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The Most Hilarious Complaints We've Seen About Car Keys Repair 5 Tips For Car Keys Repairs Modern car keys are complicated, and as such they require expert assistance to repair them if something goes wrong. This article will give you five tips to ensure your car keys are in good working order. In most instances, key fobs and remote controls can be repaired by replacing the battery. In certain cases, reprogramming is required. Refer to the owner's manual of your device or a professional for more specific instructions. Battery Replacement Many modern vehicles come with remote key fobs, which include keyless entry and remote starting features. They also have a traditional steel key. They are powered by small batteries that eventually die and need to be replaced. The procedure is easy and can be completed by any auto accessory store that has the correct type of battery for the vehicle you own. Refer to the owner's manual of your vehicle to determine the kind of battery is being used. Once you know what type of battery is on your key fob, go to an automotive parts store close to you and purchase the replacement. You can often find the same battery on sale or for free if you take advantage of an offer. If you're careful to not force something, you can tear off two seams with a flat-head screw or your fingernail. Locate the battery compartment. It'll either be slotted in or have a plus/minus mark embossed. Make sure to carefully insert the new battery and ensure it is oriented correctly based on the way the old one was. Replace the circuit board after the battery has been installed. Take the two halves back together. Test the buttons after reassembling to verify that everything is working. The key fob's identification is not affected by the change in the battery, which means it shouldn't need to be reprogramed following the repair. This is great news for drivers looking to save money by not having to go to a locksmith or dealership. Ignition Cylinder Replacement Modern car key ignition systems require an exact sequence of movements before the engine can begin. If something interrupts that process, for instance the cylinder of a key that is broken that could cause your car to start with no power. Although it's possible to repair the key cylinder but it's not an easy procedure. The ignition is a delicate, one-key system. It requires specialized tools and careful oiling. First, check whether the ignition will turn in the accessory position, and also if the key will insert properly. This will help diagnose the issue. If you are unable to get the cylinder to rotate in any direction then you must consult your owner's manual or consult a professional locksmith to assist you with the ignition repair. If the cylinder is able to rotate in the accessory position, you can use a screwdriver to depress the small anti-rotation button located at the bottom of the cylinder. Then, you can turn the cylinder until the slot line and tabs are up, and then slide it out of its casing. If the cylinder is stuck or won't turn, you can gently tap it or drill it. However, do it with caution, as drilling or rapping the cylinder could cause damage to the steering column. The new ignition cylinder will be installed once the old one has been removed. You'll then need to code the cylinder to ensure that it is in line with the key both in terms of sequence and orientation. It is also necessary to remove the tumblers from cylinder and inspect them. If any of the tumblers appear worn out, you'll need to replace them. After the cylinder is replaced after which you'll need to connect the dashboard and steering column covers in the proper order. Make sure you carefully reattach the panels without damaging the wiring, as it's very easy to accidentally detach and disrupt vital electronic components. Reconnecting the negative battery cable is crucial. Test your new ignition. Key Programming Modern car keys have computer chips that communicate with the vehicle. The chip and the car must "know eachother" before the key is able to start the engine. A locksmith who has experience in a variety of cars can reprogram your new key to your car quickly. They can also assist if your car key's lock has become damaged. Most car locksmiths will tell you that the process could take as little as one minute if the steps are done correctly. It can be a bit longer for OBD2 programming or EEPROM programming, since these procedures require your locksmith to extract specific modules from the car (security components) in order to determine the correct passcode as well as key data stored. This kind of procedure should be left to professionals with extensive understanding of circuit boards and electronic components, reducing the chance of data corruption. It's not common for people to lose keys to their cars, leave them in the trunk of their vehicle or even leave them at home after putting groceries into the back of the car. In these instances, it's not uncommon to be stranded at the side of the highway without a way to your home or get to your destination. If you have a spare car, your locksmith can program it to your car so you can leave the road again. Car keys can fail to function for a variety of reasons, such as normal wear and tear or in the event that the lock is damaged. If the teeth on your car keys no longer fit in the lock, it is recommended to consider replacing the key. Many people try to program their own car keys, but it is always recommended to have professionals do this task for instead. It's not uncommon for DIY methods to corrupt the information on your key, which can cause it to fail, or worse end up damaging your security system. A professional is more likely to not make a 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 it is necessary to remove the broken piece. You will not be able to drive your car until the key is removed and it is recommended to contact an expert for this job since there is a possibility of causing damage to the ignition by improper use of lubricants or extraction tools. If similar website determined to fix the broken car key at home there are some strategies that can be used to help. A pair of needle-nosed, pliers with extra-long tips can be used to grasp the key end that is still sticking out of the ignition. You can also enhance your pliers by coating their business ends with sticky substances such as super glue, melted wax or putty. Once this is done the people will be able to grasp the key piece and pull it straight out of the cylinder. A thin, stiff wire can be a useful tool for sliding alongside the broken car key and pulling it out of the lock. Paperclips are a good tool for this however, you must bend the ends a bit so that the key fragment is held by the larger area. Mini hacksaw blades can be a helpful tool for repairing broken keys, but they must be extremely thin and small so that they can fit into the tiny opening in an ignition cylinder. They can be found in hardware stores and the auto parts sections of large box retailers. Spraying some lubricant through the keyhole could be helpful. It may loosen up the stuck piece, making it easier to remove. Never try to force a damaged car key out as it could cause more damage to the key, and even the ignition. It is dangerous and difficult to repair a car key that has been bent or split in half. Keep an extra key in a secure location always.