A Cheat Sheet For The Ultimate On Vehicle Key Repairs
Vehicle Key Repairs You Shouldn't Do Yourself
It can be a real hassle when your car key stops working. This could be caused by a variety of reasons.
The good news is that the majority of keys to vehicles can be repaired without going to a dealership or paying for a locksmith. Here are some typical issues and their simple solutions.
Keys that are lost or broken Keys
You want your car to be running quickly after a major break. However, attempting DIY repairs can aggravate the situation. For instance, if a key is broken inside the ignition cylinder it is best not to force it out as this could cause damage to the lock and the ignition.
Instead, contact an experienced locksmith in your area for assistance. They'll have the proper tools for removing your broken key without further damage. If you're determined to tackle it yourself, use pliers with needle-noses to insert into the cylinder and then grab the broken piece of key. If this fails 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 retrieve.
Another reason your vehicle key might not start is that the battery is dead. A lot of models have a lithium-ion coin or button cell battery that is easy to replace yourself. You can purchase replacement batteries at pharmacies, supermarkets and home improvement stores. However, if your fob is damaged or lost, you should bring it to a reputable auto technician to swap the battery and program the new key.
If your key fob is a high-tech one that has been damaged or lost, you will likely need to visit the dealership for replacement. Contrary to conventional mechanical keys these models must be programmed to the vehicle by the manufacturer. In these cases it is recommended to get a professional to design a duplicate key. They can restore the correct cuts, reassemble the mechanism, and then transfer the transponder chip from the old key to the new.
If your car's key is one that has high-tech features, such as digital display, you'll likely need to visit the dealership to get the replacement. This is because high-tech keys need to be reprogrammed to the vehicle's security system by the manufacturer. Fortunately, many dealers have the tools to perform this task on the moment. They'll also cut you a new key, so you don't have to wait for your new one to arrive in the mail.
Dead Batteries
Batteries are an essential component in any gadget or device and can easily wear out due to prolonged usage or the absence of regular charging. If your car key fob is showing indications of a dead battery it's important to fix the issue quickly. A dead battery typically means the remote's key fob functions won't respond to press-button presses, and electrical components such as a vehicle's starter may not respond to jump-start efforts.
The battery for a car key is usually a small coin-sized model that can be replaced at home or by an expert locksmith. Before replacing a battery, make sure to identify which kind of battery is being used by the vehicle. It is possible to find this details on the battery in the vehicle's documentation. If you choose to replace the battery incorrectly, it could cause your key fob to malfunction or stop working in any way, requiring costly repairs or a whole new purchase.
sneak a peek here of a dead battery include a long response time when pressing 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 to be dead, and physical damage to the case could indicate irreparable internal damage.
The battery can be easily replaced in a car fob by unloosening a screw on the back panel of the fob with an screwdriver and then opening the panel to reveal the compartment. The old battery can be removed with an angled screwdriver and then a new one inserted in the same spot. Once you're done, snap the 2 halves of the fob back together and then test it to see if the key works correctly.
Be cautious not to loose the screw that secures the battery Make sure you keep it safe in case you don't need it again (like inside a resealable plastic bag or a small cup). Certain vehicles require you to remove a screw that is specifically designed to get access to the battery inside the key fob. If this is the situation for your vehicle, you can refer to the owner's manual or watch an online video to learn how to remove the screw.
Transponder Chip
The majority of 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 transponder key into the ignition the antenna (which is actually an induction coil) transmits an audio signal that is accompanied by an unique code to the chip in the head of the key. The car's computer checks to ensure that the key is the correct owner, and then allows the engine to start. This is a reliable method of preventing your vehicle from being stolen and also adds another layer of security.
A transponder chip that's not working properly could cause problems getting your car started. If your key is turning in the ignition, but the car does not start or turn over it could be because the chip isn't communicating with your car's system properly.
A transponder key needs electronic power to function and that power is supplied by a small battery within the head of the key. As time passes, the battery will lose its charge. It will not provide enough power to allow you to start your car.
If you're experiencing issues with your transponder keys, it's important to have it checked out by an expert. A locksmith expert can identify the issue and then either replace the battery or reprogram your key to function properly again.
You might have observed that a transponder is more expensive than an ordinary metal key. This is because of the additional manufacturing costs involved in making a key with a chip. Although this doesn't mean you shouldn't go to your local dealer when buying new keys however, you should shop around and compare prices before choosing a company. Certain companies offer keys replacement at a lower price due to their lower overhead. It's important to bear in mind that a less expensive replacement key might not be of top quality. It may be worth paying more for a key that is more durable and will last longer.
Programming
Modern cars come with keys and fobs which do more than just unlock the doors and open the trunk. Some of them let you start your car remotely and also lock the doors with the press of a button, and secure them from physical and virtual attacks. In turn, these keys and fobs need to be programmed correctly or they won't work. This task is typically reserved for skilled auto locksmiths or dealership service technicians, as it requires extensive knowledge of the security system for your vehicle and the ability to use specific tools to ensure that the correct programming procedure is followed.
Reprogramming a fob or key is required in a handful of instances. The most frequent is when the key is stolen or lost, or when someone buys a used car and wants to ensure that the previous keys will not work in the new vehicle. Some brands of vehicles require special coding tools for reprograming new keys and fobs, however this isn't necessarily required in all situations.
A depleted battery on a remote key fob is a different situation where reprogramming may be necessary. This is a simple fix, as most keyfobs use small clock battery that can be found in drugstores and at home improvement stores. While this won't restore the ability to open your trunk or turn on the engine, it will stop the key fob from malfunctioning completely.
Some key fobs will need to be reprogrammed when they've been damaged by water, dirt or other environmental factors. This is where a professional will truly shine and assist you to get back on the road. In this case the professional will evaluate the damage to determine what type of reprogramming tool is required. The expert will employ the correct tools to reprogram the transponder key fob, and then test it so that everything works as expected.
It is important to keep in mind that reprogramming a key fob can be very complex and if the wrong method is used, it can cause serious issues. It is best to delegate this job to a reputable locksmith for your vehicle. This will not only guarantee that the job is completed right, but it will also assist you in avoiding costly mistakes later on.