Vehicle Key Repairs You Shouldn't Do Yourself
When your car key stops working, it could be a huge hassle. This 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 common problems and the simple solutions.
Keys lost or damaged Keys
A car key repair is an emotional experience It is a stressful time, and you need to get your car running back up and running quickly. However, attempting DIY repairs can aggravate the situation. For example, if the 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 proper tools to take out your broken key without further damage. If you'd like to do it yourself, insert needle-nosed pliers inside the cylinder and grab the broken piece. If this doesn't help, you can use a jigsaw with teeth that are facing downwards to grasp and remove the broken piece. Don't put anything else in the cylinder, as this could push the broken key further into the cylinder, making it harder to retrieve.
Another reason your vehicle key won't start is that the battery is dead. A lot of models have the lithium-ion button or coin cell battery that you can easily replace yourself. You can purchase batteries for replacement in pharmacies, supermarkets and home improvement shops. If your key has been damaged or lost, take it to a reputable auto technician to swap out the battery and program a new key.
If your key fob is a high-tech model that has been damaged or lost, you will likely need to visit the dealer to get a replacement. Contrary to conventional mechanical keys these kinds of keys must be programmed to the vehicle by the manufacturer. In these cases the best solution is to have a professional make a duplicate key for you. They will make the appropriate cuts and reassemble the mechanism and then transfer the transponder chip from your old key to the new.
If the key in your car is a high-tech model with an electronic display, you'll likely require a visit to the dealer for the replacement. The manufacturer must reprogramme high-tech keys to the car's security system. Luckily, most dealers have the capability to perform this task on the instantaneously. They'll also be able cut you a new key, so you don't have to wait for your new key to arrive in the mail.
Dead Batteries
Batteries are an essential component of any gadget or device, and they can degrade quickly from prolonged use or lack of charging. It's important to act quickly if your car key fob is showing signs of a dying or dead battery. A dead battery can cause the key fob not responding to button press and electrical components like the ignition in a vehicle not responding to jump-start attempts.
The battery for a car key is typically a small coin-sized model that can be replaced at home or by a professional locksmith. Before replacing a battery, ensure that you know what type of battery is being used by the vehicle. You will find this information on your battery or in the manual for your vehicle. If you choose to replace the battery incorrectly, it could cause your key fob to malfunction or not function in any way, requiring costly repairs or a new purchase altogether.
A dead battery is identified by a slower response time when pressing key fob buttons, or by intermittent functionality and dimming key fob lights. A battery that registers zero voltage on a voltage meter is also likely dead, and physical damage to the battery's case could indicate irreparable internal damage.
The battery can be substituted in the car fob by loosing a screw on the back of the fob with a screwdriver, and sliding the panel open to reveal the compartment. Then, you can remove the old battery using an abrasive screwdriver that is small and flat and replace it with a new one in the same location. You can snap the two parts of the key fob when you're done. Check it out to make sure that the key functions correctly.
Be careful not to lose the screw that secures the battery Make sure you keep it in a safe place if you don't need it again (like inside an resealable plastic bag, or a small cup). Certain models of cars have specific screws that need to be removed to access the key fob's battery. If this is the situation for your vehicle, you can refer to the owner's manual or watch an online video to learn how you can safely remove it.
Transponder Chip
Most modern car keys are fitted with transponder chips (also called a "chipped key"). This is to avoid the hot wiring of cars. When you connect your transponder keys into the ignition an antenna (which is actually an induction coil) transmits a radio signal with a unique code to the chip inside the head of the key. The computer in your car then confirms that the signal is coming from the correct owner and allows the engine to start. This is a reliable method of preventing your vehicle from being stolen and adds a layer of security.
A transponder chip that isn't functioning properly could cause issues starting your vehicle. If your key turns in the ignition, but the engine does not start or turn over it could mean that the chip isn't communicating to your car's system correctly.
A transponder requires electronic power to function, and this power is provided by a small internal battery. Over time, that battery will deplete its charge and stop supplying the power needed to allow your car to start.
If you're experiencing problems with your transponder key it's crucial to get it examined by an expert. A locksmith can identify the issue and replace the battery, or reprogram the key to make it function again.
It is possible to notice that a transponder key is more expensive than a standard metal key. This is due to the higher costs of manufacturing a chipped-key. Although this doesn't mean you shouldn't always visit your dealer when purchasing new keys but you must shop through and compare prices before choosing a company. Be aware that some companies are able to provide cheaper replacement keys because of 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 could be worth paying more for a key that is of better quality and will last longer.
Programming
Modern cars use fobs and keys that can offer more than simply unlock the doors or open the trunk. Certain keys and fobs come with features that allow you to start your car from a distance and lock the doors with the push of a button. They are also secured against physical and digital attacks. The fobs and keys must be programmed correctly or they will not work. This job is typically reserved for experienced auto technicians or locksmiths, because it requires an in-depth knowledge of the vehicle's security system as well as the use of specialized tools.
There are a variety of situations when reprogramming keys or fobs could be required. Most often, it's required when the key is lost or stolen, or when someone buys an older car and wants to make sure that the old keys won't work with the new vehicle. Some vehicles require special tools to reprogram keys and fobs. However it's not always the case.
Reprogramming is often required when the battery in a remote fob has been depleted. This is a straightforward fix, as most keyfobs utilize a tiny clock batteries that can be found in drugstores and at home improvement stores. This won't allow you to open the trunk or start the engine, but it will prevent the key fob malfunctioning.
Certain key fobs may require reprogramming in the event that they've been damaged due to water, dirt or other environmental elements. This is where a professional can truly shine and assist you to get back on the road. In this case the expert will analyze the damage and determine which tools are needed to reprogramme the device. The professional will employ the correct tools to reprogram the transponder or key fob and test it to ensure that everything functions as expected.
It is important to keep in mind that reprogramming keys or fob can be very complex and the wrong procedure can result in serious problems. It is best to delegate the task to a reputable locksmith for your vehicle. This will ensure that the job is done properly and will help you to avoid costly mistakes in the future.