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10 Quick Tips About Car Keys Repair
5 Tips For Car Keys Repairs

Modern car keys can be very complex and require professional repair when they fail. This article will cover 5 tips for keeping your car key in good condition.

In most instances, key fobs or remote controls can be fixed by replacing the battery. In some cases, reprogramming is required. Check the owner's manual or a professional for more specific instructions.

Battery Replacement

Many modern cars come with remote key fobs. These include keyless entry and remote starting features. They also include a traditional metal key. These keys are powered by tiny batteries that eventually die and require replacement. The process is simple and can be completed by any auto accessory store that stocks the correct type of battery for the vehicle you own.

First, check the owner's manual for your vehicle to find out the type of battery used in your key fob. Once you know this information, visit your local auto parts store and purchase the replacement. Oftentimes, you can find the same battery at a discount or even for free with a special promotion.

If you are careful to not push any thing, you can pull away two seams using flat-head screws or your fingernail. Find the compartment for the battery. It'll either be inserted, or have a plus/minus sign embossed. Carefully insert the new battery, making sure it is properly positioned based on the way the old one was.

Replace the circuit board once the battery is installed. The two halves back together. Once it is reassembled, test the buttons to make sure everything works as intended. The ID of the key fob won't change when the battery is replaced, so the key fob shouldn't need to be reprogrammed after the repair. This is a huge benefit for drivers looking to save money and avoid costly trips to the dealer or locksmith.

Ignition Cylinder Replacement

Modern car key ignition systems are extremely complex and require a precise sequence of movements prior to the engine starting. If something interrupts that process, like a broken key cylinder that could cause your car to start with no power. It is possible to replace the key cylinder but it is not a simple process. The ignition is a delicate, single-key system. It requires specialized tools and careful lubrication.

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 you identify the issue. If you are unable to get the cylinder to turn in any direction then you must consult your owner's manual or consult a professional locksmith to help with the ignition repair.

If the cylinder rotates in the accessory mode, you can use a screwdriver to press the small anti-rotation switch located at the base of cylinder. Then, turn the cylinder around until its retaining tabs and slots are aligned and slide it out. If the cylinder won't turn at all, or it's hopelessly stuck, you may be required to gently tap it with the hammer or drill it. Be cautious as rapping or drilling could harm the steering wheel.

After the old cylinder has been taken out and the new ignition cylinder will be installed in its place. The next step is to program the cylinder to ensure that it matches the key in terms of sequence and orientation. You will also need to take off and inspect the tumblers. If any tumblers are worn out, you'll need to replace them.

After the cylinder is replaced After the cylinder is replaced, you'll have to attach the steering column and dashboard covers in their proper order. Be sure to carefully reattach the covers without affecting the wiring, as it's possible to accidentally detach and disrupt important electronics. Reconnecting the negative battery cable is also crucial. Test your new ignition.

Key Programming

Modern car keys come 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 with experience in a wide range of vehicles can reprogram your new car key quickly. They can also help if the lock on your car key has been damaged.

Many car locksmiths will claim that the process can take just a few minutes when you follow the steps properly. It can be a bit longer for OBD2 programming or EEPROM programming, as these procedures require a locksmith to remove specific modules out of the car (security components) in order to identify the correct passcode and stored key data. These kinds of procedures should be reserved for professionals with in-depth knowledge of circuit boards and electronics which reduces the chance of data corruption.

It's not uncommon for people to lose keys to their cars or leave them in the trunk of the car or forget them after loading groceries into the back of the car. In these situations it's not uncommon to be stranded at the side of the highway without a way to get to home or your destination. Your locksmith can program a spare key to your vehicle, allowing you to drive once more.

Car keys can stop working for a variety reasons, such as normal wear and tear or even if the lock is compromised. If the teeth on your car key do not fit in the lock, you should think about replacing your key.

A lot of people try to program their own car keys however it is recommended to have a professional do this work for you instead. It's not uncommon for DIY methods to corrupt the data on your keys and cause it to fail, or even, damage 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

If the car key breaks inside of the ignition cylinder, you will need to remove the broken piece. It is not possible to drive the vehicle until the broken key is removed. It is recommended to hire a professional complete the task, since improper use of lubricants and extraction tools can cause damage to the ignition. If you want to fix your broken car keys at home, there are a few options that can aid.

see here now of needle-nosed pliers with extra-long tips can be used to grasp the key's end that's sticking out of the ignition. You can also boost the performance of your pliers by coating their business ends in an adhesive substance such as super glue, melted wax, or putty. Once this is done the pliers will be able grasp the key piece and pull it out of the cylinder.

A fine, stiff wire can be a useful tool to slide along the broken car key and pulling it out of the lock. You can use a paperclip for this purpose, but be sure to bend each end slightly to increase the area that can be used to hold the key fragment.

Mini hacksaw blades can be a helpful tool for repairing broken keys, but they must be extremely thin and small to fit in the small opening of an ignition cylinder. These tools are available in hardware stores as well as the auto parts section of some large retailers.


Spraying a small amount of grease into the hole of the key is also a good idea, as it could loosen the car key and make it easier to take it out. It's not a great idea to try to force out a broken key, since it could cause further damage to the key or ignition. A car key that is bent or broken in half can be a dangerous and challenging project to repair, so it's recommended to keep a spare car key in a safe place at all times.

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