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Vehicle Key Repairs You Shouldn't Do Yourself If your car's key isn't working, it could be a major hassle. It can be due to a variety of reasons. It's important to be aware that you can repair most vehicle keys without having to go to an auto dealer or pay an locksmith. Here are some common problems and their simple fixes. Lost or Broken Keys You want your vehicle to be operating quickly following a key break. DIY repairs could exacerbate the issue. If the key is broken in the ignition cylinder you should not try to force it out, because this could cause damage to the lock and the ignition. Instead, call an experienced locksmith in your area for assistance. 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 inside the cylinder and grab the broken piece. If this doesn't work you, use a jigsaw with teeth facing downwards to grab and pull the broken piece. Don't put anything else in the cylinder as this can push the broken key even further into the cylinder, making it harder to retrieve. The battery could be dead. A lot of models have a lithium-ion coin or button cell battery that is easy to replace yourself. You can buy batteries for replacement in pharmacies, supermarkets and home improvement stores. If your key is damaged or lost, take it into an experienced auto technician who can swap the battery and program a new key. If your key fob is a high-tech model that has been damaged or lost, you'll likely have to visit the dealer for a replacement. Contrary to conventional mechanical keys these models must be programmed to the vehicle by the manufacturer. In these cases, it is best to have a professional create duplicate keys. They will make the appropriate cuts and reassemble the mechanism and then transfer the transponder chip from the old key to the new one. You will need to visit the dealer to request a replacement when your car key is a high-tech model with a display. The manufacturer needs to reprogram high-tech keys to the car's security system. Most dealers have the equipment to complete this task on-site. They can also cut keys that are new so you don't have to wait for the new one to arrive. Dead Batteries Batteries are an essential part in every gadget or device and they are prone to wear out from extended use or lack of regular charging. If your car's key fob is showing indications of a dead battery, it's crucial to address the issue quickly. A dead battery will typically result in the key fob not responding to button press and electrical components such as a vehicle's ignition not responding to jump-start attempts. The battery that is included in the car key is typically a coin-sized unit that can be replaced at home, or by a professional locksmith. Before replacing a battery, be sure to know which type of battery is being used by the vehicle. It is possible to find this information on the battery or in the vehicle's documentation. If you choose the wrong replacement, your key fob may malfunction or stop working altogether. This could result in costly repairs or even the need to purchase a new one. Some signs of a dead battery are the long response time when pressing the key fob buttons, intermittent functionality and dim light bulbs for the key fob. A battery that displays zero voltage on a voltmeter is likely to be dead. Physical damage to the battery's enclosure could be a sign of irreparable damage inside. The battery can be replaced in a car fob by loosening the screw on the back of the fob using an screwdriver and then sliding the panel open to reveal the compartment. The old battery can be removed with an angled screwdriver and then a new one inserted in the same spot. Snap the two halves of the key fob together when you're finished. Test it to make sure that the key functions correctly. Be careful not to lose the screw that secures the battery Make sure you store it somewhere safe if you don't require it again (like inside an resealable plastic bag, or a small cup). Certain models of cars have specific screws that need to be removed in order to access the key fob battery. If this is the case with your vehicle, check your owner's manual, or an online tutorial video for guidance on how to safely remove it. Transponder Chip The majority of modern car keys come with a transponder (also known as a “chipped-key”). This is to avoid hot wiring of vehicles. When you connect your transponder keys into the ignition an antenna (which is really just an induction coil) transmits an audio signal that is accompanied by an unique code to the chip inside the key's head. The computer in the car verifies that it is the correct owner, and then allows the engine to start. This is a great method to safeguard your vehicle and add an extra layer of security. One of the primary indicators that a transponder chip isn't working correctly is having trouble starting your vehicle. If you turn the the ignition but your car won't begin or turn over, this could be a sign that the transponder chip hasn't been communicating with the system of your car correctly. Transponders require electronic power to function and this power is supplied by a small internal battery. In time, that battery will run out of charge and cease to provide the necessary power to allow your car to start. If you're experiencing issues with your transponder key it's essential to have it examined by an expert. A professional locksmith will be able to identify the issue and either replace the battery or reprogram the key so that it functions properly again. It is possible to be able to see that a transponder key is more expensive than a standard metal key. car key repairs is because of the additional manufacturing costs involved in the production of a chipped key. This does not mean that you need to visit the dealer every time you require a new key. You should look around and compare companies before settling on one. Some companies can provide replacement keys at a lower price because of their lower overhead. It's important to keep in mind that a less expensive replacement key might not be of the best quality. It may be worth paying a bit more for a key that's of better quality and will last longer. Programming Modern cars are equipped with fobs and keys that offer more than simply unlock the doors or open the trunk. Some of them let you start your car from a distance, lock the doors with the touch of an arrow, and protect them from physical and virtual attacks. This means that these keys and fobs have to be programmed correctly, or they won't work. This task is usually reserved for auto technicians with experience or locksmiths, as it requires an in-depth understanding of the vehicle's safety system as well as the use of specialized tools. Reprogramming a fob or a key is required in certain cases. Most commonly, the need to reprogramme is when the fob or key is lost or stolen or when one buys a used car and wants to ensure that the keys that were previously used won't work in the vehicle. Certain vehicles require specialized tools to reprogram keys and fobs. However, this is not always the case. A depleted battery on the remote key fob is another scenario where reprogramming could be necessary. Fortunately, this is an easy fix since the majority of key fobs have small clock batteries that can be replaced with low-cost ones available at the drugstores and at home improvement stores. This won't allow you to open the trunk or start the engine, but it will stop the key fob malfunctioning. Some key fobs may need to be reprogrammed after being damaged by water, dirt or other environmental elements. A professional can assist you in this scenario and get you back on the road. In this case the expert will analyze the damage to determine what type of reprogramming tool is required. The expert will employ the correct tools to reprogram the transponder key fob and test it to ensure that everything functions according to plan. It is important to keep in mind that reprogramming a key or fob can be extremely complicated and if done incorrectly, it could result in serious problems. It is recommended to leave this job to a reputable locksmith for your vehicle. This will not only guarantee that the job is done right, but it can also assist you in avoiding costly mistakes later on.