5 Tips For Car Keys Repairs
Modern car keys can be very complex and require professional repair when they fail. This article will give you five tips to ensure that your car key is in good shape.
Sometimes, issues with key fobs or remote controls can be resolved by replacing the battery. In some cases, reprogramming is required. Consult your owner’s manual or a professional for more specific instructions.
Battery Replacement
Modern cars are equipped with remote key fobs that include remote start and keyless entry features, as well as the traditional car key made of metal. They are powered by small batteries that eventually wear out and need to be replaced. Fortunately the process is easy and can be completed by any local auto accessory shop that has the correct type of battery for the car model you have.
Refer to the owner's manual of your vehicle to determine the type of battery is used. Once you know what type of battery is on your key fob, go to an auto parts store near you to purchase the replacement. Sometimes, you can find the same battery at a discount or even free with an offer.
Once you have the new battery and you've opened your key fob, then remove the circuit board by tearing off two seams using a screwdriver with a flat head or your fingernail (if you are careful not to force any thing). Next, locate the battery compartment that is likely to be easy to spot - it will be either fitted in or have a plus or minus sign embossed on it. Install the new battery with care and ensure that it is oriented the same way as the old one.
Once the new battery is in replace the circuit board and then snap the two pieces of your key fob together. Once it is reassembled, test out the buttons to ensure that everything is working as intended. The key fob's ID is not affected by the change in the battery, therefore it won't require repaired after the repair. This is great news for those who want to save money by not having to go to a dealership or locksmith.
Ignition Cylinder Replacement
Modern key ignition systems for cars require an exact sequence of actions before the engine can start. A damaged key cylinder could prevent your car from starting. It is possible to replace the key cylinder, however it's not an easy process. The ignition is a delicate device designed to work with a particular key and requires specialized tools, precise lubrication, and a precise understanding of how it's supposed to function.
Find out if you can switch the ignition to the accessory position. Also, check to determine if the key can fit correctly. This will allow you to identify the problem and find an answer. If you are unable to get the cylinder to turn in any direction, you should consult your owner's manual or call a locksmith professional to assist you with the ignition repair.
If the cylinder rotates in the accessory position, you can use a screwdriver to depress the small anti-rotation button at the bottom of the cylinder. Then, you can rotate the cylinder until its slot line and tabs are up, and then slide it out of its casing. If the cylinder doesn't move in any way, or is stuck in a dead end, you may need to gently tap it with the hammer or drill it. Be careful because drilling or rapping could damage the steering wheel.
When the old cylinder is out and the new ignition cylinder will be installed in its place. You'll then need to code the cylinder to ensure that it matches the key both in terms of sequence, and orientation. You'll also need to remove the tumblers from cylinder and examine them. It is also necessary to replace any worn-out tumblers.
After replacing the cylinder, you'll need to attach the steering column and dashboard covers in their proper order. Be sure to carefully reattach the covers without affecting the wiring, as it's easy to lose the connection and damage vital electronics. It's also essential to reconnect the negative battery cable and then test your new ignition.
Key Programming
Modern car keys are fitted with a computer chip that communicates with the vehicle. The chip and the car must "know eachother" before the key is able to start the engine.
A locksmith who has experience in a wide range of cars can reprogram a new car key quickly. They can also help you if the lock on the car key has been damaged.
Many car locksmiths will inform you that the process can take just one minute if all steps are taken in the right order. OBD2 or EEPROM programming can take a bit longer, because your locksmith will have to remove certain modules from the car in order to read the passcode and key data. These kinds of procedures should be reserved for professionals with in-depth knowledge of electronic circuits and circuit boards and can reduce the risk of corrupting data.
People frequently forget their car keys when they get home, or leave keys in the trunk of their car after putting groceries in the back seat. In these scenarios it's not uncommon for you to be stranded at the side of the highway with no way to get to your home or get to your destination. If you have a spare car, your locksmith can program it to your car so you can return to your car.
Car keys may stop working due to a variety of reasons, such as normal wear and tear or even when the lock is damaged. If the teeth of your car key do not fit in the lock, it is recommended to think about replacing your key.
Many people try to reprogram their own car keys. However, it's recommended that you hire a professional instead. car keys repair can corrupt the information on your car keys, causing it to malfunction or worse harm to your security system. A professional will have a much less chance of making mistakes that cost you thousands of dollars in the future.
Broken Key Removal
If your car key is broken inside of the ignition cylinder, you will need to remove the broken piece. You won't be able to drive your vehicle until the key is removed and it is recommended to contact an expert for this job because there is a chance of causing damage to the ignition by improper use of lubricants or extraction tools. However, if you're determined to try and fix the broken car key at home first there are some strategies that can assist.
Utilizing a pair or needle-nose pliers with extra-long tips is a good way to grasp the stub of the key that is still sticking out from the ignition. You can also improve the pliers by securing the business side of them with a sticky substance such as super glue, melted tallow, or putty. The pliers will then be able to grab the piece of key and pull it out of the cylinder.
A fine, stiff wire can be used to slide over the broken part of a key and pull it out of the lock. You can use a paperclip to accomplish this purpose, but make sure to bend each end slightly to increase the area that can hold the key fragment.
Mini hacksaw blades are a useful tool to fix broken keys, but they must be extremely small and thin in order to fit into the tiny opening in an ignition cylinder. They can be found at hardware stores as well as the auto parts sections of some big box retailers.
Spraying a bit of grease into the hole of the key could be a great idea, as it may loosen the stuck piece of car key and make it easier to remove. It's not a good idea to try to force out a broken key, since it could cause further damage to the ignition or the key. A car key that is bent or broken in half can be dangerous and challenging project to repair, which is why it's a good idea keep a spare key for your car in a secure place at all times.