Vehicle Key Repairs You Shouldn't Do Yourself
It can be a major hassle when your car keys stop working. It could be due to many different reasons.
The good news is that most vehicle keys can be fixed without visiting an auto dealer or paying a locksmith. Here are some common problems and their easy solutions.
Keys Broken or lost
A key break can be a stressful experience You want to get your car up and running back up and running quickly. However, trying DIY repairs can worsen the situation. For instance, if the key breaks inside the ignition cylinder it is best not to remove it as it could damage the lock or the ignition.
Instead, contact an experienced locksmith in your area to get help. They'll have the appropriate tools to remove your broken key with no further damage. If you're determined to tackle it yourself, use pliers with needle-noses to insert into the cylinder and grab the broken piece. If this doesn't work then try using an jigsaw with downward-facing teeth to grasp and remove the broken key. Don't attempt to insert anything else into the cylinder, as doing so can push the key even further in and make it more difficult to retrieve.
Another reason why your car key might not start is that the battery is dead. It is easy to replace the lithium-ion button or coin cell batteries on a variety of models. You can buy replacement batteries at pharmacies, supermarkets, and home improvement stores. However, if your fob has been damaged or lost, you should bring it to an auto technician with a good reputation to swap the battery and create the new key.
If your key fob is a high-tech device that has been damaged or lost, you will likely need to visit a dealer for a replacement. These keys are different from mechanical ones in that they need to be programmed by the manufacturer to work with the vehicle. In these instances, the best solution is to have an expert make duplicate keys for you. They can restore the correct cuts and reassemble the mechanism and then transfer the transponder chip from your old key to the new one.
If the key in your car is a high-tech model with digital display, you'll probably need to visit the dealership for an alternative. The manufacturer must reprogramme high-tech keys to the vehicle's security system. Fortunately, repair car keys have the capability to do this right on the spot. They can also cut you a new key so you don't need to wait for the new one to arrive.
Dead Batteries
Batteries are an essential part in every gadget or device and they are prone to wear out from extended usage or the absence of regular charging. It is crucial to act fast if your car key fob shows signs of a dead or dying battery. A dead battery will typically cause the key fob not responding to button press and electrical components such as the ignition in a vehicle not responding to jump-starting attempts.
The battery of a car key is usually tiny and small in size. It can be replaced at home or by an expert locksmith. Make sure you know the type of battery used by your vehicle prior to replacing it. It is possible to find this information on the battery or in the vehicle's documentation. If you choose the wrong replacement key fob, it may malfunction or stop working altogether. This can lead to costly repairs or even an entirely new purchase.
Some signs of a dead battery are an extended response time when pressing the key fob buttons, intermittent functionality and dim lights on the key fob. A battery that shows zero voltage on a voltage meter is also likely dead, and physical damage to the battery case could indicate irreparable internal damage.
You can easily replace the battery of 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 a new one inserted in the same location. Once you're done, snap the two halves of your fob back together, and test it to see if the key functions properly.
Be cautious not to loose the screw that holds the battery in place, and be sure to keep it safe in case you don't need it again (like inside a resealable plastic bag or small cup). Some vehicles require that you remove a special screw to gain access to the battery on the key fob. If this is the case for your vehicle, you can look up the owner's manual or an online video to learn how you can safely remove the screw.
Transponder Chip
The majority of modern car keys include a transponder (also known as a "chipped-key"). This is to prevent the hot wiring of cars. When you put your transponder key in the ignition, an antenna (which is really just an induction coil) transmits a radio signal with a unique code to the chip inside the head of the key. The car's computer confirms that the transmission comes from the right owner and allows your engine to begin. This is a great method to safeguard your vehicle and add an extra layer of security.
A transponder chip that isn't functioning properly can cause problems getting your car started. If your key turns on the ignition, but the car doesn't turn over or start it could be because the chip isn't communicating to your car's system correctly.
A transponder requires power from the electronic to function This power is supplied by a tiny internal battery. Over 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 key, it's important to have it examined by a professional. A locksmith expert can identify the issue and then either replace the battery or reprogram the key so it can work correctly again.
You may be able to see that a transponder key is more expensive than a standard metal key. This is due to the higher cost of making a chipped-key. This doesn't mean that you need to visit the dealership every time you require a new key. It is best to look around and compare companies before settling on one. Certain companies will offer keys replacement at a lower cost because of their lower cost of operation. However it's crucial to remember that a key that is cheaper isn't necessarily going to be the highest quality. You might be better off paying a little more for a better quality key that's guaranteed to last longer.
Programming
Modern cars are equipped with fobs and keys that can offer more than just unlock the doors or open the trunk. Some have features that let you start your car remotely and also lock the doors with the touch of the button, and also protect them against both physical and digital attacks. These keys and fobs must be programmed correctly, or they will not work. This job is typically reserved for skilled auto locksmiths or dealership service technicians as it requires extensive knowledge of the vehicle's security system and the ability to use specific tools to ensure the programming process is done right.
Reprogramming a fob or a key is necessary in a few cases. Most often, reprogramming is required when a key or fob is lost or stolen or when someone purchases a used vehicle and wants to ensure that the keys they have previously used will not work in the car. Some brands of vehicles require special coding tools to reprogram new keys and fobs, however, this isn't an absolute requirement in all instances.
A depleted battery on the remote key fob is yet another scenario where reprogramming could be necessary. Fortunately, this is an easy fix as most key fobs have small clock batteries that can be replaced by cheap ones that can be found in pharmacies and home improvement stores. Although this won't restore your ability to open your trunk or start the engine, it can prevent the key fob from failing completely.
Certain key fobs may have to be reprogrammed following being damaged by dirt, water, or other environmental factors. A professional can help you in this situation and get you back on the road. In this case the expert will evaluate damage to determine the type of reprogramming equipment required. The professional will use the appropriate tools to reprogram the transponder or key fob, and then test it to ensure that everything works exactly as it should.
Reprogramming an electronic key or fob is a difficult process and the wrong method could cause serious problems. It is recommended to leave the task to a reputable automotive locksmith. This will ensure that the task will be done correctly and will allow you to avoid costly mistakes in the near future.