What Is Vehicle Key Repairs? History Of Vehicle Key Repairs
Vehicle Key Repairs You Shouldn't Do Yourself
It can be a real pain when your car key stops functioning. This can happen due to many different reasons.
The positive side is that the majority of keys to vehicles can be replaced without going to an auto dealer or paying locksmith. Here are some typical issues and their simple solutions.
Keys that are lost or broken Keys
You want your car to be running quickly after a major break. DIY repairs could exacerbate the problem. For instance, if a key breaks inside the ignition cylinder it is best not to force it out as this could cause damage to the lock or the ignition.
Instead, contact a locksmith in your area. They'll have the appropriate tools to remove your broken key without causing damage. If you're determined to tackle it yourself, use pliers with needle-noses to insert into the cylinder and then grab the broken piece. If this doesn't work you can try a jigsaw blade with downward-facing teeth to latch onto and take the broken key. Never try to insert anything else into the cylinder, as doing so could cause the key to be pushed further into it and make it even more difficult to retrieve.
The battery might be dead. It is easy to replace the lithium-ion button or coin cell batteries on a variety of models. You can buy replacement batteries at supermarkets, pharmacies and home improvement stores. However, if your fob has been damaged or lost, you should bring it into an auto technician with a good reputation to swap the battery and create an alternative key.
If your key fob is a high-tech device that has been damaged or lost, you will likely need to visit a dealer for a replacement. In contrast to traditional mechanical keys, these kinds of keys must be programmed to the vehicle by the manufacturer. In these situations, the best solution is to hire a professional make a duplicate key for you. They can make the right cuts and reassemble the mechanism and then transfer the transponder chip of your old key to the new.
If the key in your car is a high-tech model with a digital display, you'll probably have to visit a dealership to get a replacement. This is because high-tech keys must be programmed to the vehicle's security system by the manufacturer. Fortunately, many dealers have the capability to do this on the instantaneously. They can also cut you a new key so you don't have to wait for the new one to be delivered.
Dead Batteries
Batteries are an essential part in any device or gadget and can easily wear out due to prolonged use or a lack of regular charging. It's important to act quickly if your car key fob shows indications of a dying or dead battery. A dead battery can cause the key fob not responding to button press and electrical components like a vehicle's ignition not responding to jump-start attempts.
The battery in the car key is usually a coin-sized unit that can be replaced at home or by a professional locksmith. Before replacing a battery, be sure to know which type of battery is being used by the vehicle. It is possible to find this details on the battery in your vehicle's documentation. Using an incorrect replacement can cause your key fob to malfunction or not function at all, which could require costly repairs or a new purchase altogether.
A dead battery is identified by a slower response time when pressing key fob buttons, or by intermittent functionality or dimming key fob lights. A battery that displays zero voltage on a voltage meter is also likely dead, and physical damage to the case could indicate irreparable internal damage.
You can easily replace the battery on a key fob for your car at home by loosening the screw in the back of the fob with a screwdriver and sliding it open to reveal the battery compartment. The old battery can be removed using the flat-tipped screwdriver, and a new one inserted in the same spot. After you're done, put the 2 halves of the fob back together, and test it to see if the key works correctly.
Be cautious not to loose the screw that secures the battery Make sure you keep it in a safe place if you don't need it again (like inside the resealable plastic bag or small cup). Certain models of cars have special screws that need to be removed to access the key fob battery. If this is the case with your vehicle, you can refer to the owner's manual or watch an online video to learn how to safely remove the screw.
Transponder Chip
The majority of modern car keys come with a transponder (also called a "chipped-key"). This is to avoid the ignition from being hot wired. When you connect your key transponder to the ignition the radio signal is transmitted to the chip in the head by an antenna (which really is an induction coil). The computer in the car confirms that you are the correct owner, and then allows the engine to start. This is a reliable method of preventing your vehicle from being taken and adds a layer of security.
A transponder chip that isn't functioning properly could cause issues starting your vehicle. If your key is turning in the ignition, but the engine does not start or turn over it could be because the chip isn't communicating with the car's system properly.
A transponder key requires electronic power in order to function, and that power is provided via a tiny battery in the head of the key. Over time the battery will deplete its charge. It won't provide enough power to start your vehicle.
If you're having problems with your transponder key, it's crucial to get it checked out by an expert. A professional locksmith will be able to identify the issue and either replace the battery or reprogram the key to function in a way that is functional again.
You may notice that a transponder key is more expensive than a regular metal key. This is due to the additional costs of manufacturing a chipped-key. It doesn't mean you need to visit the dealership each time you need a new key. You should look around and compare companies before choosing one. Some companies can provide keys replacement at a lower price due to their lower cost of operation. However, repair car keys to remember that a cheaper key isn't always the top quality. You might be better off paying a little more for a higher quality key that will last longer.
Programming
Modern cars come with keys and fobs which do more than just unlock the doors and open the trunk. Certain models let you start your car remotely and lock the doors at the touch of an arrow, and protect them against physical and virtual attacks. As a result, the fobs and keys need to be programmed correctly, or they won't work. This job is typically reserved for skilled auto technicians or locksmiths, because it requires an in-depth knowledge of the vehicle's security system as well as the use of specific tools.
Reprogramming a fob or a key is necessary in a few situations. The most common is if a key is lost or stolen or if someone buys an older car and wants to ensure that the previous keys will not work in the new car. Certain vehicles require special tools to reprogram fobs and keys. However this isn't always the case.
Reprogramming may be required if the battery in the remote fob is depleted. This is a simple fix since most keyfobs have a small clock batteries which can be found in drugstores and home improvement stores. While this won't restore the capability to open your trunk or turn on your engine, it could prevent the key fob from malfunctioning altogether.
Some key fobs may need to be reset after being damaged by dirt, water, or other environmental factors. A professional can help you in this scenario and get you back on the road. In this instance, the professional will assess the extent of damage and determine the type of reprogramming tools required. The professional will use the right tools to reprogram the transponder key fob, and then test it so that everything works exactly as it should.
Reprogramming an electronic key or fob is a difficult procedure and if done incorrectly, could result in serious issues. This is why it's crucial to delegate this task to a trusted automotive locksmith. This will ensure that the task will be done correctly and help you avoid costly mistakes in the near future.