Ask Me Anything: 10 Answers To Your Questions About Vehicle Key Repairs
Vehicle Key Repairs You Shouldn't Do Yourself
If your car's key stops working, it can be a real trouble. This can be caused by many reasons.
It's good to know that you can fix most vehicle keys without the need to visit an auto dealer or pay a locksmith. Here are a few common issues and the easy fixes.
Keys lost or damaged Keys
You want your vehicle to be operating quickly after a major break. However, trying DIY repairs can aggravate the situation. If the key has broken inside the ignition cylinder, you should not attempt to force it out since it could damage the lock and the ignition.
Contact a local locksmith instead. They'll have the appropriate tools for removing your broken key with no further damage. If you'd like to tackle it yourself, insert needle-nosed pliers inside the cylinder to grab the broken piece. If this doesn't work you can try an jigsaw with downward-facing teeth to latch onto and pull the broken key. Don't put anything else in the cylinder as this can push the broken key further into the cylinder and make it harder to get it out.
Another reason why your vehicle's key may not start is because the battery is dead. Many models come with the lithium-ion button or coin cell battery that you can easily replace yourself. You can buy replacement batteries from pharmacies, supermarkets, and home improvement stores. If your fob has been damaged or lost, take it to an experienced auto technician who can replace 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 dealership for replacement. Keys that are high-tech differ from mechanical ones in that they must be programmed by the manufacturer in order to work with the vehicle. In remote key repair is to hire an expert make a duplicate key for you. They can restore the correct cut, reassemble mechanism and transfer the transponder chip of your old key to new key.
You will need to visit a dealer to get a replacement if your car key is a high tech model with display. This is because high-tech keys have to be reprogrammed to the vehicle's security system by the manufacturer. Most dealers have the necessary equipment to perform this task on-site. They can also cut you a new key so that you don't have to wait for a new one to arrive.
Dead Batteries
Batteries are an essential component of any device or gadget, and they are susceptible to wear out from prolonged use or lack of charging. If your car's key fob is showing indications of a dead battery it's crucial to address the issue quickly. A dead battery will usually cause the key fob not responding to button press and electrical components like the ignition of a car not responding to jump-start attempts.
The battery for a car key is typically tiny and small in size. It can be replaced at home or by a professional locksmith. Before replacing a battery be sure to know which type of battery is used by the vehicle. It is possible to find this details on the battery in your vehicle's documentation. If you use the wrong battery key fob, it may malfunction or stop working altogether. This could lead to expensive repairs or a new purchase.
A dead battery is identified by a slower response time when pressing key fob buttons, or by intermittent functionality or dimming key fob lights. A battery that displays zero voltage on a voltage meter is also likely to be dead, and physical damage to the case could indicate irreparable internal damage.
It is easy to replace the battery of a car key fob at home by loosening the screw in the back of the fob with the help of a screwdriver, and then sliding it open to reveal the battery compartment. The old battery can be removed using a flat-tipped screwdriver and an alternative one is inserted in the same location. Snap the two parts of the key fob together when you're finished. Check it out to make sure the key functions correctly.
Make sure you keep the screw that holds the key fob battery in place. Keep it safe if you won't be using it for a while. Some vehicles require that you remove a special screw to get access to the battery inside the key fob. If this is the case for your vehicle, you can refer to the owner's manual or a video online to learn how to safely remove it.
Transponder Chip
Most modern car keys are equipped with transponder chips (also called a "chipped key"). This is to prevent the hot wiring of cars. When you insert your key transponder into the ignition it transmits a radio signal transmitted to the chip in the head by an antenna (which really is an induction coil). The computer in your car then confirms that the transmission comes from the right owner and allows the engine to begin. This is a great method to safeguard your vehicle and provide an additional layer of security.
A transponder chip that's not functioning properly could cause issues starting your car. If your key is turning in the ignition, but the car doesn't turn over or start it could mean that the chip isn't communicating to your car's system in a timely manner.
Transponder keys require electronic power to work and that power is provided by a small battery inside the head of the key. As time passes, the battery will deplete its charge and stop supplying the required power to allow your car to start.
It is essential to get your transponder keys checked by an expert if it isn't working properly. A locksmith will be able to identify the issue and replace the battery, or reprogram the key to make it function again.
You might have noticed that a transponder can be more expensive than a regular metal key. This is because of the extra manufacturing costs in making a key with a chip. This does not mean that you need to visit the dealership each time you need a new key. It is best to look around and compare companies before choosing one. Certain companies offer keys replacement at a lower price because of their lower costs of operations. However it's crucial to remember that a key that is cheaper will not necessarily be the top quality. It could be worth paying more for a key that's more durable and will last longer.
Programming
Modern cars have keys and fobs that provide more than unlock the doors or open the trunk. Some of them let you start your car remotely and also lock the doors with the touch of a button, and secure them against both physical and digital attacks. As a result, the fobs and keys need to be programmed correctly, or they will not function. This task is usually reserved for experienced auto technicians or locksmiths, since it requires an knowledge of the car's security system as well as the use of specialized tools.
There are a variety of situations when reprogramming a key or fob might be required. The most common is if keys are lost or stolen or if someone buys an older car and wants to make sure that the old keys will not work in the new car. Certain models of vehicles require special tools to reprogram new fobs and keys however this isn't necessarily required in all situations.
A battery that is depleted in the remote key fob is a different case where reprogramming might be required. This is a simple fix, as most keyfobs use small clock battery which can be found in drugstores and home improvement stores. While this won't restore the capability to open your trunk or turn on your engine, it can prevent the key fob from malfunctioning altogether.
Some key fobs will require reprogramming when they've been damaged by dirt, water or other environmental elements. A professional can assist you in this situation and get you back on the road. In this scenario, the professional will assess the damage to determine the kind of reprogramming equipment required. They will then employ the correct tools to reprogram the transponder or key fob chip and test it to ensure everything functions as expected.
Remember that reprogramming an electronic fob or key is a difficult process and the wrong method could cause serious problems. It is recommended to leave the task to a reputable auto locksmith. This will ensure that the job will be done correctly and help you avoid costly mistakes in the future.