Marisa McKeddie

Vehicle Key Repairs You Shouldn't Do Yourself

It can be a major pain when your car key stops functioning. This can happen because of a variety of causes.

The good news is that the majority of vehicle keys can be fixed without going to a dealership or paying for a locksmith. Here are a few common problems and the simple solutions.

Keys Broken or lost

A key break can be stressful, and you want to get your car back on the road again quickly. DIY repairs may worsen the issue. For instance, if a key breaks inside the ignition cylinder, it is best not to force it out as it could cause damage to the lock and the ignition.

Find a local locksmith. They'll have the appropriate tools to remove your broken key with no further damage. If you're determined to do it yourself, you can use needle-nose pliers to insert into the cylinder and grab the broken piece of key. If this isn't working, try using a jigsaw blade that has downward-facing teeth that can latch onto and remove the broken key repair key. Never attempt to insert anything else into the cylinder as doing so could push the key even further in and make it even more difficult to remove.

The battery may be dead. It is easy to replace the lithium-ion buttons or coin cell batteries in many models. You can buy replacement batteries in pharmacies, supermarkets and home improvement shops. If your key is damaged or lost, bring it into a reputable auto technician to replace the battery and create a new key.

If you have a high-tech key fob that's damaged or lost, you will need to go to the dealer to get an exchange. Contrary to conventional mechanical keys these kinds of keys 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 then transfer the transponder chip of your old key to the new one.

You'll need to visit a dealer to request a replacement when your car key is a high tech model with display. The manufacturer has to reprogramme high-tech keys to the vehicle's safety system. The majority of dealers have the equipment to complete this task on-site. They can also cut keys for you so you don't need to wait for the new one to arrive.

Dead Batteries

Batteries are a vital component of any gadget or device, and can wear out easily because of long-term use or absence of charging. It is imperative to act swiftly in the event that your car's key fob is showing signs of a dead or dying battery. A dead battery can cause the key fob not responding to press buttons and electrical components like a vehicle's ignition not responding to jump-starting attempts.

A car key's battery is usually smaller than a coin and can be replaced at home or by an expert 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 or in your vehicle's documentation. If you choose the wrong replacement key fob, it may fail or stop working completely. This could result in costly repairs or even the need to purchase a new one.

A few indicators of a dead battery include a long response time when pressing key fob buttons, intermittent functionality and dim lights on the key fob. A battery that shows zero voltage on an meter for voltage is likely dead, and physical damage to the case could indicate irreparable internal damage.

The battery can be easily replaced on a car fob by loosening a screw on the back panel of the fob with a screwdriver, and sliding the panel open to reveal the compartment. The old battery can be removed with an angled screwdriver and then an alternative one is inserted in the same location. You can snap the two halves of the key fob together when you're finished. Test it to ensure that the key is working properly.

Be cautious not to loose the screw that secures the battery Make sure you store it somewhere safe if you don't need 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 situation for your vehicle, you can refer to the owner's manual or a video online to learn how to remove it.

Transponder Chip

Most modern car keys are fitted with transponder chips (also known as a "chipped key"). This prevents the ignition from being hot wired. When you connect your transponder keys into the ignition the antenna (which is actually an induction coil) transmits an audio signal that is accompanied by an unique code to the chip in the head of the key. The car's computer confirms that you are the right owner and then allows the engine to start. This is an effective method of preventing your vehicle from being taken and adds another 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 on the ignition but the engine isn't turning over or starting, it could mean that the chip isn't communicating with your car's system correctly.

A transponder requires power from the electronic to function and this power is supplied by a tiny internal battery. As time passes, the battery will lose its charge. It will no longer supply enough power to allow you to start your car key repairs.

If you're having problems with your transponder key it's essential to have it examined by a professional. A locksmith can diagnose your issue and replace the battery, or reprogram the key to make it function again.

You may be able to see that a transponder key is more expensive than a regular metal key. This is due to the additional manufacturing costs involved in the production of a chipped key. It doesn't mean you must visit the dealership every time you need a new key. You should shop around and compare companies before selecting one. Certain companies will offer keys replacement at a lower cost due to their lower overhead. It is important to keep in mind that a cheaper replacement key might not be of the highest quality. It might be worth paying a bit more for a key that's more durable and will last longer.

Programming

Modern cars have keys and fobs which do more than just unlock the doors and open the trunk. Certain models let you start your mobile car key repair remotely and also lock the doors with the press of a button, and secure them from physical and virtual attacks. This means that these keys and fobs have to be programmed correctly, or they won't function. This job is typically reserved for experienced auto locksmiths or dealership service technicians, since it requires a thorough understanding of the security system in the vehicle and the ability to use specific tools to ensure the programming process is done right.

There are a variety of situations when reprogramming keys or fobs could be required. The most common is if a key is stolen or lost, or when someone buys a used car and wants to ensure that the previous keys won't work in the new car. Certain vehicles require specialized tools to reprogram keys and fobs. However it's not always the situation.

Reprogramming might be necessary to replace the battery of a remote fob has been depleted. This is a simple fix, as most keyfobs use small clock battery that can be found in drugstores and at home improvement stores. While this will not restore the ability to open your trunk or start the engine, it could prevent the key fob from failing altogether.

Certain key fobs might need to be reprogrammed following being damaged by water, dirt or other environmental factors. A professional can help in this case and get you back on the road. In this instance, the professional will assess the damage to determine what kind of tools are needed to reprogramme the device. They will then utilize the appropriate tools to reprogram the key fob or transponder chip and test it to make sure all functions as intended.

It's important to remember that reprogramming a key fob can be extremely complicated and if the wrong method is used, it can cause serious issues. It is recommended to leave this job to a reputable auto locksmith. This will ensure that the job is done properly and will allow you to avoid costly mistakes in the future.