5 Remote Car Key Repair Lessons Learned From The Professionals

· 5 min read
5 Remote Car Key Repair Lessons Learned From The Professionals

Car Key Replacement Services

When your car remote key fob stops working it can be frustrating and inconvenient. Most automotive locksmiths and dealers offer replacement keys for car keys that can restore your key to its original condition.

Try a few things at home before you rush to the dealer or locksmith.

Keys stolen or lost

It doesn't matter if you lost it or put it on the counter at the grocery store. Most of these problems are easily solved by you even if you're not a professional. It is possible that you need to change the battery, or the fob may not have the pairing information. Both of these problems can be easily fixed.

Modern cars have remote control keys which communicate with the vehicle via an exclusive radio frequency. When your fob is working it sends out a signal that lets you lock and unlock your car from a distance as well as start the engine. The fob itself isn't a mechanical key that's why you can't cut it at the hardware store and then use it to open your car. Newer fobs also have transponder chips that must be programmed for your specific car in order for the keyless entry to work.

The most common issue with a car's key fob is that it has lost its pairing with the vehicle. This can happen if the battery fails or it is caused by something as simple as a power loss. Consult your owner's guide for specific instructions. Although  car key repair near me  have the option to reset and re-pair the pairing, you can also consult the manual. If reseting the fob doesn't fix the problem, it will need to be reprogrammed. This usually will require a trip to an automotive locksmith or a dealership.

It's expensive to purchase a new fob for your key and it can take a while for a retailer to order it and program it. Certain insurance policies cover the cost of a replacement however, if it's not covered, it's still worth getting in touch with your vehicle's manufacturer or a locksmith in your area to discuss replacing the fob. You can save money and time by having a locksmith create a copy of the key in-person. Locksmiths can also cut you new keys and also replace the transponder chip, which will need to be synced to your car's receiver module.

Bad Battery

Modern car remotes are extremely useful, and they are a safer way to start a vehicle. However, if they stop working they can be a hassle. Fortunately, this is usually something that can be fixed by replacing the battery in the key fob.

The batteries that are used in the majority of modern remote key fobs are lithium ion coin cells. They are quite cheap and don't have any limits in their lifespan, but they have a limit to how long they will last. The battery of a remote key could be more worn than normal if it is frequently used. This can happen when the battery is pushed or in a way that is too forceful or exposed to moisture that can cause corrosion.

A worn out or dead battery is the most frequent reason for a car key not responding correctly. This is the first thing you check whether your remote key has stopped functioning. This will often fix the issue. If it is not the case, you may have to replace the battery.

A battery will usually be bad due to oxidation or corrosive corrosion. It could also be producing acidic fumes, which can cause poor connections between the battery's terminals. It is possible to fix this by removing the battery and cleaning the contacts with baking soda and water. After cleaning the connectors, you can then solder them in place and test the remote.

When you're checking for a dying or dead battery It is also a good idea to determine the buttons that have stopped functioning. This could be an indication of a bigger issue with your remote. You'll need to consult an expert for repair. A professional will be able to tell you if the remote can be repaired or if it needs to be replaced entirely. You can either repair it in a single visit by using an onboard process or connect to your car's OBD2 port to program a new key fob in an efficient and secure manner.

Bad Transponder Chip

The chip in your car keys transmits a unique code to the car's computer, similar to how the remote control for your garage door sends signals to its receiver to shut or open it. This code tells the vehicle that it's the correct owner and blocks anyone else from starting the engine.

If you attempt to start your car but it doesn't start begin, it's a sign that your transponder is malfunctioning. This could be due to various reasons but is typically an indication that you need an entirely new key.

A transponder chip that is not working is a different sign. Your car won't lock with your key fob. If this happens, you'll have to lock manually your doors instead. This can be frustrating especially if your vehicle is locked.

Finally, if the battery in your key fob is dead, that can cause the transponder stop working. This can happen over time, as the fob battery gradually loses its charge. It is always recommended to keep an extra key fob battery in the case that you can replace it as necessary.

There are a variety of other issues that could arise with the chip of a car's transponder but the ones listed above are the most prevalent. 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 defective. They can reprogram the key or replace it entirely, depending on what's needed. A Queen Creek auto locksmith will be able to pinpoint the problem for you and offer a solution that is reliable. Usually, they are more affordable than going to dealers.

Corrupted or lost pairing

Your car key fob isn't indestructible, and it's not uncommon for them to become obsolete as time passes. There are fortunately, easy fixes to help you get your car's remote back up and running.

The first thing you should do is to try using a backup key to lock and unlock your car. This will help to ensure that your fob isn't the problem and will also help to rule out a mechanical problem with the locks, if it turns out to be an electrical issue.

Batteries are often all that's needed to fix car key fobs. Replacing the batteries isn't expensive, and you can usually do it yourself with no professional equipment.

It is important to use the correct type of battery. The majority of automotive fobs are made to accept CR2025 or CR2032 batteries, but certain models may use different types. If you're not certain of the type of battery your remote is using, you can check the label or look inside. The battery will have a specific number written or printed on it. You can also make use of a multimeter to determine the voltage.


A different pair of batteries can also be used. The batteries inside the remote may be damaged or worn out over time. Replacing them may restore its functionality.

If the battery change isn't working, you can clean your fob and ensure that all buttons are working. Key fobs for cars can get 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 flexing them in and out can help get your remote back up and running.

If you have tried every step 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 they can also provide you with a new or a used replacement if you need it.