What's The Good And Bad About Remote Car Key Repair

· 5 min read
What's The Good And Bad About Remote Car Key Repair

Car Key Replacement Services

If your car's remote fob fails to function it can be a frustrating. Fortunately, many locksmiths for automotive and dealerships provide replacement car keys services that can help you get your key working properly.

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

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It doesn't matter if you dropped it off in the car, put it on the counter when you went to the supermarket, or simply lost it or lost your key fob can be an enormous inconvenience. Most of these problems are easily fixed by you, even if you don't have an expert. You may require a replacement battery or the fob might have lost its pairing information -- both are easily repaired.

Modern cars use remote controls that communicate with their vehicle via a radio frequency. If your fob is in use, it sends out a signal allowing you to lock and unlock your vehicle remotely, as as starting the engine. The fob isn't a key that can be used mechanically, so you can't simply have it cut at an hardware store and use it to unlock your car. The latest fobs come with transponders that need to be programmed in your car to make the keyless entry work.

The most frequent issue with a car key fob is that it has lost its connection with the vehicle. This can happen if the battery dies, or it can be caused by something as simple as a power loss. While the majority of modern automobiles can reset the fob to restore its pairing, consult your owner's manual for instructions. If reseting your fob doesn't fix the issue, you'll need it reprogrammed. This usually requires the assistance of an automotive locksmith or dealership.

Purchasing a replacement fob can be costly and can take several days for the dealer to get it and program it. If your insurance plan does not cover the cost, it is still worth contacting the maker of your car or a locksmith to find out whether you are able to have the fob replaced. They can often copy keys in a matter of minutes, saving you the cost and hassle of the tow truck. Locksmiths can also cut you keys and replace the existing transponder chip. The new one will need to be synced to your car's receiver module.

Bad Battery

Modern car remotes can be very convenient, and they are a safer way to start a car. However, when they stop working, it can be a hassle. 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 coin cell batteries with ion. They are relatively cheap and do not have any limitations in terms of their lifespan. However, they do have a limit on their life span. The battery of a remote key may wear out faster than normal if used frequently. This can happen when the battery is pressed too hard or exposed to moisture which can cause corrosion.

A worn out or dead battery is the most frequent cause of a car key not working properly. This should be the first thing to check to determine if your remote has stopped working. Most of the time, this will fix the issue however, if it doesn't then it's time to replace the battery.

Most of the time, a battery is bad due to corrosion or oxidation. It could also be producing acidic fumes, which can result in weak connections between battery terminals. It is possible to fix this by taking the battery off and cleaning the contacts with baking soda and water. After the cleaning, you can connect the connectors back to their original positions and then test the remote again.

While you are checking a dead or dying battery it is also important to see if any buttons have stopped functioning. This could be a sign that there is a serious problem with your remote and you'll have to get an expert to fix it. A specialist will be able to tell you if the remote can be repaired or if it is required to be replaced completely.  car key fob repair near me  can do this on the spot with an onboard procedure, or by connecting to your vehicle's OBD2 ports to program a key fob swiftly and securely.

Bad Transponder Chip

The chip inside your car key transmits a unique code to your vehicle's computer, similar to how the remote control for your garage door sends signals to its receiver to open or close it. This code informs the vehicle that it's the right owner and prevents anyone else from starting the engine.

If you attempt to start your car and it won't, this is a sign that your transponder is not working. This could be due to a number of reasons, but is typically a sign that it's time to purchase an alternative car key.

A transponder chip which has failed is another indication. Your car won't lock with your key fob. If this happens, you will be required to manually lock your doors instead. This can be very frustrating particularly if your car is locked.

Finally, if the battery in your key fob is dead, that can also cause the transponder to cease functioning. This could happen over time, because the fob battery slowly loses its charge. It is always an ideal idea to keep an extra battery for the key fob on hand, so that you can replace it if needed.

There are many other issues with the transponder chip on automobiles but these are the most common. If your key fob battery is drained or the chip has gone bad, it's important to call an auto locksmith to get the problem fixed quickly. They can reprogram the key, or replace it entirely according to what's required. A Queen Creek auto lockout will be able to determine the issue and provide you with an effective solution. They will generally be cheaper than taking your car to an auto dealer.

Lost or Corrupted Pairing

The key fob in your car isn't impervious to damage and it's not uncommon for them to lose functionality over time. However, there are easy fixes to get your car's remote functioning.

It is recommended to first lock and unlock the vehicle using an extra key. This will help to ensure that your fob isn't at fault and also to rule out a mechanical problem in the locks if it does turn out to be an electrical issue.

Often, car key fobs just need to have their battery replaced. It's not costly to replace the batteries and you don't require special 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 some may use other kinds. If you're unsure of the type of battery your remote is using you can look up the label or examine the inside of. The battery will typically have a the number printed or stamped on it, or test it with a multimeter and determine what the voltage is.

Another easy fix is to try a new battery. Sometimes, the batteries in the fob may be worn out or corroded over time and replacing them could restore the functionality of the remote.

If changing the battery doesn't work, you can try cleaning out your fob and make sure all the buttons are working correctly. Key fobs for cars can get pretty dirty from being thrown around in purses and pockets, and they aren't indestructible. In certain cases, removing the buttons and flexing them in and out of them could bring your remote back to life.


If you've tried everything listed here and the car key fob not working, you'll probably require it to be changed by a professional. Grays Locksmiths can do this for you, and they can also provide you with a brand-new or used replacement if necessary.