Car Key Fob Not Working in Brighton?
Is your key fob unresponsive or your car failing to start? We can diagnose and fix the problem fast.
When your car key is not working in Brighton, it can be incredibly frustrating. You might be unable to lock or unlock your doors remotely, or worse, your car might not recognise the key at all, leaving you stranded. Often, you’ll see a flashing key symbol on the dashboard, indicating an immobiliser fault.
This doesn’t necessarily mean you need an expensive new key. At Auto Locksmith Brighton, we specialise in diagnosing and fixing issues with faulty car key fobs. From a simple dead car key battery replacement to a full key fob repair in Brighton, we can get your key communicating with your car again.
For a fast diagnosis of your key fob issue, call us: 01273 944 042
Common Reasons Your Car Key Fob Isn’t Working
Our technicians can quickly get to the bottom of why your key fob is not responding.
1. Dead or Dying Battery
The most common culprit. Key fob batteries typically last for a few years, and their failure can cause a range of issues. You might notice reduced range before it fails completely. We can test the battery and provide a high-quality replacement on the spot.
2. Loss of Programming
Sometimes, a key fob can lose its synchronisation with the vehicle. This can happen after a battery change, if the key is dropped, or sometimes for no apparent reason at all. We can reprogram the key to the car, restoring its full functionality. This is a core part of our car key programming service.
3. Internal Damage
A drop onto a hard surface or exposure to water can damage the delicate circuit board or the transponder chip inside the key. Our technicians can open the key and inspect it for damage. In some cases, we can repair a broken connection or component.
4. Vehicle-Side Issues
Occasionally, the problem isn’t with the key, but with the car itself. The signal receiver in the car could be faulty, or there could be an issue with the immobiliser system. A car that won’t start with a key symbol on the dash often points to this. Our diagnostic tools can help determine if the fault lies with the key or the vehicle.
Our Key Fob Repair & Diagnosis Process
- Discussion & Quote: When you call, describe the problem in as much detail as possible. Is the remote locking not working? Is the car failing to start? This helps us form an initial idea of the problem and give you a quote.
- Battery Test: The first thing we do on arrival is test the battery in your key fob. This simple step solves a surprising number of problems.
- Signal Test: We have tools that can detect if the key fob is emitting a signal. This tells us if the remote part of the key is functioning.
- Diagnostic Scan: If necessary, we will plug our diagnostic tool into your car’s OBD2 port. This allows us to check for fault codes and see if the car recognises the key’s transponder chip.
- The Solution: Based on our findings, we will perform the right service:
- Replace the battery.
- Reprogram the existing key to the car.
- Repair the key fob’s internal components.
- Provide a full car key replacement if the key is damaged beyond repair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I replace the key fob battery myself?
A: You can, but be careful. It’s easy to damage the casing or the circuit board if you use the wrong tool to pry the key open. Some models also require reprogramming after a battery change. Our service is fast, affordable, and guarantees it’s done correctly.
Q: Why is the red light on my key flashing but nothing is happening?
A: This often indicates that the key is trying to send a signal, but the car isn’t receiving it or recognising it. This is a classic symptom of a key that has lost its programming.
Q: Can you repair a key that has been through the wash?
A: Water damage is very serious for a key fob’s electronics. We can attempt a repair by cleaning the circuit board, but success is not guaranteed. In many cases, a full replacement is the only reliable solution.
Don’t let a faulty key fob disrupt your day.
CALL NOW FOR EXPERT KEY FOB REPAIR: 01273 944 042
