Vehicle Key Repairs You Shouldn't Do Yourself
It can be a real hassle when your car keys stop working. It could be due to a variety of 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 issues and their simple fixes.
Keys lost or damaged Keys
You want your vehicle to run quickly after a key break. DIY repairs may worsen the problem. If the key breaks in the ignition cylinder you should not attempt to force it out as it could damage the lock and the ignition.
Instead, call a local locksmith to get help. They will have the right tools to remove the broken key without causing 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 of key. If this isn't working you, you can try using a jigsaw that has teeth facing downwards to grab and take the broken piece. Don't try to insert anything else into the cylinder, since doing so could push the key further in and make it more difficult to get it out.
The battery could be dead. It is easy to 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. However, if your fob has been damaged or lost, bring it into an auto technician with a good reputation to replace the battery and create the new key.
If your key fob is a high-tech model that has been damaged or lost, you will likely need to visit the dealership for replacement. In contrast to traditional mechanical keys, these types need to be programmed to the vehicle by the manufacturer. In these instances the best option is to hire professionals create duplicate keys for you. They can restore the correct cuts, reassemble the mechanism, and transfer the transponder chip from your old key to the new one.
If the key in your car is a high-tech one with a digital display, you'll likely need to visit the dealership to get an alternative. This is because high-tech keys must be programmed to the vehicle's security system by the manufacturer. Fortunately, auto key repair have the equipment to perform this task on the instantaneously. They can also cut keys for you so that you don't have to wait for a new one to be delivered.
Dead Batteries
Batteries are an essential component of any device or gadget, and they can degrade quickly from prolonged use or lack of charging. If your car key fob is showing signs of a dead battery, it's important to fix the issue promptly. A dead battery typically means the key fob's functions will not respond to button presses and that electrical components such as the car's starter might not respond to jump-start efforts.
The battery inside the car key is typically a coin-sized unit 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 prior to replacing it. You can often find the information on the battery or in the documentation of your vehicle. Making a mistake with the replacement could cause your key fob to malfunction or stop working in any way, requiring costly repairs or a whole new purchase.
A dead battery is identified by a slow 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 dead, and physical damage to the battery's case could indicate irreparable internal damage.
The battery can be replaced in the car fob by loosing a screw on the back panel of the fob with a screwdriver, and opening the panel to reveal the compartment. The old battery can be removed using an angled screwdriver and then a new one inserted in the same place. After you're done, put the two halves of the fob back together and test it to verify that the key is working properly.
Make sure you keep the screw that holds the key fob battery in the correct position. Store it safely when you will not use it for a while. Certain models of cars have specific screws that need to be removed in order to access the key fob's battery. 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
Most modern car keys are fitted with transponder chips (also known as a "chipped key"). The reason is to prevent vehicles from being hot wired. When you insert your transponder key into the ignition the antenna (which is actually an induction coil) transmits radio signals with an individual code to the chip inside the key's head. The computer in the car confirms that you are the correct owner, and then allows the engine to start. This is a great way to safeguard your vehicle and provide an extra layer of security.
A transponder chip that isn't working properly could cause problems getting your car started. If you turn the ignition key but your car won't begin or turn over, this could be a sign that the transponder chip isn’t communicating with the system of your car correctly.
A transponder requires power from the electronic to function and this power is provided by a tiny internal battery. As time passes, the battery will lose its charge. It will not be able to provide enough power to start your car.
It is essential to have your transponder key checked by an expert if it isn't functioning correctly. A locksmith will be able to identify the problem and fix the issue. They can also replace the battery or reprogram the key to make it function again.
It is possible to observe that a transponder-type key is more expensive than a standard metal key. This is because of the additional manufacturing costs involved in making a chipped key. However, this doesn't mean you shouldn't go to your local dealer when buying a new key but you must shop for a good deal and compare prices prior to selecting a company. Be aware that some companies are able to offer lower replacement keys because of their lower cost of operations. However it's important to keep in mind that a key that is cheaper isn't always the top quality. You might be better off paying more for a premium key that is guaranteed to last longer.
Programming
Modern cars come with fobs and keys that can do more than simply unlock the doors and open the trunk. Some keys and fobs have features that let you start your car from a distance and lock the doors with the press of a button. They can also be protected from physical and digital attacks. The fobs and keys must be programmed correctly, or they will not work. This task is typically reserved for auto locksmiths with experience or dealership service technicians because it requires a deep 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 necessary. Most often, it is necessary to reprogramme keys or fobs are lost or stolen, or when you purchase a used vehicle and wants to ensure that the old keys will not work in the car. Certain vehicles require specialized tools to reprogram fobs and keys. However, this is not always the case.
A depleted battery in a remote key fob is another case where reprogramming might be required. Fortunately it's a simple fix as most key fobs have small clock batteries which can be replaced with low-cost ones available at the drugstores and at home improvement stores. This will not allow you to open the trunk or start the engine, however it will stop the key fob from malfunctioning.
Certain key fobs may have to be reset after being damaged by dirt, water or other environmental factors. A professional can help you in this case and get you back on the road. In this instance the expert will evaluate damage to determine the type of reprogramming tools needed. They will then employ the proper tools to reprogram the transponder or key fob 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 very complex and the wrong procedure can cause serious issues. That's why it's essential to let this job be handled by an experienced locksmith for your vehicle. This will ensure that the job is done properly and help you avoid costly mistakes in the future.