Vehicle Key Repairs You Shouldn't Do Yourself
It can be a real pain when your car key stops working. It could be due to a variety of reasons.
It's good to be aware that you can repair most vehicle keys without the need to visit dealers or pay for locksmith. Here are a few common problems and the simple solutions.
Lost or Broken Keys
A key break can be an emotional experience You want to get your car up and running immediately. DIY repairs could exacerbate the problem. If the key has broken inside the ignition cylinder you should not attempt to force it out because this could cause damage to the lock and the ignition.
Find a local locksmith. They'll have the right tools to take out the broken key without causing further damage. If you're determined to do it yourself, you can use needle-nose pliers to insert into the cylinder and grab the broken key piece. If this doesn't work you, use a jigsaw with teeth that face downwards to grasp and take the broken piece. Never insert anything else in the cylinder as this can push the broken key further into the cylinder and make it more difficult to get it out.
Another reason why your car key may not start is that the battery is dead. You can easily replace the lithium-ion button or coin cell batteries on a variety of models. You can buy batteries for replacement in supermarkets, pharmacies and home improvement shops. If your fob is damaged or lost, bring it into an experienced auto technician who can replace the battery and create a new key.
If you own a high-tech key fob that has been damaged or lost, you will need to go to the dealer to get a replacement. Unlike traditional mechanical keys, these models must be programmed to the vehicle by the manufacturer. In these instances, the best solution is to hire an expert make duplicate keys for you. They can make the right cut, reassemble the mechanism, and then transfer the transponder chip from your original key to a new key.
You'll have to visit the dealer to get a replacement if your car key is a high tech model with display. The manufacturer must reprogramme high-tech keys to the car's safety system. Luckily, most dealers have the equipment to do this on the spot. They can also cut you a new key so you don't have to wait for the new one to be delivered.
Dead Batteries
Batteries are a vital component of any gadget or device and they can degrade quickly because of long-term use or absence of charging. If your car's key fob is showing signs of a dead battery, it's crucial to address the issue promptly. A dead battery usually means the key fob's functions will not respond to press-button presses, and electrical components, like the starter in your vehicle may not respond to jump-start attempts.
The battery in the car key is typically an sized coin that can be replaced at home, or by an expert locksmith. Be sure to determine the kind of battery that is used in your vehicle before replacing it. You can often find the information on the battery in the vehicle's documentation. If you choose the wrong replacement key fob, it could fail or stop working completely. This could result in expensive repairs or an entirely new purchase.
Some signs of a dead battery include an extended response time when pressing the key fob buttons, intermittent functionality and dim lights on the key fob. A battery that displays zero voltage on a voltmeter is likely to be dead. Physical damage to the battery's enclosure could indicate irreparable damage inside.
You can replace the battery on the car key fob at home by loosening the screw on the fob's back panel with a screwdriver and sliding 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. Once you're done, snap the two halves of your fob back together and then test it to verify that the key functions properly.
Keep the screw that holds the key fob battery in place. Store it safely if you won't be using it again. Certain vehicles require you to remove a special screw to gain access to the battery on the key fob. If this is the situation for your vehicle, refer to the owner's manual or watch an online video to learn how to remove the screw.
Transponder Chip
The majority of modern car keys come with a transponder chip (also known as a "chipped key"). The reason is to prevent vehicles from being hot wired. When you connect your transponder keys into the ignition an antenna (which is really just an induction coil) transmits an audio signal that is accompanied by a unique code to the chip in the head of the key. The car's computer confirms that the signal is coming from the correct owner and allows the engine to begin. This is a great way to protect your vehicle and provide an additional layer of security.
A transponder chip not functioning properly can cause problems getting your car started. If your key turns in the ignition, but the car isn't turning over or starting, it could mean that the chip isn't communicating with your car's system correctly.
A transponder requires electronic power to function, and this power is supplied by a tiny internal battery. In time the battery will lose its charge. It will no longer supply enough power to allow you to start your car.
If you're experiencing issues with your transponder keys, it's crucial to get it examined by an expert. A locksmith expert can identify the issue and then either replace the battery or reprogram your key to function properly again.
You may have observed that a transponder is more expensive than a regular metal key. This is due to the extra cost of making a chipped-key. However, this doesn't mean you shouldn't go to your local dealer when buying a new key however, you should look through and compare prices before selecting a company. It is important to be aware that some companies are able to offer lower replacement keys due to their lower cost of operations. However it's crucial to remember that a key that is cheaper isn't necessarily going to be the best quality. It might be worth paying more for a key that's more durable and will last longer.
Programming
Modern cars have fobs and keys that do more than just unlock the doors and open the trunk. car key repair and fobs include features that let you start your car from a distance and lock the doors at the press of one button. They are also protected against digital and physical attacks. The fobs and keys must be programmed correctly, otherwise they will not work. This job is typically reserved for skilled auto locksmiths or dealership service technicians since it requires a thorough understanding of the vehicle's security system and the ability to use specific tools to ensure the correct programming procedure is followed.
Reprogramming a fob or a key is required in a handful of situations. The most frequent is when a key is stolen or lost or if someone purchases an used car and wishes to ensure that the old keys won't work in the new vehicle. Certain vehicles require specialized tools to reprogram keys and fobs. However, this is not always the case.
A battery that is depleted in a remote key fob is a different case where reprogramming might be necessary. Fortunately, this is an easy fix since most key fobs are equipped with small clock batteries that can be replaced with inexpensive ones found in pharmacies and home improvement stores. This will not allow you to open the trunk or start the engine but it will stop the key fob malfunctioning.
Certain key fobs may need to be reprogrammed when they've been damaged by dirt, water or other environmental factors. This is where a professional can really shine and help you get back on the road. In this scenario the professional will examine the damage to determine the kind of reprogramming tools required. They will then utilize the correct tools to reprogram the key fob or transponder chip and test it to ensure everything functions as expected.
It is important to keep in mind that reprogramming a key or fob can be extremely complicated and if the wrong method is used, it can cause serious issues. This is why it's crucial to leave this job to a trusted automotive locksmith. This will not only ensure that the job is completed right, but it can also save you from costly mistakes later on.
