Vehicle Key Repairs You Shouldn't Do Yourself
It can be a major pain when your car key stops functioning. It can be due to many different reasons.
The good news is that most vehicle keys can be fixed without going to an auto dealer or paying a locksmith. Here are a few common issues and the easy fixes.
Keys Broken or lost
You want your car to be running quickly after a major break. DIY repairs could exacerbate the issue. For instance, if the key is broken inside the ignition cylinder, you should not try to force it out as this can cause damage to the lock and the ignition.
Instead, contact the local locksmith for assistance. They will have the right tools for removing your broken key with no further damage. If car key immobiliser repair 'd like to do it by yourself, insert needle-nosed pliers inside the cylinder to grasp the broken piece. If this doesn't work you can try a jigsaw blade that has downward-facing teeth to latch onto and pull the broken key. Do not insert anything else into the cylinder as this can push the broken key further into the cylinder, making it more difficult to retrieve.
The battery might be dead. It is easy to replace the lithium-ion button or coin cell batteries in a variety of models. You can purchase batteries for replacement in pharmacies, supermarkets and home improvement stores. If your fob is damaged or lost you can take it to a reputable mechanic who will repair the battery and program a replacement key.
If your key fob is a high-tech one that has been damaged or lost, you will likely need to visit a dealership for replacement. Contrary to conventional mechanical keys these models must be programmed to the vehicle by the manufacturer. In these instances the best solution is to have a professional make duplicate keys for you. They will make the appropriate cuts and reassemble the mechanism and then transfer the transponder chip from your old key to the new.
You'll need to visit the dealer for a replacement if your car key is a high-tech model that has display. The manufacturer needs to reprogram high-tech keys into the vehicle's security system. The majority of dealers have the equipment to perform this task on-site. They'll also be able cut you a replacement key, meaning you don't need to wait for a new one to arrive in the mail.
Dead Batteries
Batteries are an essential component of any device or gadget, and can wear out easily because of long-term use or absence of charging. It is crucial to act fast when your car's key fob is showing indications of a dead or dying battery. A dead battery will usually result in the key fob not responding to button press and electrical components like a vehicle's ignition not responding to jump-starting attempts.
The battery that is included in the car key is usually small enough to be replaced at home, or by a professional locksmith. Make sure you know the kind of battery that is used in your vehicle prior to replacing it. You will find this information on the battery or in the manual for your vehicle. If you choose the wrong replacement key fob, it may fail or cease to function completely. This could lead to expensive repairs or the need to purchase a new one.
The signs of a dead battery are the long response time when pressing key fob buttons, intermittent functionality, and dim light bulbs for the key fob. A battery that registers 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 in a key fob for your car at home by loosening the screw inside the back of the fob using an screwdriver and then slid it open to reveal the battery compartment. The old battery can be removed using an angled screwdriver and then an alternative one is inserted in the same location. After you're done, put the 2 halves of the fob back together, and test it to see if the key is working correctly.
Keep the screw that holds the key fob battery in the correct position. Store it safely in case you don't intend to use it for a while. Certain models of vehicles come with specific screws that need to be removed in order to access the key fob battery. If this is the situation with your vehicle, look up the owner's manual or an online video to learn how to safely remove the screw.
Transponder Chip
The majority of modern car keys come with a transponder chip (also called a "chipped key"). The reason for this is to keep vehicles from becoming hot wired. When you connect your key transponder to the ignition the radio signal is transmitted to the chip inside the head by an antenna (which really is an induction coil). The computer in the car confirms that you are the right owner and then allows the engine to start. This is a great way to protect your vehicle and add an extra layer of security.
A transponder chip that's not functioning properly could cause issues starting your vehicle. If you turn the key in the ignition but the car doesn't start or turn over, it could indicate that the transponder chip isn't communicating with the system of your car properly.
A transponder requires power from the electronic to function and this power is supplied by a small internal battery. In time, that battery will deplete its charge and stop providing the necessary power to allow your car to start.
If you're experiencing problems with your transponder key it's important to have it checked out by an expert. A professional locksmith can diagnose the issue and either replace the battery or reprogram your key to function correctly again.
You might notice that a transponder key is more expensive than a standard metal key. This is due to the additional costs involved in manufacturing a chipped key. Although this doesn't mean you should always go through your local dealer when buying a new key, you do need to shop for a good deal and compare prices prior to selecting a company. Some companies can provide replacement keys at a lower price because of their lower cost of operation. It's important to keep in mind that a lower-cost replacement key may not be of top quality. You might be better off paying more for a better quality key that's guaranteed to last longer.
Programming
Modern cars come with fobs and keys that allow you to unlock the doors and open the trunk. Certain keys and fobs include features that let you start your car remotely and lock your doors at the push of a button. They can also be protected from physical and digital attacks. As a result, these keys and fobs need to be programmed correctly, or they will not function. This task is typically reserved for skilled auto locksmiths or dealership service technicians because it requires a deep understanding of the security system for your vehicle and the ability to use specialized tools to ensure the programming process is done right.
Reprogramming a fob, or key is required in a handful of instances. Most commonly, the need to reprogramme is when the fob or key is lost or stolen or when you purchase a used vehicle and wants to ensure that the keys that were previously used won't work in the car. Some brands of vehicles require special tools to reprogram new fobs and keys, but this isn't always a requirement in all cases.
automotive key repair depleted battery on a remote key fob is another case where reprogramming might be required. This is a straightforward fix, as most keyfobs utilize a tiny clock batteries that can be found at drugstores and home improvement stores. This won't allow you to open the trunk or start the engine, but it will prevent the key fob from malfunctioning.
Certain key fobs need to be reprogrammed in the event that they've been damaged due to water, dirt or other environmental factors. This is where a professional can truly shine and assist you to get back on the road. In this case the expert will analyze the damage to determine what kind of tool to reprogram the chip is needed. They will then utilize the correct tools to reprogram the transponder or key fob chip and test it to ensure everything works as it should.
It is important to keep in mind that reprogramming a key fob can be a very difficult task and if done incorrectly, it could cause serious issues. It is recommended to leave this job to a reputable locksmith for your vehicle. This will not only guarantee that the job is completed correctly, but it will also assist you in avoiding costly mistakes down the road.