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 many reasons.
The good news is that most keys to vehicles can be replaced without having to visit a dealership or paying for a locksmith. Here are some typical problems and their easy solutions.
Lost or Broken Keys
A key break is an emotional experience You want to get your car back on the road again quickly. DIY repairs could exacerbate the problem. For example, if the key is broken inside the ignition cylinder, you should not try to remove it as it could cause damage to the lock and ignition.
Instead, contact the local locksmith to get help. They'll have the appropriate tools to remove your broken key without further damage. If you'd like to tackle it yourself, put needle-nosed pliers inside the cylinder to grab the broken piece. If this fails, try using a jigsaw blade with downward-facing teeth to latch onto and take the broken key. Don't put anything else in the cylinder as this can push the broken key further into the cylinder, making it more difficult to get it out.
Another reason why your car key might not start is that the battery is dead. You can easily replace the lithium-ion button coin cell batteries on a variety of models. You can buy batteries for replacement at pharmacies, supermarkets and home improvement stores. However, if your fob is damaged or lost, bring it into an auto technician with a good reputation to swap the battery and program the new key.
If your key fob is a high-tech device that has been damaged or lost, you will likely have to visit the dealer to get a replacement. Keys that are high-tech differ from mechanical keys in that they must be programmed by the manufacturer to work with the vehicle. In these cases the best solution is to have professionals create duplicate keys for you. They will make the appropriate cuts, reassemble the mechanism, and transfer the transponder chip of your old key to the new one.
You'll have to visit the dealer to request a replacement when your car key is a high tech model with a display. This is because high-tech keys have to be reprogrammed to the car's security system by the manufacturer. Luckily, most dealers have the tools to perform this task on the moment. car keys repair can also cut keys for you so that you don't have to wait for the new one to arrive.
Dead Batteries
Batteries are a vital element in any device or gadget, and they can degrade quickly due to prolonged use or lack of charging. If your car's key fob is showing indications of a dead battery, it's important to fix the issue quickly. A dead battery can cause the key fob not responding to button presses and electrical components such as the ignition in a vehicle not responding to jump-start attempts.
The battery of a car key is typically tiny and small in size. It can be replaced at home or by an expert locksmith. Be sure to determine the kind of battery that is used in your vehicle prior to replacing it. You will often find the details on the battery in your vehicle's documentation. If you choose the wrong replacement key fob, it may fail or stop working completely. This can lead to costly repairs or even a new purchase.
A few indicators of a dead battery are an extended response time when pressing key fob buttons, intermittent functionality, and dim light bulbs for the key fob. A battery that has no voltage on a voltmeter is also likely to be dead. Physical damage to the battery's casing could cause irreparable damage inside.
The battery can be replaced in a car fob by unloosening a screw on the back panel of the fob using the help of a screwdriver, then sliding the panel open to reveal the compartment. The old battery can be removed with a flat-tipped screwdriver and a new one inserted in the same location. You can snap the two parts of the key fob together when you're finished. Check it out to ensure that the key works properly.
Be careful not to loose the screw that secures the battery Be sure to store it somewhere safe if you don't require it again (like inside the resealable plastic bag or a small cup). Certain vehicles require you to remove a specific screw to get access to the battery inside the key fob. If this is the case for your vehicle, consult your owner's guide or an online video to learn how to safely remove it.
Transponder Chip
Most modern car keys come with transponder chips (also called a "chipped key"). The reason for this is to help prevent vehicles from being hot wired. When you insert your key transponder into the ignition, a radio signal is transmitted to the chip in the head via an antenna (which is actually an induction coil). The car's computer confirms that you are the right owner, and then allows the engine to start. This is a great method to protect your vehicle and provide an additional layer of security.
One of the primary indicators that the transponder chip isn't functioning properly is the inability to start your car. If you turn the key in the ignition but the car won't start or turn over, this could be a sign that the transponder chip hasn't been communicating with the system of your vehicle correctly.
A transponder key requires electronic power to function and this power is supplied by a small battery inside the head of the key. Over time the battery will lose its charge. It won't be able to provide enough power to allow you to start your car.
It's essential to get your transponder keys checked by a professional if it isn't functioning properly. A locksmith will be able to identify the problem and fix the issue. They can also replace the battery or reprogram the key to work again.
You might have observed that a transponder is more expensive than an ordinary metal key. This is due to the extra manufacturing costs involved in the production of a chipped key. However, this doesn't mean you should always go through your dealership when getting new keys but you must shop through and compare prices before choosing a company. Be aware that certain companies can offer lower replacement keys due to their lower cost of operations. It's important to keep in mind that a cheaper replacement key may not be of top quality. It may be worth paying more to get a key of better quality and will last longer.
Programming
Modern cars are equipped with fobs and keys that provide more than unlock the doors or open the trunk. Some have features that allow you to start your car from a distance and also lock the doors with the push of the button, and also protect them against both physical and digital attacks. These keys and fobs need to be programmed correctly, or they will not work. This job is typically reserved for auto locksmiths with experience or dealership service technicians since it requires a thorough understanding of the vehicle's security system and the ability to use specialized tools to ensure that the program is completed correctly.
There are several scenarios where reprogramming keys or fobs could be required. The most common reason is that reprogramming is required when keys or fobs are lost or stolen, or if someone purchases a used vehicle and wants to ensure that the old keys will not work in the car. Some brands of vehicles require special coding tools for reprograming new fobs and keys, however this isn't necessarily required in all situations.
A depleted battery on the remote key fob is another situation where reprogramming may be required. Fortunately, this is an easy fix since the majority of key fobs use small clock batteries that can be replaced by inexpensive ones found in the drugstores and at home improvement stores. It won't permit you to open the trunk or start the engine but it will stop the key fob malfunctioning.
Some key fobs may need to be reset after being damaged by water, dirt or other environmental factors. A professional can help you in this situation and get you back on the road. In this scenario the expert will evaluate the damage to determine the kind of reprogramming tools required. They will then employ the appropriate tools to reprogram the key fob or transponder chip and test it to ensure all functions as intended.
Remember that reprogramming an electronic fob or key is a difficult process and the wrong method can cause serious issues. It's best to leave the task to a reputable locksmith for your vehicle. This will ensure that the job is done properly and will allow you to avoid costly mistakes in the near future.