Vehicle Key Repairs You Shouldn't Do Yourself
It can be a major discomfort when the car key stops working. It could be due to a variety of reasons.
The good news is that most vehicle keys can be fixed without visiting a dealership or paying for locksmith. Here are a few common issues and their easy solutions.
Keys Lost or Broken
You want your vehicle to be operating quickly following a key break. DIY repairs can exacerbate the problem. For instance, if the key is broken inside the ignition cylinder, you should avoid trying to remove it as it could cause damage to the lock and ignition.
Instead, contact a locksmith in your area. They'll have the right tools to get rid of your broken key without causing further damage. If you're determined to tackle it yourself, use needle-nose pliers to insert into the cylinder and grab the broken piece. If this fails, try using a jigsaw blade that has downward-facing teeth to grasp and pull the broken key. Do not insert anything else into the cylinder, as this could push the broken key further into the cylinder, making it more difficult to remove.
The battery might be dead. A lot of models have a lithium-ion coin or button cell battery that you can replace yourself. key repairs near me can buy replacement batteries in pharmacies, supermarkets and home improvement stores. If your fob is damaged or lost, you should bring it to an auto technician with a good reputation to swap out the battery and create the new key.
If you have a modern key fob that's damaged or lost, you'll need to go to the dealer for a replacement. Contrary to conventional mechanical keys these kinds of keys must be programmed to the vehicle by the manufacturer. In these instances the best option is to hire a professional make a duplicate key for you. They can make the right cuts and 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 model with digital display, you will probably have to visit a dealership to get an alternative. This is because high-tech keys have to be programmed to the vehicle's security system by the manufacturer. The majority of dealers have the equipment for this job on-site. They can also cut keys that are new so you don't have to wait for the new one to arrive.
Dead Batteries
Batteries are an essential element in any device or gadget, and can wear out easily because of long-term use or absence of charging. It's important to act quickly when your car's key fob has 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 of a car not responding to jump-starting attempts.
The battery for a car key is usually a small coin-sized model that can be replaced at home or by a professional locksmith. Be sure to identify the kind of battery that is used in your vehicle before replacing it. You will find this information on your battery or in the manual for your vehicle. If you choose the wrong battery, your key fob may fail or stop working completely. This can lead to expensive repairs or the need to purchase a new one.
A dead battery can be detected by a slow 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 to be dead. Physical damage to the battery's case could be indicative of irreparable internal damage.
The battery can be easily replaced in a car fob by loosening a screw on the back panel of the fob using a screwdriver, and sliding the panel open to reveal the compartment. The old battery can be removed using a flat-tipped screwdriver and a new one inserted in the same location. The two halves of the key fob when you're finished. Test it to make sure that the key is working correctly.
Keep the screw that holds the key fob battery in place. It is best to store it in a safe place in case you don't intend to use it for a while. Some models of vehicles have special screws that must be removed in order to access the key fob battery. If this is the case for your vehicle, consult your owner's guide or an online video to learn how you can safely remove the screw.
Transponder Chip
Most modern car keys come with transponder chips (also known as a "chipped key"). The reason for this is to help keep 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 individual code to the chip in the head of the key. The car's computer then verifies that the transmission is from the right owner and allows the engine to begin. This is an effective way to prevent your vehicle from being taken and also adds another layer of security.
A transponder chip that isn't functioning properly can cause problems starting your vehicle. If your key is turning in the ignition, but the engine isn't turning over or starting it could be because the chip isn't communicating to your car's system correctly.
Transponder keys require electronic power in order to function and that power is supplied via a tiny battery in the head of the key. As time passes, the battery will lose its charge. It will not be able to provide enough power to allow you to start your car.
It's important that you get your transponder keys checked by an expert if the key isn't functioning properly. A locksmith will be able to identify the problem and replace the battery, or reprogram the key to make it work again.
You may observe that a transponder-type key is more expensive than a regular metal key. This is due to the extra manufacturing costs in making a chipped key. However, this doesn't mean you should always go through your dealership when getting keys, you do need to shop for a good deal and compare prices prior to selecting a firm. Some companies can provide replacement keys at a lower price due to their lower overhead. However, it's important to remember that a key that is cheaper will not necessarily be the top quality. It might be worth paying more for a key that's of higher quality and will last longer.
Programming
Modern cars have keys and fobs which allow you to 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 at the press of the button. They can also be protected from physical and digital 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 technicians or locksmiths, since it requires an understanding of the vehicle's safety system as well as the use of specific tools.
Reprogramming a fob or a key is required in a handful of instances. The most common reason is that it is necessary to reprogramme a key or fob is lost or stolen or when someone purchases a used vehicle and wants to ensure that the keys that were previously used won't work in the vehicle. Certain vehicles require specialized tools to reprogram fobs and keys. However, this is not always the situation.
Reprogramming may be required when the battery in the remote fob has depleted. Fortunately, this is an easy fix since most key fobs are equipped with small clock batteries that can be replaced by cheap ones that can be found in the drugstores and at home improvement stores. It won't permit you to open the trunk or start the engine, however it will stop the key fob malfunctioning.
Certain key fobs may require reprogramming if they've been damaged by water, dirt or other environmental factors. A professional can help you in this situation and get you back on the road. In this case, the professional will assess the damage to determine what kind of tool to reprogram the chip is needed. They will then employ the appropriate tools to reprogram the key fob or transponder chip and test it to make sure everything works as it should.
Remember that reprogramming an electronic fob or key is a difficult procedure and if done incorrectly, can cause serious issues. That's why it's important to let this job be handled by a trusted automotive locksmith. This will not only guarantee that the job is done correctly, but it can also help you avoid costly mistakes later on.