5 Tips For Car Keys Repairs
Modern car keys can be complicated, and require professional repair when they become damaged. This article will offer 5 tips to ensure your car keys are in good working order.
In many instances, key fobs and remote controls can be repaired by replacing the battery. In other cases, reprogramming may be necessary. Check your owner's manual for specific instructions or seek out professional assistance.
Battery Replacement
Many modern vehicles come with remote key fobs. These include keyless entry and remote starting features. They also include a traditional metal key. They are powered by tiny batteries that eventually run out and must be replaced. The procedure is easy and can easily be done by any auto accessory store that has the correct battery type for your vehicle model.
Refer to the owner's manual of your vehicle to determine the kind of battery is in use. Once you know this information, head to your local automotive parts store and purchase a replacement. You can often find the same battery for sale or even for free if you take advantage of a special deal.
If you're careful to avoid pushing something, you can tear off two seams using flat-head screws or your fingernail. Locate the battery compartment. It'll be slotted in, or have a plus/minus symbol embossed. Carefully insert the new battery into place and make sure it's properly positioned based on the way the previous one was.
Replace the circuit board after the battery is installed. Snap the two halves back together. Test the buttons after reassembling them to verify that everything is working. The ID of the key fob won't change when the battery is replaced therefore the key fob should not require reprogramming after the repair. This is good news for those looking to save money by avoiding costly trips to a locksmith or dealership.
Ignition Cylinder Replacement
Modern car key ignition systems require a series of precise movements before the engine will begin. A damaged key cylinder could prevent your car from beginning. It is possible to replace the key cylinder, however it's not an easy process. The ignition is a delicate system designed to work with one particular key, and the process requires specialized tools, careful lubrication, and a precise understanding of how it's supposed perform.
First, check if the ignition will turn in the accessory position and whether the key will insert properly. This will allow you to identify the issue and provide an answer. If you can't get the cylinder rotating in any direction, you should look up the owner's manual or consult a professional locksmith to assist with the ignition repair.
If key fob repair rotates in the accessory position it is possible to use a screwdriver for depressing the small anti-rotation button at the base of the cylinder. Then, you can turn the cylinder until its slot line and tabs are up, and then slide it out of its casing. If the cylinder isn't turning in any way, or is hopelessly stuck, you may need to gently tap it with the hammer or drill it. Be cautious as rapping or drilling could harm the steering wheel.
The new ignition cylinder will be installed once the old one is removed. Then, you'll have to code the new cylinder so it matches the key in terms of sequence and orientation. It is also necessary to remove the tumblers from cylinder and examine them. You'll also have to replace any tumblers that have worn out.
After replacing the cylinder, you'll need to attach the steering column and dashboard covers in the proper order. Reattach the dashboard and steering column covers in the right order. Be careful not to disturb the wiring. It's easy to disconnect or damage crucial electronic components. It's also important to reattach the negative battery cable and test your new ignition.
Key Programming
Modern car keys come 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 with experience in a variety of cars can reprogram your new car key quickly. They can also help 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 if you follow all steps properly. OBD2 or EEPROM programming may take a little longer, since your locksmith will need to remove certain modules from the car to read the passcode and key information. These types of procedures should be reserved for professionals with extensive knowledge of electronic circuits and circuit boards, reducing the risk of data corruption.
It's not common for people to lose their car keys, leave them in the trunk of the vehicle or even forget them at home after putting groceries into the back of the car. In these scenarios you'll often end up on the side of the road with any way to get home or to your destination. If you have a spare car, your locksmith can program it to your car to allow you to leave the road again.
The lock can be compromised or the key may be inoperable due to normal wear and tear. If your car key's teeth aren't fitting the lock as well, it is a good indication that you should replace your key.
Many people attempt to program their car keys themselves. However, it is recommended that you employ a professional instead. It's not uncommon for these DIY methods to alter the information on your key, which can cause it to fail, or more serious cause damage to your security system. A professional is more likely to not make a a mistake which could cost you thousands of dollars in the future.
Broken Key Removal
When your car key breaks inside the cylinder of ignition, you will need to remove the broken piece. You won't be able to drive your car until the key is removed and it is recommended to contact an expert for this job, as there is a chance of damaging the ignition through incorrect use of lubricants or extraction tools. However, if you're determined to try and fix your broken car key at home there are some strategies that can aid.
A pair of needle-nosed pliers that have longer tips can be used to grasp the key's end that's sticking out of the ignition. You can also improve the pliers by securing the business end 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 thin, stiff wire could be a good tool to slide along a broken car key and removing it from the lock. Paperclips can be used to accomplish this however, bend the ends in a way to ensure that the key is gripped by the wider surface.
Mini hacksaw blades are an excellent tool to fix broken keys, but they need to be extremely small and thin so that they can fit into the tiny opening in an ignition cylinder. They can be found at hardware stores as well as the auto parts section of some large box retailers.
Spraying some lubricant in the keyhole may be beneficial. It can loosen the stuck piece and make it easier to take it out. Never try to force a damaged car key out as it could cause more damage to the key and possibly the ignition. It can be dangerous and difficult to fix a car key that's been bent or broken in half. Keep an extra key in a safe location at all times.