Auto Key Services0
Before you pay for an expensive replacement remote, let us take a look. Many faults are repairable, and repair usually costs less.
Many remote faults are fixable, often for less than a new unit costs.
We check the fault at no cost before recommending repair or replacement.
OEM and aftermarket casings on hand if yours needs replacing entirely.
Buttons, casings, water damage or a corrupted code: we diagnose the fault and repair what can be repaired.
A damaged key remote can be expensive to replace, and in many cases replacement is not actually necessary. Auto Key Services repairs most makes and types of remote and key fob, with a strong success rate across a wide range of models, so it is always worth having a fault checked before you commit to a new remote.
Common faults include buttons that no longer respond, cracked or worn outer casings, broken battery holders and contacts, and water damage. We stock replacement casings for both function and appearance, and consultations to assess the fault cost nothing, so there is no risk in bringing a faulty remote in for a look.
Not every fault is electronic. Some damage is purely physical, such as a casing that has cracked from being dropped or sat on, and depending on the extent of the damage this can sometimes be fixed with care. Other faults go deeper, affecting the circuit board, the buttons or the battery contacts inside.
If a remote stops working with no obvious physical cause, it is worth checking whether a spare or valet key still operates the car. If it does, the fault is almost certainly in the remote rather than the vehicle’s locking system, which helps us diagnose and fix it faster.
Replacing a dead battery sounds simple, but on modern transponder-equipped remotes it can interrupt the pairing between the chip and the vehicle, even though the remote itself is undamaged. If your remote stopped working straight after a battery change, reprogramming rather than replacement is often all that is needed.
A little initial troubleshooting, such as testing a spare key or checking whether the fault is consistent across every button, often leads to a quicker and considerably cheaper repair than assuming the worst and ordering a full replacement from the dealer.
Remotes that fall into water, get caught in the rain, or go through the wash in a pocket are common casualties. The first rule is not to press any buttons while the unit is still wet, since this can close a circuit and cause a short that a brief soaking alone would not have caused.
Opening the case and drying the interior thoroughly is often enough to restore function. Corroded contacts, a related issue, can usually be cleaned rather than replaced, though this calls for a steady hand and the right tools to avoid further damage.
Occasionally a transponder’s programmed code becomes corrupted rather than the hardware failing outright. When the manufacturer’s usual troubleshooting steps do not resolve it, reprogramming by a qualified locksmith is typically the fix, rather than buying an entirely new remote unnecessarily.
Buttons that have worn out or corroded over years of use are another frequent cause of an unresponsive remote. In most cases, cleaning or replacing the internal contacts restores full function without needing to replace the whole remote or its casing.
Calls are answered 24 hours a day. Tell us the make, model and year, and we will tell you what we can do and what it will cost.
Not necessarily. Do not press any buttons. Bring it in as soon as you can so we can open it, dry it properly and check for corrosion before it causes further damage.
Usually, yes, particularly for casing, button and battery-related faults. We check the fault first and only recommend replacement when repair genuinely is not practical, which keeps the cost down for you whenever we can.
On many vehicles, interrupting the circuit during a battery change can break the pairing between the key’s chip and the car. Reprogramming usually restores it without needing a new remote.
Repairing or replacing cracked and broken key shells, including OEM and aftermarket shells in stock.
Clearing lost, stolen or old owners’ keys from your vehicle’s memory and programming fresh ones.
Rebuilding or replacing worn ignition housings on stiff, jammed or key-breaking ignitions.
