10 Remote Car Key Repair Strategies All The Experts Recommend Car Key Replacement Services

If your car's remote key fob stops working it can be a frustrating. Many automotive locksmiths and dealers offer car key replacements that will restore your key to its original condition.

Try a few simple things at home prior to heading to the dealer or a locksmith.

Keys stolen or lost

Whether you dropped it in the car, left it on the counter when you ran to the store for groceries, or simply lost it and not having your key fob is an hassle. Fortunately, most of these issues can be resolved at home, without the help of a professional. You may need to change the battery or the fob could be missing pairing information. Both of these problems can be fixed easily.

Modern cars have remote control keys which communicate with the vehicle via a special radio frequency. If your fob is in use, it sends out a signal allowing you to lock and unlock your vehicle remotely, as being able to start the engine. The fob isn't an electronic key. You can't get it cut at a hardware store and then use it to open your vehicle. Modern fobs also include transponder chips that need to be programmed for your specific car in order for the keyless entry to work.

The most common issue with a car key fob is that it has lost its pairing with the vehicle. This can happen if the battery fails or is caused by something as minor as a power outage. While most modern car models can reset the fob to restore its pairing, you should check the owner's manual for instructions. If the reset of your fob fails to fix the issue, you'll need it reprogrammed. This typically requires a visit to an automotive locksmith or a dealership.

It's costly to purchase a new fob for your key and it can take several days for a retailer to order it and program it. Certain insurance policies will cover the cost of replacing a fob however, if it's not covered, it's worth getting in touch with your vehicle's manufacturer or a locksmith in your area to see about getting the fob replaced. You can save time and money by having a locksmith create a copy of the key on-site. Locksmiths can also cut you a new key and also replace the transponder chip, which will require synchronization to your car's receiver module.

Bad Battery

While modern car remotes are very convenient and offer a safer method of starting your vehicle however, they can be a hassle when they stop functioning. Luckily, this is something that can be fixed by replacing the battery in the key fob.

The majority of modern remote key fobs use lithium ion coin cell batteries. These are fairly cheap and don't have any limits in their lifespan, but they do have a limit to the length of time they can last. When a remote car key is in frequent use it is possible that the battery will get worn out more quickly than the normal. This can be caused by being pushed or pressed hard, or by being exposed to moisture, which could cause corrosion.

A worn or dead battery is the most common cause of a car key not working properly. If your remote key isn't working, you should check this first. This can often resolve the problem. If not, you might need to replace the battery.

A battery is typically damaged due to oxidation or corrosive corrosion. It may also be leaks acid or emitting acidic fumes, which can cause poor connections between battery terminals. You can fix this by removing the battery and cleaning the contacts using baking soda and water. After cleaning, you can put the connectors back to their original positions and test your remote again.

While you are checking a dying or dead battery It is also a good idea to determine the buttons that have stopped functioning. This can be a sign that there is a more serious problem with your remote and you'll need to get an expert to fix it. A specialist can tell you if the remote is repairable, or must be replaced. key fob repairs can either repair it immediately with an onboard procedure or connect to your car's OBD2 port to program a new key fob in an efficient and safe manner.

Bad Transponder Chip

Similar to the way that the remote to your garage door transmits a specific signal to its receptor so that it opens and closes, the chip inside your car key sends a unique code to the vehicle's computer system. This code tells the vehicle that it's the right owner and prevents anyone else from starting the engine.

If you attempt to start your vehicle and it fails be able to start, it's an indication that your transponder is malfunctioning. This could be due to a variety of reasons, but it's typically a sign that it's time for new car keys.

Another sign that a transponder chip gone bad is when your car doesn't lock when you use the key fob. In this situation you'll have to lock your vehicle manually. This can be stressful and unaffordable, particularly if you are already locked out of your vehicle.

If the battery in your key fob is dead, that can also cause the transponder to stop working. This could happen over time, as the fob battery gradually loses its charge. Always keep an extra key fob in your pocket so you can swap the battery as required.

There are many other issues that could arise with the chip of a car's transponder but the ones listed above are the most common. Contact an auto locksmith as soon as you can if your key fob's battery is dead or if the transponder chip is 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 identify the problem for you and offer a solution that is reliable. Usually they are less expensive than taking your car to a dealer.

Pairings that are lost or corrupted


Your car key fob isn't a piece of cake and it's not uncommon for them to become obsolete as time passes. There are a few quick solutions you can try to get your remote back to working.

The first thing you should do is try using an additional key to unlock and lock your vehicle. This will confirm that the fob isn't the issue, and will also eliminate the possibility of a mechanical issue with the locks in the event it turns out to be electrical.

Often, key fobs for cars require a batteries replaced. It's not costly to replace the batteries, and you don't require any special equipment.

It is crucial to choose the right type of battery However. Most automotive remotes accept CR2025 and CR2032 batteries. However, some might use different types. You can look up the label on your remote, or examine the inside if you're not certain. The battery will typically have a an engraved or stamped number on it, or you can utilize a multimeter to determine what the voltage is.

Another solution is to try a different battery. The batteries in the remote could get worn out or corrode over time. Replacing them may restore its functionality.

If the battery change doesn't work you can clean the fob and ensure that all the buttons are working. Car key fobs are not indestructible and may become dirty if they're beaten around in purses or pockets. In some cases, removing the buttons and flexing them in and out of them could bring your remote back to life.

If you have attempted all the steps on this list, and your car key fob isn't working, then you likely require it to be reprogrammed. Grays Locksmiths can do this for you, and can also supply you with a new or used replacement, if needed.