13 Things You Should Know About Car Keys Repair That You Might Not Know
5 Tips For Car Keys Repairs Modern car keys are quite complicated, and as such they require professional services to repair them if something goes wrong. This article will discuss 5 tips for keeping your car keys in good condition. In most instances, key fobs and remote controls can be repaired by simply replacing the battery. In other cases, reprogramming may be necessary. Check the owner's manual or an expert for more specific instructions. Battery Replacement Many modern cars now feature remote key fobs that incorporate keyless entry and remote start features, as well as traditional keys made of metal. These keys are powered by small batteries that eventually run out and require replacement. Fortunately the process is simple and can be handled by any local auto accessory shop that stocks the proper battery type for the car model you have. The first step is to consult the owner's manual for your vehicle to find out the type of battery used in your key fob. Once you have figured out what kind of battery is on your key fob, go to an automotive parts store near you and buy an alternative. In most cases, you can get the same battery at a discount or even for free with an offer. If you take care to not force anything, you can pry apart two of the seams using a flat-head screws or your fingernail. Locate the battery compartment. It will either be inserted or have a plus/minus sign embossed. Insert the new battery carefully, making sure that it is in the same way as your old one. Replace the circuit board once the battery is installed. The two halves back together. Test the buttons after reassembling them to ensure that everything is working. The key fob's identification is not affected by changing the battery, so it shouldn't be required to be replaced following the repair. This is great news for drivers looking to save money and avoid costly trips to the dealer or locksmith. Repair of the ignition Cylinder Modern key ignition systems for cars require an exact sequence of movements before the engine will start. A damaged key cylinder can prevent your car from beginning. It is possible to replace the key cylinder but it is not an easy task. The ignition system is delicately designed to work with a particular key and requires special tools, careful lubrication, and an exact understanding of how it's supposed to work. The first step is to determine if the ignition will turn in the accessory position and if the key is properly inserted. This will help you identify the issue. If you are unable to rotate the cylinder in any direction, refer to your owner's manual or contact an locksmith for assistance with the ignition. If the cylinder turns in the accessory mode, you can use the screwdriver to push the small anti-rotation switch at the base of the cylinder. Then, turn the cylinder around until its retaining tabs and slots line up and slide it out. If the cylinder is stuck or won't turn, you can gently tap it or drill it. Be cautious as rapping or drilling could harm the steering wheel. The new ignition is installed after the old one is removed. You'll then need to code the cylinder to ensure that it is in line with the key in terms of sequence and orientation. Also, you'll need to take out and examine the tumblers. You'll also have to replace any worn-out tumblers. After the cylinder is replaced, you'll need to attach the dashboard covers and the steering column in the correct order. Make sure you carefully reattach the panels without damaging the wiring, as it's easy to loosen the wires and cause disruption to crucial electronics. It's also important to reattach the negative battery cable and then test your new ignition. Key Programming Modern car keys are equipped with a computer chip that communicates with the vehicle. To allow the key to start the engine, the chip and the car have to “know each other”. A locksmith who has experience with many different kinds of vehicles can reprogram a key in a short time. They can also assist you when your car's key lock has become damaged. Most car locksmiths will tell you that the process may take just one minute if all steps are done correctly. It may take longer for OBD2 programming or EEPROM programming, since these procedures require your locksmith to extract specific modules from the car (security components) to read the correct passcode and stored key data. This kind of procedure is best left to professionals with a thorough understanding of circuit boards and electronic components, thus reducing the risk of data corruption. People frequently forget their keys to their car at home, or put them in the trunk of the car after putting groceries in the back seat. In these instances it's not uncommon for you to find yourself stranded by 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, allowing you to return to your car. The lock can be compromised or the key might cease to function due to wear and tear. If the teeth of your car key do not fit in the lock, you should consider replacing your key. remote car key repair try to program their car keys. However, it is recommended to employ a professional instead. It is not uncommon for DIY methods to alter the data on your keys and cause it to fail, or even, damage your security system. A professional will have a much lower risk of making a mistake that could cost you thousands in the future. Broken Key Removal When your car key breaks inside of the ignition cylinder it is necessary to remove the broken piece. It will be impossible to drive your car until the key is removed and it is advised to call a professional for this task, as there is a chance of damaging the ignition with incorrect use of lubricants or extraction tools. If you're determined to try and repair your car key that is broken at home there are a few methods that can help. A pair of needle-nosed, pliers with longer tips can be used to grasp the key end that is still sticking out of the ignition. You can also improve the pliers by securing the business side of them with an adhesive substance like super glue, melted tallow, or putty. Once this is done the pliers will be able latch onto the key fragment and pull it straight out of the cylinder. A thin, rigid wire can be used to slide along the broken part of a key and then remove it from 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 can be a helpful tool for fixing broken keys, however they must be extremely small and thin to fit in the tiny opening of an ignition cylinder. They are available at hardware stores, as well as the auto parts section at some major retailers. Spraying a small amount of lubricant into the key hole is also a good idea, since it can loosen the stuck piece of car key and make it easier to remove. Don't try to force a broken car key out as this could cause further damage to the key and possibly the ignition. A car key that is bent or snapped in half can be a dangerous and challenging project to repair, so it's recommended to keep a spare car key in a safe place at all time.