Vehicle Key Repairs You Shouldn't Do Yourself
It can be a huge pain when your car key stops functioning. It could be due to many reasons.
It's good to be aware that you can repair most vehicle keys without having to go to an auto dealer or pay locksmith. Here are some typical issues and their easy solutions.
Lost or Broken Keys
A key break is an emotional experience, and you want to get your car up and running again quickly. However, trying DIY repairs can aggravate the situation. For example, if the key is broken within the ignition cylinder, you should not try to remove it as it could cause damage to the lock or the ignition.
Find a local locksmith. They'll have the right tools to get rid of the broken key without causing further damage. If you're determined to do it yourself, use needle-nose pliers to insert into the cylinder and grab the broken piece of key. If this doesn't work, you can try using a jigsaw with teeth that face downwards to grab and pull the broken piece. Don't put anything else in the cylinder as this can push the broken key even further into the cylinder, making it harder to get it out.
The battery could be dead. Many models come with a lithium-ion coin or button cell battery that you can replace yourself. You can purchase batteries for replacement at pharmacies, supermarkets, or home improvement stores. If your key is damaged or lost, bring it to a reputable auto technician to swap out the battery and program an alternative key.
If your key fob is a high-tech one that has been damaged or lost, you'll likely need to visit the dealer to get a replacement. Contrary to conventional mechanical keys these types need to be programmed to the vehicle by the manufacturer. In these cases it is recommended to have a professional create a duplicate key. They will make the appropriate cuts and reassemble the mechanism and then transfer the transponder chip from your old key to the new one.
If the key in your car is a high-tech one with a digital display, you'll likely have to visit a dealership to get a replacement. The manufacturer needs to reprogram high-tech keys to the car's safety system. Fortunately, many dealers have the capability to do this on the moment. They can also cut you a new key so that you don't have to wait for a 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 shows indications of a dead or dying battery. A dead battery typically indicates that the key fob's functions will not respond to button presses and that electrical components, like the starter in your vehicle may not be responsive to jump-starting efforts.
The battery that is included in a car key is usually an sized coin that can be changed at home or by an expert locksmith. Make sure you know the type of battery used by your vehicle prior to replacing it. It is usually possible to find this information on the battery or in the documentation for your vehicle. If you choose the wrong battery, your key fob may malfunction or stop working altogether. This could lead to costly repairs or even an entirely new purchase.
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 registers zero voltage on the voltage meter is likely to be dead. Physical damage to the battery's case could be indicative of irreparable internal damage.
It is easy to replace the battery in a car key fob at home by loosening the screw on the fob's back panel with a screwdriver and sliding it open to reveal the battery compartment. Then, you can remove the old battery using a small flat-tipped screwdriver and replace it with a new one in the same place. Snap the two parts of the key fob after you're done. Test it to ensure that the key works correctly.
Be careful not to lose the screw that secures the battery Make sure you keep it safe in case you don't require it again (like inside a resealable plastic bag or a small cup). Some models of vehicles have special screws that must be removed to access the key fob battery. If this is the case for your vehicle, refer to your owner's manual or an online tutorial video to figure out how to safely remove it.
Transponder Chip
Most modern car keys are equipped with transponder chips (also known as a "chipped key"). The reason for this is to stop vehicles from becoming hot wired. When you put your transponder key in the ignition, an antenna (which is really just an induction coil) transmits a radio signal with an unique code to the chip inside the head of the key. The computer in your car then confirms that the transmission comes from the right owner and allows the engine to begin. This is a great way to protect your vehicle and add an additional layer of security.
A transponder chip that isn't functioning properly could cause issues getting your car started. If you turn the key in the ignition but your car won't begin or turn over, it could indicate that the transponder chip isn't communicating with the vehicle's system correctly.
Transponder keys require electronic power in order to function and that power is supplied by a small battery inside the head of the key. As time passes the battery will deplete its charge. It will not provide enough power to start your vehicle.
If you're experiencing issues with your transponder key it's essential to have it examined by an expert. A locksmith will be able to identify the problem and fix the issue. They can also replace the battery or reprogram the key to make it function again.
You may observe that a transponder-type key is more expensive than a regular metal key. This is due to the higher costs of manufacturing a chipped-key. This doesn't mean that you must visit the dealership every time you require a replacement key. You should shop around and compare companies before settling on one. You should also be aware that certain companies can provide lower-cost replacement keys because of their lower cost of operations. It's important to bear in mind that a lower-cost 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 allow you to unlock the doors and open the trunk. Certain keys and fobs include features that let you start your car from a distance and lock your doors at the push of one button. They are also protected from physical and digital attacks. key fob repairs and fobs must be programmed correctly, or they won't function. This task is usually reserved for auto technicians with experience or locksmiths, as it requires a thorough understanding of the vehicle's safety system and the use of specialized tools.
There are several scenarios in which reprogramming of a key or fob might be necessary. Most often, reprogramming is required when keys or fobs are lost or stolen, or when you purchase a used vehicle and needs to ensure that the old keys will not work in the vehicle. Some brands of vehicles require special coding tools for reprograming new keys and fobs, but this isn't always a requirement in all cases.
Reprogramming might be necessary when the battery in the remote fob is depleted. Fortunately it's a simple fix since most key fobs are equipped with small clock batteries that can be replaced by inexpensive ones found in pharmacies and home improvement stores. While this will not restore the ability to open the trunk or turn on the engine, it will stop the key fob from malfunctioning completely.
Some key fobs will require reprogramming if they've been damaged by dirt, water or other environmental elements. A professional can assist you in this situation and get you back on the road. In this instance, the professional will assess the extent of damage and determine the type of reprogramming equipment required. They will then employ the correct tools to reprogram the transponder or key fob chip and verify that all functions as intended.
Be aware that reprogramming an electronic key or fob is a complex procedure and if done incorrectly, can cause serious issues. This is why it's crucial to delegate this task to an expert locksmith in the automotive industry. This will not only ensure that the job is completed properly, but can also save you from costly mistakes later on.