exposure to water or other liquids.

Fortunately, many of the issues that arise from key fobs are fairly easy to repair. The first thing to check is the battery, which can be replaced at the hardware store or at a large retailer that sells automotive batteries. If the problem isn't the battery, it could be a problem with damaged contacts inside the fob, which prevent it from connecting to the receiver inside the vehicle. The majority of them are composed of a rubber-like material, and coated with an electric conducting film that can wear off with time due to repeated use. These can be cleaned by taking off the fob and disassembling it. After carefully re-soldering the contacts they can be reconstructed to working order.

In some cases, reprogramming the fob to reconnect with the car's receiver is all that's required. You'll usually find the necessary instructions in the owner's guide, or by searching online for your model of car. If you're not able to find instructions for your particular make of vehicle, a dealer or an independent shop that specializes in your particular model of car will be able to assist.

Some vehicles, especially older ones with less sophisticated security systems, allow owners to purchase replacement fobs at specialized retailers or online vendors and follow a procedure to program them on their own. This is a much cheaper alternative to visiting the dealer. However, it only works on cars that do not require special security protocols. For instance, Audi and Subaru dealerships cannot use aftermarket fobs in order to reprogram vehicles equipped with digital encryption systems according to CR.

It's also important to know that some key fobs from aftermarket sources may be difficult or impossible to program into your vehicle. Some dealers won't accept fobs from the aftermarket and instead prefer to use a new one from the automaker.

Bluetooth Key Trackers

A Bluetooth tracker (also known as a key finder) is a small device that you can attach to your personal belongings, such as your keys or wallet. When you connect it to your smartphone via Bluetooth, the application running on your phone will keep contact with the tracker the duration of time it is within reach. If you lose the item, you can trigger it to sound ring by pressing the button on the tracker. You can use the tracking feature of your phone to see an image of the last location.

Most Bluetooth trackers are powered by rechargeable batteries. Depending on the model, this may add convenience to your life as you can keep one device fully charged and ready at all times to find items that you've lost. You'll still need to be aware of your battery's life as these devices tend drain it faster than normal.

Another thing to consider when purchasing a Bluetooth key tracker is whether or not it can encrypt your location information. Some companies do not, which means you could be vulnerable if your information is leaked in the event of a hack. Luckily, most manufacturers do encrypt this data. It is still important to read the fine print before buying a product. The information you provide could be used by a criminal to gain access to your car or your home.