5 Tips For Car Keys Repairs
Modern car keys are complicated, and they require professional services to repair them if something goes wrong. This article will cover 5 tips for keeping your car key in top condition.
In most instances, key fobs and remote controls can be fixed by replacing the battery. In some cases, reprogramming is required. Check your owner's manual for specific instructions or seek assistance from a professional.
Battery Replacement
Many modern cars now feature remote key fobs, which include keyless entry and remote start features, in addition to a traditional metal car key. These keys are powered by tiny batteries that eventually run out and need to be replaced. Fortunately, the process is quite simple and can be handled by any auto accessory shop that has the correct type of battery for the car model you have.
First, consult the owner's manual of your vehicle to determine the type of battery used in your key fob. Once you've got this information, visit your local auto parts store and purchase the replacement. You can often find the same battery for sale or even for free when you avail a special deal.
If you are careful to not push something, you can tear off two seams with a flat-head screw or your fingernail. Then, locate the battery compartment and it should be easy to identify It will either be slotted in or have a plus or minus sign embossed on it. Make conversational tone to carefully insert the new battery into place and ensure it is aligned correctly with respect to the way the old one was.
Once the new battery is installed Replace the circuit board and snap the two pieces of your key fob back together. Test the buttons after reassembling them to make sure everything works. The ID of the key fob won't change when the battery is replaced, so the key fob shouldn't require reprogramming following the repair. This is great news for those who want to save money and avoid expensive trips to the dealership or a locksmith.
Repairing the ignition Cylinder
Modern key ignition systems for cars are complicated and require a precise sequence of actions before the engine can start. If something interrupts that process, for instance a broken key cylinder or a damaged key cylinder, it could cause your car to start with no power. It is possible to replace the key cylinder but it's not a simple process. The ignition is a delicate, one-key system. It requires specialized tools and a careful oiling.
First, check whether the ignition is turning in the accessory position and whether the key is inserted correctly. This will allow you to identify the problem and find the solution. If you can't get the cylinder to rotate in any position, you should consult your owner's manual or consult a professional locksmith to help with the ignition repair.
If the cylinder rotates in the accessory position you can use a screwdriver to press the tiny anti-rotation switch at the base of the cylinder. Then, turn the cylinder around until its tabs and slots are aligned and slide it out. If the cylinder is stuck or won't move, you can gently tap it or drill it. Do this with caution as drilling or rapping can harm the steering wheel.
The new ignition is installed after the old one is removed. After that, you'll need to code the new cylinder in order that it is compatible with the key in terms of sequence and orientation. It is also necessary to remove the tumblers from the cylinder, and inspect them. If any of the tumblers are worn out, you'll need to replace them.
After replacing the cylinder you'll need to attach the steering wheel and dashboard covers in the correct order. Reattach the dashboard and steering column covers in the correct order. Be careful not to disrupt the wiring. It's easy to disconnect or disrupt vital electronic components. It's also important to reattach the negative battery cable and then test your new ignition.
Key Programming
Modern car keys include an electronic chip that communicates with the vehicle. In order for the keys to start the engine the chip and car need to "know each other".
A locksmith with experience in a wide range of cars can reprogram your new key to your car quickly. They can also help you if the lock on the key to your car has been damaged.
Many car locksmiths will claim that the process can take as little as a minute in the event that you follow all steps properly. It can be a bit longer for OBD2 programming or EEPROM programming, since these methods require your locksmith to extract specific modules from the car (security components) in order to read the correct passcode and key data stored. This kind of procedure is best left to professionals with extensive understanding of circuit boards and electronic components, reducing the possibility of data corruption.
It's not common for people to lose their car keys or put them in the trunk of the car, or simply forget them at home after loading groceries in the back seat. In these instances you'll often find yourself stranded on the side of the road, without any way to get home or to your destination. Your locksmith can program a spare key to your vehicle, allowing you to drive once more.
Car keys can stop working for a variety of reasons, including normal wear and tear or even in the event that the lock is damaged. If the teeth of your car keys no longer fit inside the lock, you should consider replacing the key.
Many people try to program their own car keys. However, it's advised to seek out a professional. It's not uncommon for these DIY methods to alter the data on your keys, which can cause it to fail, or worse, damage your security system. A professional is less likely to make an error that could cost you thousands of dollars in the future.
Broken Key Removal
If your car key is broken inside of the ignition cylinder and you need to remove the broken piece. You will not be able to drive your car until the key is removed, and it's best to call an expert for this job, as there is a chance of damaging the ignition with the wrong use of lubricants and extraction tools. However, if you're determined to try and fix the broken car key at home first there are some strategies that can be used to assist.
Utilizing a pair of needle-nose pliers with longer tips is a good way to grasp the stub of the key which is still protruding from the ignition. You can also give your pliers a boost by securing the business end of them with some kind of sticky substance, such as super glue, melted tallow or putty. The pliers will then be able to latch onto the fragment of key and pull it out of the cylinder.
A thin, stiff wire could be a great tool for sliding over an old car key, and removing it from the lock. Paperclips are a good tool for this however, you must bend the ends in a way so that the key fragment is firmly held by the wider surface.
Mini hacksaw blades can be used to repair broken keys. However, they should be small and thin to fit inside the small openings in the cylinders for ignition. These tools can be purchased in hardware stores and the auto parts section of some large box retailers.
Spraying some lubricant through the keyhole may help. It may loosen up the stuck piece, making it easier to remove. Do not attempt to force a damaged car key out, as it could cause more damage to the key and possibly the ignition. A car key that is bent or broken in half can be a risky and difficult task to fix, so it's recommended to keep a spare car key in a secure location at all time.