5 Tips For Car Keys Repairs
Modern car keys are complicated, and require professional repair services when they become damaged. This article will cover five tips to keep your car keys in good condition.
In many cases, key fobs or remote controls can be repaired by simply replacing the battery. In other cases, reprogramming may be necessary. Check the owner's manual or a professional for more specific instructions.
Battery Replacement
Many modern cars now feature remote key fobs that include remote start and keyless entry features, as well as traditional keys made of metal. These keys are powered by small batteries that eventually die and must be replaced. Fortunately, the process is quite easy and can be accomplished by any local auto accessory shop that stocks the correct type of battery for the car model you have.
Consult the owner's guide for your vehicle to determine the kind of battery is being used. Once you know the type of battery is in your key fob, go to an auto parts store near you and purchase a replacement. It is common to find the exact battery on sale or for free in the event of an offer.
Once you have the new battery in your possession and you've opened your key fob, then remove the circuit board by pulling apart two of the seams with a flat-head screwdriver or your fingernail (if you're careful not to press anything). Next, locate the battery compartment, which is likely to be easy to spot - it will be either slotted in or have a plus and minus sign embossed on it. Install the new battery with care, making sure that it is in the same way as the original one.
After the new battery is in Replace the circuit board and snap the two parts of your key fob 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 won't require replaced following the repair. This is a huge benefit for drivers looking to save money and avoid costly trips to the dealership or locksmith.
Repair of the ignition Cylinder
Modern key ignition systems for cars require a series of precise actions before the engine can begin. If something interrupts that process, like an unrepaired key cylinder or a damaged key cylinder, it could cause your vehicle to stop running with no power. It is possible to replace the key cylinder but it is not an easy process. The ignition is a delicate, single-key system. It requires specialized tools and careful oiling.
The first step is to determine whether the ignition will turn in the accessory position, and also if the key is inserted correctly. This will help diagnose the issue. If you're unable to rotate the cylinder in any direction, refer to your owner's guide or contact locksmiths for assistance with the ignition.
If the cylinder rotates in the accessory position, you can use a screwdriver to push the small anti-rotation switch at the base of cylinder. You can then rotate the cylinder until its tabs for retaining and slots are aligned and slide it out. If the cylinder won't turn at all, or it's stuck in a rut, you might need to gently tap it with the hammer or drill it. But only do so cautiously, as drilling or rapping the cylinder may damage the steering column.
When the old cylinder is gone and the new ignition cylinder can be installed in its place. After that, you'll need to code the new cylinder so it is compatible with the key in terms of sequence and orientation. You will also need to remove and inspect the tumblers. If any of the tumblers appear worn out, you'll need to replace them.
After the cylinder is replaced, you'll need to attach the dashboard covers and the steering column in the proper order. Be sure to carefully reattach 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 important. Test your new ignition.
Key Programming
Modern car keys are fitted with an electronic chip that communicates with the vehicle. The chip and the vehicle must "know each other" before the key is able to start the engine.
A locksmith who is experienced in a wide range of cars can reprogram your new car key quickly. They can also assist if the lock on your car key has been damaged.
Many car locksmiths will inform you that the process can take as little as one minute if the steps are taken in the right order. It may take longer for OBD2 programming or EEPROM programming, as these procedures require your locksmith to take specific modules from the car (security components) to identify the correct passcode and stored key data. These types of procedures should be reserved for professionals with extensive knowledge of electronic circuits and circuit boards and can reduce the risk of data corruption.
Many people forget their car keys when they get home, or put them in the trunk of the 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 without a way to home or your destination. If you have a spare car, your locksmith can program it into your car to allow you to return to your car.
The lock can be compromised or the key could be inoperable because of normal wear and tear. If the teeth on your car key do not fit into the lock, you should consider replacing the key.
Many people attempt to reprogram their own car keys but it is advised to hire professionals do this task for you instead. These DIY methods can corrupt the information on your car key, causing it to malfunction, or even worse damage to your security system. A professional is less likely to make 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. It isn't possible to drive the vehicle until the broken key is removed. It is best to hire a professional to do this job, as incorrect use of lubricants and extraction tools could damage the ignition. If you're looking to repair your car keys that are broken at home there are a few options that may aid.
Utilizing a pair of needle-nose pliers that have extra-long 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 coating the business end of them with an adhesive substance like super glue, melted tallow, or putty. The pliers then can latch onto the fragment 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. You can use a paperclip to accomplish this purpose, but make sure to bend both ends slightly to increase the area that can be used to hold the key fragment.
Mini hacksaw blades can be used to fix broken keys. However, they must be extremely thin and compact to fit inside the small openings of the ignition cylinders. repair car key can be found at hardware stores as well as the auto parts sections of some large box retailers.
Spraying some lubricant through the keyhole may be beneficial. It could loosen the stuck piece and make it easier to take it out. It is not a good idea to try to force out a damaged key, since it could cause further damage to the ignition or the key. It can be dangerous and difficult to repair a car key that has been bent or split in half. Keep a spare key in a safe place at all times.