10 Apps To Help You Manage Your Vehicle Key Repairs
Vehicle Key Repairs You Shouldn't Do Yourself It can be a major hassle when your car key stops working. It could be caused by a variety of reasons. The good news is that the majority of keys to vehicles can be repaired without going to an auto dealer or paying locksmith. Here are some typical issues and their easy solutions. Keys Lost or Broken A key break is stressful You want to get your car up and running immediately. DIY repairs can exacerbate the issue. If the key breaks in the ignition cylinder, do not attempt to force it out as this could damage the lock and ignition. Instead, contact a local locksmith to get help. They'll have the appropriate tools to remove the broken key without causing damage. If you want to do it yourself, insert needle-nosed pliers into the cylinder to grasp the broken piece. If this isn't working, you can try using a jigsaw with teeth that face downwards to grasp and pull the broken piece. Do not try to insert anything else into the cylinder, since doing so could push the key even further in and make it more difficult to get it out. The battery might be dead. Many models come with a lithium-ion coin or button cell battery that you can replace yourself. You can buy replacement batteries in pharmacies, supermarkets and home improvement shops. If your fob has been damaged or lost, take it into an auto technician with a good reputation to swap the battery and program a new key. If you have a modern key fob that's damaged or lost, it's likely you'll have to visit a dealer for an exchange. Keys are different from mechanical keys in that they require programming by the manufacturer in order to work with the vehicle. In these cases, it is best to have a professional create a duplicate key. They can restore the correct cut, reassemble mechanism, and then transfer the transponder chip from the original key to the new keys. If your car's key is a high-tech one with digital display, you will probably have to visit a dealership for the replacement. The manufacturer must reprogramme high-tech keys to the vehicle's safety system. Fortunately, many dealers have the equipment to do this on the instantaneously. They can also cut keys for you so that you don't have to wait for a new one to arrive. Dead Batteries Batteries are an essential part in every gadget or device, and they can easily wear out from extended use or a lack of regular charging. If your car's key fob is showing signs of a dead battery, it's crucial to address the issue as soon as you notice. A dead battery can cause the key fob not responding to press buttons, and electrical components like the ignition in a vehicle not responding to jump-starting attempts. The battery that is included in the car key is usually an sized coin that can be replaced at home, or by an expert locksmith. Before replacing a battery, make sure to identify which type of battery is used by the vehicle. You can usually find this information on your battery or in the documentation for your vehicle. If you choose to replace the battery incorrectly, it could cause your key fob to malfunction or not function at all, which could require costly repairs or a new purchase altogether. A dead battery can be detected by a slow response time when pressing key fob buttons or by intermittent functionality and dimming of key fob lights. A battery that registers zero voltage on an meter for voltage is likely to be dead. Physical damage to the battery case could be indicative of irreparable internal damage. You can easily replace the battery on a key fob for your car at home by loosening the screw in the fob's back panel with the help of a screwdriver, and then sliding it open to reveal the battery compartment. You can then take out the old battery using an abrasive screwdriver that is small and flat and then insert a new one in the same spot. The two halves of the key fob when you're done. Test it to make sure that the key is working properly. Be careful not to loose the screw that secures the battery, and be sure to keep it safe in case you don't require it again (like in a resealable plastic bag or small cup). Certain vehicles require you to remove a special screw to gain access to the battery on the key fob. If this is the case with your vehicle, you can consult your owner's guide or an online video to learn how you can safely remove the screw. Transponder Chip Most modern car keys are equipped with a transponder chip (also called a “chipped key”). This is to avoid the hot wiring of cars. When you put your key transponder in the ignition it transmits a radio signal transmitted to the chip in the head via an antenna (which is actually an induction coil). The car's computer verifies that it is the correct owner, and then allows the engine to start. This is a great method to protect your vehicle from being stolen and adds another layer of security. One of the primary indicators that a transponder chip isn't working properly is the inability to start your vehicle. If you turn the the ignition but your car won't begin or turn over, it could be a sign that the transponder chip hasn't been communicating with the vehicle's system correctly. A transponder requires power from the electronic to function, and this power is provided by a small internal battery. As time passes, the battery will lose its charge and stop supplying the required power to allow your car to start. If you're experiencing issues with your transponder key it's crucial to get it checked out by an expert. A locksmith can identify the problem and fix the issue. They can also replace the battery, or reprogram the key to make it function again. You may have noticed that a transponder is more expensive than a regular metal key. This is because of the extra manufacturing costs in making a chipped key. While this doesn't mean that you shouldn't go to your local dealer when buying a new key but you must look around and compare prices before choosing a company. Be aware that certain companies can provide lower-cost keys for replacement due to their lower cost of operations. It is important to keep in mind that a less expensive replacement key might not be of the highest quality. You might be better off paying a bit more for a premium key that's guaranteed to last longer. Programming Modern cars are equipped with keys and fobs that provide more than simply unlock the doors or open the trunk. Certain keys and fobs come with features that allow you to start your car from a distance and lock your doors at the press of a button. They are also protected against digital and physical attacks. These keys and fobs need to be programmed correctly, or they won't work. This task is typically reserved for skilled auto locksmiths or dealership service technicians as it requires extensive knowledge of the security system for your vehicle and the ability to utilize specialized tools to ensure that the program is completed correctly. Reprogramming a fob or a key is required in a handful of situations. The most frequent is when a key is stolen or lost or if someone purchases a used car and wants to ensure that the previous keys won't work with the new car. Some brands of vehicles require special tools to reprogram new keys and fobs, however, this isn't an absolute requirement in all instances. Reprogramming may be required if the battery in the remote fob has depleted. The Keylab is a simple fix, as most keyfobs use small clock batteries that can be found in drugstores and home improvement stores. While this won't restore the ability to open the trunk or turn on the engine, it can prevent the key fob from failing altogether. Certain key fobs might need to be reset after being damaged by water, dirt or other environmental factors. A professional can help you in this case and get you back on the road. In this scenario, the professional will assess the extent of damage and determine the type of reprogramming equipment required. The professional will use the correct tools to reprogram the transponder key fob and test it to ensure that everything functions as expected. Be aware that reprogramming an electronic key or fob is a difficult procedure, and using the wrong method could result in serious issues. It is best to delegate this job to a reputable automotive locksmith. This will not only ensure that the job is done correctly, but it can also save you from costly mistakes later on.