Vehicle Key Repairs You Shouldn't Do Yourself
It can be a major discomfort when the car key stops working. This can happen due to a variety of reasons.
It's good to know that you can fix the majority of car keys without the need to visit a dealer or pay locksmith. Here are some common problems and their easy solutions.
Keys Broken or lost
You want your car to be running quickly after a key break. However, trying DIY repairs can worsen the situation. If the key has broken inside the ignition cylinder, you should not try to force it out since this could damage the lock and the ignition.
Instead, call a local locksmith for assistance. They'll have the tools to get rid of your broken key without causing damage. If you want to do it yourself, put needle-nosed pliers into the cylinder to grasp the broken piece. If this isn't working you, you can try using a jigsaw that has teeth that are facing downwards to grab and pull the broken piece. Do not attempt to insert any other item into the cylinder, as doing so will push the key even further in and make it even more difficult to remove.
Another reason your vehicle key may not start is that the battery is dead. Many models have an lithium-ion coin or button cell battery that you can replace yourself. You can buy replacement batteries from pharmacies, supermarkets, or home improvement stores. If your fob is damaged or missing you can take it to a trusted mechanic who will repair the battery and program a new key.
If you own a high-tech key fob that's damaged or lost, you'll need to visit a dealer for an alternative. These keys are different from mechanical keys in that they require programming by the manufacturer to work with the vehicle. In these situations it is recommended to hire a professional to create a duplicate key. They will be able to restore the original cut, reassemble mechanism and transfer the transponder chip of your old key to new keys.
You will need to go to the dealer to request a replacement when your car key is a high-tech model that has a display. The manufacturer needs to reprogram high-tech keys into the vehicle's safety system. Most dealers have the equipment to complete this task on-site. They can also cut keys for you so that you don't have to wait for the new one to be delivered.
Dead Batteries
Batteries are a vital component in any gadget or device, and they can easily get worn out by prolonged usage or the absence of regular charging. It is imperative to act swiftly in the event that your car's key fob is showing indications of a dead or dying battery. A dead battery typically indicates that the key fob's functions aren't responding to button presses and that electrical components, like the starter in your vehicle may not be responsive to jump-starting efforts.
The battery inside a car key is usually small enough to be changed at home or by a professional locksmith. Before replacing a battery make sure to identify which type of battery is being used by the vehicle. You can usually find this information on the battery or in the manual for your vehicle. If you use the wrong replacement key fob, it may fail or stop working completely. This could lead to costly repairs or even the need to purchase a new one.
A dead battery can be identified by a slow response when pressing key fob buttons or by intermittent functionality and dimming of key fob lights. A battery that displays zero voltage on an meter for voltage is likely dead, and physical damage to the case could be indicative of irreparable internal damage.
It is easy to replace the battery of a car key fob at home by loosening the screw inside the fob's back panel with an screwdriver and then slid it open to reveal the battery compartment. You can then remove the old battery using a small flat-tipped screwdriver, and insert a fresh one in the same spot. When you're done, snap the 2 halves of the fob back together, and test it to verify that the key functions properly.
Be careful not to lose the screw that secures the battery Make sure you keep it in a safe place if you don't require it again (like in the 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 case for your vehicle, check the owner's manual or an online tutorial video to determine how to remove it safely.
Transponder Chip
Most modern car keys are equipped with a transponder chip (also called a "chipped key"). The reason is to stop vehicles from becoming hot wired. When you put your key transponder in the ignition the radio signal is sent to the chip in the head via an antenna (which really is an induction coil). The car's computer then verifies that the signal is coming from the right owner and allows your engine to start. 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 turns in the ignition, but the engine doesn't turn over or start it could be because the chip isn't communicating to your car's system properly.
A transponder key requires electronic power to function, and that power is supplied via a tiny battery in the head of the key. In time, that battery will run out of charge and cease to provide the power needed to allow your car to start.
If you're experiencing issues with your transponder key it's important to have it examined by a professional. A locksmith can diagnose your problem and fix the issue. They can also replace the battery, or reprogram the key to work again.
You may have noticed that a transponder is more expensive than an ordinary metal key. This is due to the extra cost of making a chipped-key. This doesn't mean that you have to go through the dealership every time you require a replacement key. You should research and compare different companies before choosing one. It is important to be aware that some companies are able to offer lower keys for replacement due to their lower cost of operations. The Key Lab to bear in mind that a lower-cost replacement key may not be of top quality. It may be worth paying a bit more to get a key of higher quality and will last longer.
Programming
Modern cars come with fobs and keys that allow you to unlock the doors and open the trunk. Some of them allow you to start your car remotely and lock the doors at the push of the button, and also protect them from physical and virtual attacks. As a result, these keys and fobs have to be programmed correctly or they will not function. This task is typically reserved for auto technicians with experience or locksmiths, as it requires an in-depth knowledge of the vehicle's security system as well as the use of specialized tools.
Reprogramming a fob, or key is required in a handful of cases. The most frequent is when the key is lost or stolen or if someone buys a used car and wants to ensure that the old keys won't work in the new vehicle. Certain vehicles require special tools to reprogram keys and fobs. However this isn't always the case.
Reprogramming may be required if the battery in a remote fob has been depleted. Fortunately it's a simple fix as most key fobs have small clock batteries which can be replaced with inexpensive ones found in pharmacies and home improvement stores. It won't permit you to open the trunk or start the engine, but it will prevent the key fob malfunctioning.
Some key fobs will require reprogramming if they've been damaged by 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 evaluate damage to determine the type of reprogramming equipment required. They will then employ the proper tools to reprogram the transponder or key fob chip and verify that everything functions as expected.
It is important to keep in mind that reprogramming keys or fob can be very complex and if done incorrectly, it could result in serious problems. This is why it's crucial to leave this job to an expert locksmith in the automotive industry. This will ensure that the task will be done right and will help you to avoid costly mistakes in the near future.