5 Must-Know Remote Car Key Repair Practices For 2023

· 5 min read
5 Must-Know Remote Car Key Repair Practices For 2023

Car Key Replacement Services

If your car's remote key fob isn't working and you are left frustrated. Fortunately, many locksmiths for automotive and dealerships offer replacement of your car key services that can get your key functioning correctly.

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. The majority of these issues can be easily solved by you even if you're not an expert. You may require replacing the battery, or the fob could have lost its pairing details -- both of which can be easily repaired.

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

The most frequent issue with a car's key fob is that it has lost its pairing with the vehicle. This could happen if the battery goes dead or if there's an electrical failure. While most modern car models can reset the fob to restore its pairing, check the owner's manual for instructions. If reseting  key repair service near me  doesn't solve the issue, you'll need it reset. This typically requires visiting an automotive locksmith or dealership.

Purchasing a replacement fob can be costly, and it takes some time for the dealer to get it and program it. If your insurance plan does not cover the cost, it's worth contacting the manufacturer of your vehicle or locksmith to determine if you can have the fob replaced. Locksmiths can usually duplicate keys immediately, saving you the cost and hassle of towing a truck. Locksmiths can also create you a working, new key and replace your current transponder chip. This will require that the receiver module in your vehicle be synced.

Bad Battery

While modern car remotes are very convenient and offer a safer method of starting your vehicle, they can still be a hassle when they stop working. Thankfully, this is often something that can be fixed by replacing the battery on the key fob.

The majority of modern remote key fobs use lithium coin cell batteries that are ion. They are quite cheap and don't have any limits in time, however 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 used frequently. This is possible when the battery is over-forced, or exposed to moisture which can cause corrosion.

The most frequent reason for the car key to not function properly is a dead or worn-out battery. If your remote key is not working, you should check this first. Most of the time, this will fix the issue however, if it doesn't it's time to replace the battery.

Most of the time the battery is damaged due to corrosion or oxidation. It might also be giving acidic fumes, or leaking battery acid, which can cause weak connections between the terminals of the battery. This can be fixed by getting rid of the old battery and cleaning all contacts using a solution of baking soda and water. After cleaning, you can solder the connectors back in place and test the remote once more.

If you're looking for a dead battery or one that is deteriorating and you need to determine if any buttons are not functioning. This could be a sign of a larger issue with your remote. You will need to contact an expert to fix the problem. A specialist can tell you if your remote is repairable or needs to be replaced. They can do this immediately using an onboard procedure, or by connecting to your car's OBD2 ports to program a key fob swiftly and securely.

Bad Transponder Chip

Similar to how the remote for your garage door sends a specific signal to its receptor, so that it can open or close, the chip inside your car key sends an unique code to the computer system in your car. This informs the car that it is the legitimate owner and prevents anyone from starting the engine without authorization.

One of the first signs that your transponder chip is gone bad is when you attempt to start your car but it won't start. This could be due to a number of reasons, but it's often an indication that it's time for new car keys.

A transponder chip which has failed is another common indication. Your car won't lock using your key fob. In this instance you'll need to lock your vehicle manually. This can be stressful and inconvenient, especially in the event that you have already locked out of your vehicle.

The transponder may cease to function when the battery in your key fob is not functioning. Over time, the battery will gradually lose its charge. It is always a good idea to have an extra battery for the key fob in your possession, so that you can replace it if required.


There are several other problems that can occur with the transponder chip in your car however the ones mentioned above are the most common. Contact an auto locksmith as quickly as possible if your key fob's battery is dead or the transponder chip has become faulty. They can either reprogram the key or replace it completely depending on the requirements. A Queen Creek auto locksmith will be able to determine the issue for you and provide a dependable solution. They are usually cheaper than taking your vehicle to a dealership.

Pairings that are corrupted or lost

It's not unusual for your car key fob to lose its functionality in time. There are  car key remote repair near me  that you can try to get your remote back to working.

You should first try to lock and unlock your car using an alternative key. This will help to ensure that your fob isn't the problem and will also help to rule out a mechanical problem in the locks if it turns out to be an electrical issue.

Often, key fobs for cars just need to have their batteries replaced. The cost of replacing the batteries isn't too expensive and you can do it yourself, without professional equipment.

It is crucial to select the right type of battery. Most automotive remotes accept CR2025 and CR2032 batteries. However, some utilize different types of batteries. You can look up the label on your remote or look inside if you are not certain. The battery will have a code written or printed on it. You can also use a multimeter in order to determine the voltage.

A different pair of batteries could also be utilized. Sometimes, the batteries inside the fob could become corroded or worn out over time and replacement could restore the functionality of the remote.

If the battery change isn't working, you can clean the fob and ensure that all the buttons are working. Car key fobs aren't indestructible and can get dirty when they're beaten around in purses and pockets. In some instances, taking out 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, but your car key fob isn't working, you'll likely require it to be reprogrammed. Grays Locksmiths will do this and provide you with either a new replacement or a used one, if required.