A car remote is the button unit that locks and unlocks the doors, opens the trunk and sounds the panic alarm. On older vehicles it is often a separate keyless entry remote that hangs on the key ring; on newer ones the buttons are built into the key head or a smart key. When a remote is lost, broken or stops responding, Chicago Car Keys provides mobile car remote replacement and programming in Chicago and nearby Cook County suburbs for compatible vehicles.
We start by identifying the exact remote your vehicle uses, because remotes that look alike often run on different frequencies and part numbers. Then we supply a compatible remote, program it to the vehicle and test every button before we leave. If the problem is a worn case, a broken button or a weak battery rather than the remote itself, we tell you so. Identification and proof of ownership are required before programming.
Car Remote Services We Provide
- Replacement keyless entry remotes for lost or broken units
- Programming new or additional remotes to the vehicle
- Remote-head key replacement, with the blade cut and the chip programmed
- Testing remotes that work intermittently or only at close range
- Remote battery replacement and case or shell replacement
- Removing lost remotes from the vehicle’s memory where the system supports it
Separate Remote, Remote-Head Key or Smart Key?
A separate remote only controls the locks, so replacing it does not affect starting the car. A remote-head key combines the buttons with a transponder chip and a cut blade, so the key part must also be programmed to the immobilizer. A smart key or push-to-start fob handles locks and starting together; for those, see our key fob replacement and smart key programming services. Telling us which type you have, or sending a photo, helps us bring the right part.
When a Remote Stops Working
Before replacing a remote, try a fresh battery, check whether the spare remote works, and see if the remote responds when you stand right next to the car. If the spare works and the main one does not, the remote is usually the problem. If neither works, the cause may be a weak vehicle battery or a receiver fault, and we check for that before selling you a new remote.
Mobile Car Remote Service
We come to the vehicle, so there is no need to wait at a dealer. Our mobile service is based in ZIP code 60632, and shop service is also available at the affiliated Omega Locksmith location at 4346 W. 51st St. in Chicago by calling ahead. Have the year, make, model and VIN ready, and tell us how many remotes and keys you currently have.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I just buy a remote online and have you program it?
Sometimes, but many remotes sold online are the wrong frequency, previously used or locked to another vehicle and cannot be programmed. Call with the part number first and we will tell you whether it is likely to work.
Do I need the old remote to get a new one programmed?
No. A new remote can be programmed to the vehicle without the original. On many vehicles, programming a new remote also lets us remove the lost one from the system.
My remote only works when I am right next to the car. Is it broken?
Not necessarily. Short range is most often a weak remote battery. If a new battery does not fix it, the remote or the vehicle’s receiver may need attention.
Is a car remote the same as a key fob?
People use the terms interchangeably. Technically, a remote controls the locks, while a fob or smart key may also be needed to start the car. We identify which one you have before quoting.
Related Remote and Key Services
See our key fob replacement, key fob programming and transponder key programming services. If the keys are locked in the trunk, see trunk lockout service.
Need a car remote replaced? Call 773-521-7000 for mobile car remote replacement in Chicago.