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Vehicle Key Repairs You Shouldn't Do Yourself If your car's key stops working, it can be a major trouble. This can happen because of a variety of causes. It's good to know that you can fix the majority of keys to your vehicle without having to go to dealers or pay for a locksmith. Here are some common problems and their easy solutions. Keys Broken or lost You want your vehicle to be operating quickly after a key break. DIY repairs can exacerbate the problem. For instance, if the key breaks inside the ignition cylinder you should avoid trying to remove it as this can cause damage to the lock and ignition. Instead, contact a locksmith in your area. They'll have the appropriate tools for removing your broken key without further damage. If you're determined to do it yourself, use pliers with needle-noses to insert into the cylinder, and then grab the broken piece of key. If this doesn't work, try using a jigsaw blade with downward-facing teeth to latch onto and pull the broken key. Never insert anything else in the cylinder as this can push the broken key even further into the cylinder and make it harder to retrieve. Another reason your vehicle key might not start is because the battery is dead. Many models have an lithium-ion coin or button cell battery that you can replace yourself. You can purchase replacement batteries at supermarkets, pharmacies and home improvement shops. If your key is damaged or lost, bring it into an auto technician with a good reputation to swap the battery and program an alternative key. If your key fob is a high-tech device that has been damaged or lost, you'll likely need to visit a dealer for a replacement. Keys that are high-tech differ from mechanical ones in the sense that they require programming by the manufacturer in order to work with the vehicle. In these cases, it is best to hire a professional to create duplicate keys. They can make the right cut, reassemble the mechanism, and transfer transponder chip of your original key to a new key. You'll need to go to the dealer to get a replacement if your car key is a high tech model with a display. This is because high-tech keys have to be reprogrammed to the car's security system by the manufacturer. Fortunately, key repairs have the equipment to perform this task on the spot. They can also cut keys for you so you don't have to wait for a new one to be delivered. Dead Batteries Batteries are an essential part in any gadget or device and can easily wear out due to prolonged usage or the absence of regular charging. If your car key fob is showing indications of a dead battery it's important to fix the issue as soon as you notice. A dead battery will typically result in the key fob not responding to button presses, and electrical components like the ignition of a car not responding to jump-starting attempts. The battery in the car key is usually an sized coin that can be changed at home or by an expert locksmith. Make sure you know the type of battery used by your vehicle before replacing it. It is usually possible to find this information on your battery or in the documentation for your vehicle. If you use the wrong battery key fob, it could fail or stop working completely. 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 key fob buttons, intermittent functionality, and dim lights on the key fob. A battery that displays no voltage on a voltmeter is likely to be dead. Damage to the battery's casing could be a sign of irreparable damage inside the. The battery can be easily substituted in a car fob by unloosening an underlying screw on the back panel of the fob with a screwdriver, and sliding the panel open to reveal the compartment. You can then take out the old battery with a small flat-tipped screwdriver and then insert a new one in the same location. When you're done, snap the 2 halves of the fob back together and then test it to verify that the key functions properly. Keep the screw that holds the key fob battery in place. Keep it safe when you will not use it again. Some models of vehicles 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 the owner's manual or an online tutorial video to determine how to safely remove it. Transponder Chip The majority of modern car keys come with transponders (also known as a “chipped-key”). The reason for this is to help keep vehicles from becoming hot wired. When you connect your transponder keys into the ignition an antenna (which is actually an induction coil) transmits an audio signal that is accompanied by an individual code to the chip inside the key's head. The car's computer then verifies that the signal is coming from the correct owner and allows the engine to begin. This is a great method to protect your vehicle from being stolen and also adds another layer of security. One of the main signs that the transponder chip isn't functioning properly is trouble starting your vehicle. If you turn the the ignition but the car doesn't start or turn over, this could be a sign that the transponder chip isn't communicating with the system of your car correctly. A transponder requires power from the electronic to function, and this power is supplied by a small internal battery. In time the battery will lose its charge. It will no longer provide enough power to start your car. It is essential to have your transponder key checked by an expert if it isn't functioning properly. A professional locksmith can diagnose the issue and then either replace the battery or reprogram the key to function properly again. You might notice that a transponder key is more expensive than a regular metal key. This is due to the higher costs of manufacturing a chipped-key. This does not mean that you must visit the dealership each time you need a new key. You should look around and compare companies before choosing one. You should also be aware that certain companies can offer lower keys for replacement due to their lower overhead costs. However it's important to keep in mind that a key that is cheaper will not necessarily be the highest quality. It could be worth paying a bit more to get a key of higher quality and will last longer. Programming Modern cars have keys and fobs which do more than just unlock the doors and open the trunk. Some keys and fobs have features that let you start your car from a distance and lock your doors at the press of one button. They are also secured against physical and digital attacks. As a result, these keys and fobs have to be programmed correctly or they won't function. This task is usually reserved for experienced auto technicians or locksmiths, since it requires an in-depth knowledge of the vehicle's security system as well as the use of specific tools. Reprogramming a fob or key is required in certain cases. Most commonly, it is necessary to reprogramme the fob or key is lost or stolen or when one buys a used car and needs to ensure that the keys they have previously used will not work in the vehicle. Some brands of vehicles require special coding tools to reprogram new keys and fobs, however this isn't necessarily an absolute requirement in all instances. A battery that is depleted in the remote key fob is a different case where reprogramming might be necessary. This is a simple fix as most keyfobs use small clock batteries that can be found in drugstores and home improvement stores. This won't allow you to open the trunk or start the engine, but it will prevent the key fob from malfunctioning. Some key fobs may need to be reset 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 scenario the professional will examine the damage to determine the kind of reprogramming equipment required. They will then employ the correct tools to reprogram the transponder or key fob chip and test it to make sure everything works as it should. It's important to remember that reprogramming a key fob can be a very difficult task and if done incorrectly, it could cause serious issues. It is recommended to leave this job to a reputable auto locksmith. This will ensure that the job is done properly and will allow you to avoid costly mistakes in the future.