5 Tips For Car Keys Repairs
Modern car keys are quite complex, and require professional repair services when they become damaged. This article will give you five tips to ensure that your car key is in good shape.
Often times, problems with key fobs or remote controls are simply resolved by replacing the battery. In certain cases, reprogramming is required. Check your owner's manual for specific instructions or seek assistance from a professional.
Battery Replacement
A lot of modern cars have remote key fobs, which include keyless entry and remote starting features. They also include a traditional metal key. They are powered by small batteries that eventually deplete and must be replaced. The procedure is easy and can be completed by any auto accessory store that stocks the correct battery type for your car model.
Refer to the owner's manual of your vehicle to determine what type of battery is used. Once you know this information, head to your local auto parts store and purchase a replacement. It is common to find the same battery for sale or even for free if you take advantage of a special deal.
Once you have the new battery in hand and you've opened your key fob and remove the circuit board by tearing off two seams with a flat-head screwdriver or your fingernail (if you're careful not push any thing). Then you need to locate the battery compartment, which is likely to be easy to spot - it will be either installed or have a plus or plus sign embossed on it. Make sure to carefully insert the new battery into place, making sure it is oriented correctly based on the way the previous one was.
Once the new battery has been put installed Replace the circuit board and snap the two pieces of your key fob together. Once it is reassembled, test the buttons to ensure that everything is working as intended. The ID of the key fob won't change when the battery is replaced therefore the key fob shouldn't need to be reprogrammed after the repair. This is great news for those who want to save money and avoid costly trips to the dealership or locksmith.
car key fob repair require an exact sequence of movements before the engine will start. A broken key cylinder can stop your car from getting started. Although it is possible to replace the key cylinder however, it's not an easy procedure. The ignition is a delicate system designed to work with a particular key and this process requires specialized tools, precise lubrication, and an exact understanding of how it's supposed to work.
Determine if you can switch the ignition to the accessory position. Also, check to see if the key will fit correctly. This will help you identify the problem. If you are unable to rotate the cylinder in any direction, check the owner's manual or call a locksmith for help with the ignition.
If the cylinder is rotating in the accessory position you can use a screwdriver to press the small anti-rotation switch on the bottom of cylinder. Then, turn the cylinder around until its retaining tabs and slots are aligned and slide it out. If the cylinder doesn't move at all, or it's stuck in a dead end, you may need to gently tap it with the hammer or drill it. Be cautious because drilling or rapping could damage the steering wheel.
After the old cylinder has been taken gone and replaced, the new ignition cylinder will be installed in its place. After that, you'll need to code the new cylinder so it matches the key in terms of sequence and orientation. You will also need to take out and examine the tumblers. If any of the tumblers are damaged, you'll have to replace them.
After replacing the cylinder after which you'll need to connect the steering column and dashboard covers in the proper order. Make sure to attach the covers without affecting the wiring, as it's very easy to loosen the wires and cause disruption to important electronic components. Reconnecting the negative battery cable is also crucial. Test your new ignition.
Key Programming
Modern car keys include computer chips that communicate with the vehicle. The chip and the vehicle must "know eachother" before the key can be used to start the engine.
A locksmith who is experienced in a wide range of vehicles can reprogram your new key to your car quickly. They can also help you if your car key's lock has been damaged.
Many car locksmiths will inform you that the process could be as quick as one minute if all steps are taken in the right order. OBD2 or EEPROM programming can take a little longer, as your locksmith will need to remove certain modules from the vehicle to access the passcode and key information. This type of procedure is best left to professionals with a thorough understanding of circuit boards and electronic components, thus reducing the possibility of data corruption.
It's not common for people to lose their car keys or leave them in the trunk of the vehicle or leave them at home after putting groceries in the back seat. In these scenarios you'll often be stranded on the side of the road with any way to get home or get to your destination. If you have a spare, your locksmith can program it into your car to allow you to leave the road again.
Car keys can fail to function for a variety of reasons, including normal wear and tear or in the event that the lock is damaged. If your car key's teeth aren't fitting the lock as well it is an reason to replace the key.
Many people attempt to program their own car keys. However, it is recommended that you hire a professional instead. These DIY methods can cause a corruption of the information on your car key and cause it to malfunction, or even worse harm to your security system. A professional will have a much less chance of making a mistake that could cost you thousands of dollars in the future.
Broken Key Removal
If your car key is broken inside of the ignition cylinder it is necessary to remove the broken piece. You won't be able to drive your vehicle until the key is removed and it is advised to call an expert for this job because there is a chance of causing damage to the ignition by the wrong use of lubricants and extraction tools. If you're determined to fix your broken car key at home there are some strategies that can be used to help.
A pair of needle-nosed pliers with extra-long tips can be used to grasp the key end that is still stuck in the ignition. You can also boost the performance of your pliers by coating their business ends in an adhesive substance such as super glue, melted wax, or putty. The pliers then can grasp the piece of key and remove it from the cylinder.
A fine, stiff wire can be a great tool to slide along a broken car key and removing it from the lock. Paperclips are a good tool for this, but bend the ends a bit to ensure that the key is gripped by the larger area.
Mini hacksaw blades are used to repair damaged keys. They must be extremely small and thin to fit into the tiny openings in the cylinders for ignition. These tools are readily available in hardware stores as well as the auto parts section of some large retailers.
Spraying some lubricant through the keyhole may be helpful. It could loosen the stuck piece and make it easier to remove. It is not a good idea to try to force out a broken key, since it could cause further damage to the key or ignition. A car key that's bent or snapped in half can be a dangerous and challenging project to repair, so it's a good idea to keep a spare key for your car in a safe place at all times.