Vehicle Key Repairs You Shouldn't Do Yourself
It can be a major pain when your car key stops functioning. It could be due to many reasons.
The positive side is that the majority of keys to vehicles can be repaired without going to a dealership or paying for a locksmith. Here are some common problems and their easy solutions.
Keys lost or damaged Keys
A car key repair is stressful, and you want to get your car up and running immediately. However, attempting DIY repairs can worsen the situation. If the key has broken inside the ignition cylinder you should not attempt to force it out, as it could damage the lock and ignition.
Instead, call an experienced locksmith in your area for assistance. They will have the right tools to remove your broken key without further damage. If you'd like to do it yourself, put needle-nosed pliers inside the cylinder and grab the broken piece. If this doesn't work you can try a jigsaw blade that has downward-facing teeth that can latch onto and take the broken key. Don't attempt to insert anything else into the cylinder as doing so could push the key further in and make it more difficult to remove.
The battery may be dead. It is easy to replace the lithium-ion buttons or coin cell batteries in a variety of models. You can purchase replacement batteries at pharmacies, supermarkets, or home improvement stores. However, if your fob is damaged or lost, take it to an auto technician with a good reputation to swap out the battery and program the new key.
If your key fob is a high-tech model that has been damaged or lost, you will likely need to visit a dealer for a replacement. Unlike traditional 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 duplicate keys. They can restore the correct cuts, reassemble the mechanism, and transfer the transponder chip from the old key to the new one.
If your car's key is one that has high-tech features, such as digital display, you'll likely require a visit to the dealer for a replacement. This is because high-tech keys must be programmed to the vehicle's security system by the manufacturer. Fortunately, the majority of dealers have the equipment to do this right on the moment. They'll also cut you a new key, meaning you don't need to wait for the new one to arrive in the mail.
Dead Batteries
Batteries are a vital component in any device or gadget and they are prone to wear out from extended usage or the absence of regular 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 result in the key fob not responding to button press, and electrical components like the ignition in a vehicle not responding to jump-start attempts.
A car key's battery is usually smaller than a coin and can be replaced at home or by a professional locksmith. Before replacing a battery, ensure that you know what kind of battery is being used by the vehicle. You can often find the information on the battery in the documentation of your vehicle. If you choose to replace the battery incorrectly, it could cause your key fob to malfunction or not work in any way, requiring costly repairs or a whole new purchase.
A few indicators of a dead battery include an extended response time when pressing key fob buttons, intermittent functionality, and dim lights on the key fob. A battery that has zero voltage on a voltmeter is also likely to be dead. Physical damage to the battery's casing could indicate irreparable damage inside.
The battery can be substituted in a car fob by unloosening the screw on the back of the fob using the help of a screwdriver, then opening the panel to reveal the compartment. Then, you can remove the battery that was in place using the help of a small screwdriver with a flat tip and replace it with a new one in the same spot. The two parts of the key fob together when you're done. Check it out to make sure the key works properly.
Be careful not to lose the screw that holds the battery in place Make sure you keep it safe in case you don't require it again (like inside a resealable plastic bag or small cup). Some models of vehicles have special screws that need to be removed to access the key fob battery. If this is the case with your vehicle, consult your owner's manual, or an online tutorial video to determine the best method to remove it safely.
Transponder Chip
The majority of modern car keys come with a transponder (also known as a "chipped-key"). The reason for this is to help stop vehicles from becoming hot wired. When you insert your transponder key into the ignition the antenna (which is really just an induction coil) transmits an audio signal that is accompanied by an unique code to the chip in the head of the key. The computer in the car checks to ensure that the key is the right owner, and then allows the engine to start. This is an effective method of preventing your vehicle from being taken and adds a layer of security.
One of the most obvious signs that a transponder chip isn't working correctly is having trouble starting your car. 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 power from the electronic to function, and this power is provided by a tiny internal battery. As time passes the battery will deplete its charge. It will not provide enough power to start your car.
If you're experiencing issues with your transponder key it's essential to have it checked out by a professional. A locksmith can diagnose your problem and replace the battery, or reprogram the key to make it function again.
You may have noticed that a transponder is more expensive than an ordinary metal key. This is due to the additional costs involved in manufacturing a chipped key. However, this doesn't mean you shouldn't go to your dealership when getting keys but you must shop around and compare prices before selecting a company. Certain companies offer keys replacement at a lower cost due to their lower costs of operations. It is important to keep in mind that a less expensive replacement key may not be of the best quality. It may be worth paying more to get a key of higher quality and will last longer.
Programming
Modern cars have keys and fobs which can do more than simply unlock the doors and open the trunk. Certain keys and fobs come with features that allow you to start your car from a distance and lock your doors at the touch of a button. key fob repairs can also be secured against physical and digital attacks. This means that these keys and fobs need to be programmed correctly or they won't function. This job is typically reserved for experienced auto locksmiths or dealership service technicians as it requires extensive knowledge of the security system in the vehicle and the ability to use specific tools to ensure that the program is completed correctly.
There are several scenarios where reprogramming a key or fob might be required. Most often, it's required when a key is stolen or lost or if someone buys an older car and wants to ensure that the old keys won't work in the new vehicle. Certain vehicles require special tools to reprogram fobs and keys. However, key repairs is not always the situation.
Reprogramming is often required to replace the battery of a remote fob has been depleted. Fortunately, this is an easy fix since most key fobs have small clock batteries which can be replaced with inexpensive ones found in pharmacies and home improvement stores. While this will not restore the ability to open the trunk or turn on your engine, it could prevent the key fob from malfunctioning completely.
Certain key fobs may have to be reprogrammed following being damaged by dirt, water, or other environmental factors. A professional can assist you in this case and get you back on the road. In this situation the professional will evaluate the damage and determine which tool to reprogram the chip is needed. They will then use the appropriate tools to reprogram the key fob or transponder chip and verify that everything functions as expected.
Be aware that reprogramming an electronic fob or key is a difficult process and the wrong method can cause serious issues. This is why it's crucial to leave this job to an expert locksmith in the automotive industry. This will not only guarantee that the job is completed right, but it will also assist you in avoiding costly mistakes down the road.