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car key repairs For Car Keys Repairs Modern car keys can be complicated, and require professional repair services when they fail. This article will cover five tips to keep your car key in good condition. In many cases, key fobs or remote controls can be fixed by replacing the battery. In some instances it is necessary to reprogramme the device. Check the owner's manual or an expert for more specific instructions. Battery Replacement Many modern cars now feature remote key fobs that include remote start and keyless entry features, in addition to a traditional metal car key. These keys are powered with small batteries which eventually run out and must be replaced. Fortunately this process is simple and can be handled by any auto accessory shop that has the appropriate battery type for the car model you have. Refer to the owner's manual of your vehicle in order to determine the type of battery is used. Once you know this information, go to your local auto parts store and purchase a replacement. In most cases, you can get the same battery for sale or even for free with the promotion. If you're careful to avoid pushing anything, you can pry apart two of the seams with a flat-head screw or your fingernail. Find the compartment for the battery. It'll either be slotted in, or have a plus/minus mark embossed. Carefully insert the new battery, making sure it is properly positioned based on the way the previous one was. After the new battery is in, replace the circuit board and snap the two halves of your key fob together. Test the buttons after reassembling to make sure everything works. The key fob's ID is not affected by changing the battery, therefore it won't require repaired after the repair. This is good news for those who want to save money by avoiding costly trips to a locksmith or dealer. Ignition Cylinder Replacement Modern car key ignition systems require an exact sequence of movements before the engine can start. If something interrupts that process, like an unrepaired key cylinder or a damaged key cylinder, it could cause your car to start with no power. While it's possible to replace a key cylinder but it's not an easy process. The ignition is a delicate, single-key system. It requires specialized tools and a careful oiling. The first step is to determine whether the ignition will turn in the accessory position and if the key will insert properly. This will help identify the problem. If you can't get the cylinder rotating in any direction then you must look up the owner's manual or consult a professional locksmith to assist you with the ignition repair. If the cylinder rotates in the accessory position, you can use a screwdriver for depressing the small anti-rotation button at the bottom of the cylinder. You can then turn the cylinder around until its tabs for retaining and slots are aligned and slide it out. If the cylinder isn't turning in any way, or is hopelessly stuck, you may need to gently tap it with an hammer or drill. But do so with caution when drilling or rapping the cylinder may cause damage to the steering column. The new ignition cylinder will be installed once the old one is removed. The next step is to program the cylinder to ensure that it is compatible with the key in terms of sequence and orientation. It is also necessary to remove and inspect the tumblers. You'll also need to replace any tumblers that have worn out. After replacing the cylinder, you'll need to attach the steering wheel and dashboard covers in the proper order. Reattach the dashboard and steering column covers in the correct order. Be careful not to disrupt the wiring. It's easy to disconnect or disrupt important electronics. Reattaching the negative battery cable is important. Test your new ignition. Key Programming Modern car keys come with an electronic chip that communicates with the vehicle. In order for the key to start the engine, the chip and car need to “know each other”. A locksmith who has experience with various types of vehicles can reprogram a new key quickly. They can also assist you if your car key's lock has become damaged. Most car locksmiths will tell you that the process may be as quick as one minute if all steps are done correctly. OBD2 or EEPROM programming may take a bit longer, as your locksmith will need to remove specific modules from the car to access the passcode and key data. This type of procedure should be left to professionals with a thorough knowledge of circuit boards and electronic components, reducing the chance of data corruption. It's not uncommon for people to lose their car keys or leave them in the trunk of the vehicle or even leave them at home after loading groceries in the back seat. In these scenarios, you can often find yourself stranded on the side of the road, without any way to get home or to your destination. If you have a spare, your locksmith can program it to your car so you can leave the road again. Car keys can fail to function for a variety reasons, including normal wear and tear or when the lock is damaged. If your car key's teeth do not fit in the lock as well it is an indication that you should replace your key. Many people try to program their car keys themselves. However, it is advised to employ a professional instead. These DIY methods can corrupt the information on your car keys which can cause it to malfunction or worse, damage to your security system. A professional will have a much lower risk of making an error that could cost you thousands of dollars in the future. Broken Key Removal When your car key breaks inside of the ignition cylinder and you need to remove the broken piece. You will not be able to drive your car until the key is removed and it's best to call an expert for this task because there is a risk of damaging the ignition with incorrect use of lubricants or extraction tools. However, if you're determined to fix your broken car key at home there are some strategies that can be used to aid. Using a pair of needle-nose pliers with extra-long tips is a great way to grasp the stub of the key that's still protruding from the ignition. You can also boost your pliers by securing the business end of them with an adhesive substance like super glue, melted tallow, or putty. The pliers then can grab the piece of key and remove it from the cylinder. A fine, stiff wire can be a good tool for sliding alongside a broken car key and removing it from the lock. You can use a paperclip for this purpose, but make sure to bend each end slightly to increase the surface area that can hold the key fragment. Mini hacksaw blades can be used to repair broken keys. They must be extremely small and thin to fit inside the small openings in the cylinders for ignition. These tools can be purchased at hardware stores as well as the auto parts section of some big box retailers. Spraying a little grease into the hole of the key could be a great idea, since it can loosen the stuck piece of car key and make it easier to take it out. It's not a good idea to attempt to force out a broken key, as it can cause further damage to the ignition or the key. It is risky and difficult to fix the car key that has been bent or split in half. Keep a spare key in a secure location at all times.