Vehicle Key Repairs: 10 Things I Wish I'd Known Earlier

Vehicle Key Repairs You Shouldn't Do Yourself It can be a real discomfort when the car keys stop working. It could be due to a variety of reasons. The positive side is that the majority of keys to vehicles can be repaired without visiting an auto dealer or paying a locksmith. Here are some typical issues and the easy fixes. Keys lost or damaged Keys A car key repair is a stressful experience, and you want to get your car back on the road back up and running quickly. However, attempting DIY repairs can worsen the situation. For instance, if a key is broken within the ignition cylinder, you should avoid trying to force it out as this could cause damage to the lock or the ignition. Find a local locksmith. They'll have the appropriate tools to remove the broken key without causing further damage. If you're determined to do it yourself, use pliers with needle-noses to insert into the cylinder and then grab the broken piece. If this doesn't work you, use a jigsaw with teeth facing downwards to grab and pull the broken piece. Don't put anything else in the cylinder, as this could push the broken key further into the cylinder and make it harder to get it out. Another reason your vehicle key won't start is because the battery is dead. You can easily replace the lithium-ion button coin cell batteries in a variety of models. You can buy replacement batteries from pharmacies, supermarkets, or home improvement stores. However, if your fob has been damaged or lost, take it into a reputable auto technician to swap out the battery and create a new key. If your key fob is a high-tech one that has been damaged or lost, you will likely have to visit the dealer for a replacement. Contrary to conventional mechanical keys these models must be programmed to the vehicle by the manufacturer. In these situations the best option is to have professionals create duplicate keys for you. They can make the right cut, reassemble mechanism and transfer the transponder chip of the original key to the new key. If your car's key is a high-tech one with digital display, you'll probably require a visit to the dealer for an alternative. This is because high-tech keys must be reprogrammed to the car's security system by the manufacturer. Luckily, most dealers have the tools to do this right on the moment. They can also cut keys that are new so you don't need to wait for the new one to arrive. Dead Batteries Batteries are an essential part in any gadget or device and they are prone to get worn out by prolonged usage or the absence of regular charging. If your car key fob is showing indications of a dead battery it is crucial to fix the issue as soon as you notice. A dead battery will usually cause the key fob not responding to button press and electrical components like the ignition in a vehicle not responding to jump-starting attempts. The battery in the car key is typically an sized coin that can be replaced at home, or by a professional locksmith. Before replacing a battery make sure to identify which type of battery is being used by the vehicle. It is usually possible to find this information on your battery or in the manual for your vehicle. If you use the wrong battery key fob, it could malfunction or stop working altogether. This could lead to expensive repairs or an entirely new purchase. A dead battery can be detected by a slower response time when pressing key fob buttons or by intermittent functionality and dimming key fob lights. A battery that shows zero voltage on an meter for voltage is likely to be dead, and physical damage to the battery's case could indicate irreparable internal damage. It is easy to replace the battery in a key fob for your car at home by loosening the screw inside the back of the fob with an screwdriver and then slid it open to reveal the battery compartment. The old battery can be removed using an angled screwdriver and then an alternative one is inserted in the same location. After you're done, put the 2 halves of the fob back together and test it to verify that the key functions properly. Be careful not to lose the screw that holds the battery in place, and be sure to keep it safe in case you don't require it again (like in the resealable plastic bag or small cup). Certain models of vehicles come with specific screws that need to be removed in order to access the key fob battery. If this is the case for your vehicle, consult the owner's manual or an online tutorial video for guidance on the best method to remove it safely. Transponder Chip The majority of modern car keys are equipped with a transponder chip (also known as a “chipped key”). The reason for this is to prevent vehicles from being hot wired. When you connect your transponder keys into the ignition, an antenna (which is actually an induction coil) transmits radio signals with a unique code to the chip inside the key's head. The car's computer verifies that it is the right owner and then allows the engine to start. This is a great way to prevent your vehicle from being taken and adds a layer of security. One of the main signs that a transponder chip isn't working correctly is having trouble starting your car. If you turn the ignition key but your car won't begin or turn over, this could indicate that the transponder chip isn't communicating with the vehicle's system properly. A transponder key requires electronic power in order to function, and that power is supplied by a small battery within the head of the key. In time, that battery will deplete its charge and stop providing the necessary power to allow your car to start. If you're experiencing problems with your transponder key, it's important to have it examined by an expert. A professional locksmith can diagnose the issue and either replace the battery or reprogram your key so it can work correctly again. You might observe that a transponder-type key is more expensive than a standard metal key. This is due to the extra manufacturing costs in making a chipped key. However, this doesn't mean you should always go through your dealer when purchasing a new key but you must look for a good deal and compare prices prior to choosing a company. It is important to be aware that some companies are able to offer lower replacement keys because of their lower overhead costs. However it's important to keep in mind that a key that is cheaper isn't necessarily going to be the top quality. It might be worth paying a bit more for a key that's more durable and will last longer. Programming Modern cars have fobs and keys that do a lot more than unlock the doors or open the trunk. key repairs have features that let you start your car from a distance and also lock the doors with the press of the button, and also protect them against both physical and digital attacks. The fobs and keys must be programmed correctly, otherwise they won't function. This task is usually reserved for skilled auto technicians or locksmiths, as it requires a thorough knowledge of the car's security system as well as the use of specific tools. Reprogramming a fob, or key is necessary in a few instances. Most commonly, reprogramming is required when keys or fobs are lost or stolen or when you purchase a used vehicle and needs to ensure that the keys they have previously used will not work in the car. Some vehicles require special tools to reprogram keys and fobs. However, this is not always the situation. Reprogramming may be required to replace the battery of a remote fob has been depleted. Fortunately this is a simple fix since the majority of key fobs are equipped with small clock batteries which can be replaced with inexpensive ones found in the drugstores and at home improvement stores. While this will not restore the ability to open your trunk or start the engine, it will stop the key fob from failing completely. Some key fobs may need to be reprogrammed following being damaged by dirt, water or other environmental factors. key repairs can help you in this scenario and get you back on the road. In this instance the expert will analyze the damage to determine what type of reprogramming tool is required. The expert will employ the appropriate tools to reprogram the transponder or key fob and test it so that everything works according to plan. Reprogramming an electronic key or fob is a difficult procedure and if done incorrectly, could cause serious problems. That's why it's essential to delegate this task to an experienced locksmith for your vehicle. This will not only guarantee that the job is completed right, but it can also assist you in avoiding costly mistakes later on.