Our company logo
phone icon

Can a locksmith make a key fob on the spot

The days when it was so easy to go to your hardware store and get them to copy and cut an inexpensive blank key and Walla you had a new key, are over. Most new cars are equipped with either a push-button start system, a keyless entry system, or both. These modern key fobs are more convenient than old keys, but replacing them may be alot harder and surely a lot more expensive. This is true especially if you don’t know where to start and what options are available. If this describes what you're thinking then welcome to our unique three-decade synopsis of all the changes. Hold on while we speed through all the changes in the locksmith and security industry. Sure Lock & Key is always available and happy to help, whether you need a new key fob or the information about what a fob is. So let's quickly examine what a fob is and how it works. Then we will learn how to get our fob replaced, etc.

Why Car key Fob Is Not Working

You may think your car key will never fail, but then that one day comes where you put it in the ignition and nothing happens, no matter how hard you try. These types of emergencies can happen anytime, even to the best of us. Knowing why a car key fob might not work may be important. By providing your locksmith with the correct information, you hasten the replacement. So, let's look at the 5 most common reasons why key fobs fail and what you can do about it.
  • Lack of power

    Most remotes are powered by lithium batteries, which last a long time. However, at some point, the battery needs to be replaced. So, if your remote doesn't respond, the first thing to do is check the battery.

  • Reprogramming required

    The remote must be paired with the receiver in the car to function correctly. If this connection is broken, the key fob won’t work as it should or won’t work at all. Usually, the first culprit and the first place to look to see what maybe your problem is to check to see if the problem is due to dead batteries, but a bump or long exposure to electrical impulses might also cause the key fob to lose pairing.

getting a new key fob

  • Damaged transmitter or receiver

    The fob works by exchanging signals with a paired receiver. If one of them is damaged, they can’t connect correctly. That usually occurs from mechanical damage, extended exposure to direct sunlight, or short contact with water. However, it might be challenging to diagnose this problem because symptoms are similar to a loss of pairing (see above). Try resetting the remote - if that doesn't solve the problem, contact your local automotive locksmith.

  • Damaged components

    Most remotes are designed to be damage-resistant. However, under extreme circumstances and due to wear and tear, internal components can be damaged. Therefore, if your remote control stops working after it is damaged in any way then there is a possibility that internal components are damaged, as well.

  • Intermittent malfunction

    Sometimes your remote will only work intermittently. That is a sign that the time for replacing the key fob battery time has arrived. Always try to change the battery right after this happens and the remote is still working . It is sometimes much more complicated to change the battery if the remote is no longer working.

getting a new key fob

Some Tips To Fix Key Fob

In general car keys, and their characteristics can vary greatly depending on the type and manufacturer. However, one thing is for sure if you have a car manufactured within the last 10 years, it most likely has a key fob. If you think you need to fix your key fob, below, you will find some tips on how to do it right:
Key Fob Battery Replacement
If the key fob does not work, replacing the batteries is the easiest and cheapest solution. It might not solve the problem, but it is worth trying. Dead batteries are the most common cause of a non-functioning key fob. Take the case apart, look at the battery to find the part number, and then go to the auto parts store for a replacement. Be aware that you might need to ask for help to get a new fob key battery since your car is temporarily unavailable.
Sometimes, even after successful battery replacement, you might need to reset the unit or have it reprogrammed. In this case, an automotive locksmith's help may be your wisest decision.
A Key Fob Reprogramming
Your key fob must be paired with your vehicle's receiver unit to work correctly. That will prevent anyone with the same car make and model from approaching and using their key fob to unlock your car. If your keyless entry unit and your vehicle no longer “talk with each other,” you will have to reprogram your car's keyless entry system to restore the functionality of the remote. That requires professional help since there are special tools and access to the specific sources of information needed.
The best part of calling a locksmith to get a new key fob or repair an old one is that you don’t have to go anywhere. Naturally, reaching the destination when you can’t start a car might be challenging or even impossible, so on-site help really is the only possible solution. Professional automotive locksmiths use hi-tech mobile service vans that basically are locksmith laboratories on wheels. Every single detail of this van is thoroughly designed to make almost any service possible in the field and minimize the time locksmith needs to provide it. Sure Lock & Key vans are cutting edge with respect to its constant up keeping of high-tech changes. Throughout our 35 years of experience in the Locksmith & Security industry.

Need more information?

Get a free quote

Summing up

There are many do-it-yourself guides on how to reset car keys, key fobs, and remote controls. However, these methods might be more harmful than you would think. Usually, people go for them because they believe that professional help will take a long time which they don’t have. In reality, you might waste twice as much time trying to solve the issue yourself. First, when learning how to do it and applying your new knowledge and then waiting for a locksmith to fix everything if the attempt to do it yourself unfortunately does not reach fruition. Technically advanced and expensive devices are quite complicated and many a time it is best to be left to professionals, especially if we’re only a call away from you!

You may also like