If your car's remote fob stops working it can be a frustrating. Most locksmiths and dealers for automotive offer replacement keys for car keys that can restore your key to its original condition.
Try a few easy things at home before you rush to the store or locksmith.
Keys stolen or lost
If you dropped it in the car, put it on the counter while you went to the supermarket, or simply lost it, not having your key fob is an enormous hassle. Most of these issues can be easily solved by you even if you don't have an expert. You might require a replacement battery, or the fob could be missing its pairing information -- both of which can be easily repaired.
Modern cars are equipped with remote control keys which communicate with the vehicle by using an exclusive radio frequency. If your fob is operating it transmits an alert that allows you to lock and unlock the car from a distance, and also to start the engine. The fob isn't a key that can be used mechanically, so you can't simply get it cut at a hardware store and used to unlock your car. The newer fobs have transponders that need to be programmed into your vehicle to make keyless entry work.
The most common issue with car fobs is when it loses its pairing with the vehicle. This can happen when the battery is dead or there is an electrical failure. Check the owner's manual for instructions. Although most modern vehicles offer the option of reset and re-pair the pairing, you must also refer to the manual. If resetting the fob does not solve the issue the fob will need to be reprogrammed. This typically requires a trip to an automotive locksmith or a dealership.
It's expensive to purchase a replacement key fob and it can take several days for a retailer to order it and program it. If your insurance policy doesn't cover the cost, it is worth contacting the maker of your car or a locksmith to find out if you can have the fob replaced. You can save time and money by having a locksmith create copies of the key in-person. Locksmiths can also create you a brand new, functional key and replace your current transponder chip. This will require that the receiver module in your vehicle is synced.
Bad Battery
Modern car remotes are extremely useful, and they are a safer way to start a vehicle. However, when they stop working they can be frustrating. Thankfully, this is often something that can be solved by replacing the battery on the key fob.
The batteries that are used in the majority of modern remote key fobs are lithium ion coin cells. These are fairly cheap and don't have any limits in time, however they do have a limit to how long they last. The battery of a remote key could get worn out faster than the normal if frequently used. This could happen if the battery is pushed or over-forced, or exposed to moisture, which could cause corrosion.
A dead or worn out battery is the main reason for a car keys not responding correctly. If your remote key is not working, you must check this first. This can often resolve the issue. If it is not the case, you may have to replace the battery.
A battery is typically damaged because of oxidation or corrosion. It may also give acidic fumes, or leaking acid from the battery. This can result in poor connections between the battery's terminals. This can be repaired by getting rid of the old battery and cleaning all of the contacts with a solution of baking soda and water. After the cleaning, you can solder the connectors back in place and test the remote once more.
If you are looking for a dead battery or one that is dying it is also important to check whether any buttons are not functioning. This could be a sign of a larger issue with your remote. You'll need to contact an expert for repair. A specialist can inform you if the remote can be repairable, or if it has to be replaced. They can do this immediately using an onboard procedure or connect to your vehicle's OBD2 port to program a new key fob a safe and fast method.
Bad Transponder Chip
The chip in your car key sends an unique code to your vehicle's computer, just like the remote control for your garage door transmits signals to its receiver to shut or open it. The car is informed that it is the legitimate owner and stops anyone from running the engine without authorization.
If you attempt to start your car and it doesn't start begin, it's an indication 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.
Another common sign that a transponder chip has gone bad is when your car won't lock with the key fob. In this instance, you'll need to lock your car manually. This can be frustrating especially if your vehicle is locked.
The transponder could cease to function if the battery in your key fob is dead. Over time, the fob battery will gradually lose its charge. Always keep a spare key fob on hand so you can swap the battery as needed.
There are several other problems that can arise from the chip of a car's transponder but the ones listed above are the most frequent. Contact an auto locksmith as soon as possible when your key fob's power source is dead or the chip that controls transponder has become faulty. They can reprogram the key or replace it completely depending on the need. A Queen Creek auto lockout will be able to determine the issue and offer a reliable solution. Usually they are less expensive than going to a dealer.
Corrupted or lost pairing
It's not uncommon for your car key fob to lose its functionality as time passes. There are a few simple fixes that you can try to get your remote working again.
It is recommended to first lock and unlock the car with an extra key. This will help ensure that your fob isn't at fault and also to eliminate a mechanical issue with the locks, if it does turn out to be an electrical one.
Often, car key fobs require a batteries replaced. Replacing the batteries isn't expensive, and you can usually do it yourself, without professional equipment.
It is essential to choose the right type of battery. The majority of automotive fobs are made to accept CR2025 or CR2032 batteries, though certain models may use different types. If you're not certain of the type of battery your remote uses, you can check the label or look inside. The battery will have a number printed or stamped on it. You can also utilize a multimeter to determine the voltage.
A different set of batteries could also be utilized. The batteries inside the remote could be damaged or worn out over time. Replacing them may bring back its functionality.
If changing the battery isn't working, try to clean out your key fob and check all the buttons are functioning properly. Car key fobs can become pretty dirty from being bashed around in purses and pockets They aren't impervious to damage. In some instances, just taking them off and cleaning them and bending them in and out can help get your remote back up and running.
If you've tried everything on this list and the car key fob still not functioning it is likely that you require it to be reset by an expert. Grays Locksmiths will do this and can provide you with a new replacement or a reconditioned one if you need it.