Vehicle Key Repairs: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly
Vehicle Key Repairs
It's frustrating when your car key won't turn in the ignition. However, it's generally easy to solve.
It could be as simple as lubricating the lock's cylinder, which allows the pins to drop correctly. The lubricant made of silicone will stop dirt particles from being deposited in the lock.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys, also known as "chip" keys, have an electronic microchip embedded into the plastic head. Although it's more difficult to duplicate a transponder key than a traditional metal one, most locksmiths in the local area are able to accomplish it. They'll use a special tool to copy an existing key that has been programmed and then insert the chip inside your car to make it work.
The engine will start when the transponder keys are inserted into the ignition. This transmits a signal which must match the vehicle identification code. This technology helps discourage theft by making it nearly impossible for thieves to use hot wires on your car to turn it on and drive away.
Transponder systems can be found in all modern vehicles. If yours isn't functioning correctly, you'll need to talk to a professional. Transponder keys have been designed to make them hard to steal and secure the valuable contents of your car. They aren't copied with the same ease as a mechanical key, and many car manufacturers have anti-theft systems that disable the engine of your vehicle when a non-transponder keys are used.
Transponder keys have been used for decades to prevent car theft. Previously, car thieves would simply connect two wires to the ignition and start the engine - this was known as "hot wiring" and it was very simple to do. General Motors' Transponder Key was introduced in 1985, making it more difficult for old-fashioned and novice car thieves to steal vehicles.
Although these key systems have helped to stop a large number of car theft, there are still people who attempt to evade them, so it's always an excellent idea to have your car security regularly checked. If your key isn't working properly or has been damaged in any way, call your local Mesa locksmith as soon as you can to get it repaired. They can help keep your car safe and secure from thieves.
Smart Keys Keys
Certain cars have smart keys that are more sophisticated than the traditional car key. They can open your doors and start the engine without having to be put into a lock or turning the ignition. In addition, they offer additional security and convenience features that can save your time and money.
Smart keys make use of the radio-frequency identification, also known as RFID system, to communicate with your vehicle. A special antenna on your vehicle reads a signal from the key fob whenever it is within range. The signal contains a unique code that your car can recognize and allows it to open the door or start the engine. This technology also makes it possible for you to lock your doors and trunk with a button push even if the key fob isn't in the vehicle.
This system is designed to safeguard your vehicle from theft. If the computer in your car detects a signal from an unreliable key fob, it will send a different encrypted message and trigger the security alarm. It will also prevent the engine from starting making it impossible for someone to steal your vehicle.
In most cases, if you lose your smart key, it's recommended to contact your dealer to request a replacement rather than attempting to replace it yourself. The dealer will require evidence of ownership and identity to create a new key. car key repair shop near me can often help you obtain one faster than locksmiths.
There are exceptions, however. If you own a specific key that is expensive or difficult to replace, the dealership may be your only alternative. In these instances you might be capable of saving money by visiting your local locksmith instead of the dealership.
It used to be a major problem to lose a car key. It was even necessary to return to the dealer. Replacing modern car keys is now much easier. If your keys are lost or are no longer working, the experienced Pop-A-Lock team can offer a quick solution that will help you avoid any additional costs.
Remote Fobs
The key fob is a convenient way to start your car, lock doors, and access other features found in a variety of vehicles. Like any electronic device there are instances when they're prone to problems. Most times it's not a major issue and can be repaired relatively easily.
If your car key fob is acting up, replacing the battery is the first thing you do. YouTube videos will often walk you through the process step-by-step. If replacing the battery fails to work then you can try different methods.
The first step is to look inside your key fob and examine all the buttons. Since they get heavy use and spend long periods of time being tossed around and pushed around, they could become loose or even broken off. If you are familiar with electronics, you can try to solder the buttons back in place or replace them completely.
Another issue that could come up is a problem with the receiver in your vehicle. The key fob transmits signals to the receiver to open the car or to start it, but if that signal is interrupted for any reason, it will not work. The receiver is also likely to stop working if the batteries inside your key fob go out or are replaced.
A final possibility is that your fob requires to be reprogrammed. The smart key systems in your vehicle rely on the transmitter in the fob and the receiver to recognize each other using an individual code unique to your vehicle. The code changes every time the fob is used. This keeps hackers from cloning and hacking the signals to get into your vehicle.
If your fob is acting up and you're stuck in the middle of nowhere, it's best to keep a spare in your pocket to be able to unlock your vehicle and make it home safely. This will also give you an extra backup in the event that your main fob stops working in the future, so you don't get stuck in a remote location.
While having a spare key fob can appear to be an unnecessary expense, it can save you from the stress and inconvenience of being stuck without a way to start your vehicle or get home. It can also save you the expense of having to contact a locksmith, or breaking into your vehicle when you get locked out.