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5 Tips For Car Keys Repairs Modern car keys can be complicated, and require professional repair when they become damaged. This article will provide 5 tips to ensure your car keys are in good working order. In many instances, key fobs and remote controls can be repaired by replacing the battery. In some instances it is necessary to reprogramme the device. Check the owner's manual or a professional for more specific instructions. Battery Replacement Many modern vehicles come with remote key fobs that include keyless entry and remote starting features. They also come with a traditional metal key. These keys are powered by small batteries that eventually wear out and must be replaced. The procedure is easy and can be accomplished by any auto accessory store that has the correct type of battery for your car model. Check the owner's manual for your vehicle to determine what kind of battery is in use. Once you know the type of battery is in the key fob, head to an automotive parts store near you and buy an alternative. You may find the same battery for sale or for free when you avail a special offer. If you're careful to not force something, you can tear apart two of the seams using flat-head screws or your fingernail. Find the battery compartment. It'll be slotted in, or have a plus/minus mark embossed. Insert the new battery carefully and make sure it is placed in exactly the same way as the previous one. Once the new battery is in, replace the circuit board and then snap the two halves of your key fob back together. Test the buttons after reassembling them to make sure everything works. The key fob's identification will not be affected by the change in the battery, which means it shouldn't need to be reprogramed after the repair. This is great news for drivers looking to save money by not having to go to a dealership or locksmith. key repair for car of the ignition Cylinder Modern key ignition systems for cars are complicated and require a precise series of actions before the engine starts. If something happens to interrupt that process, for instance the cylinder of a key that is broken that could cause your vehicle to stop running with no power. It is possible to replace the key cylinder but it is not a simple process. The ignition is a delicate system designed to work with one particular key and this process requires special tools, careful lubrication, and a precise understanding of how it's supposed to work. Check if you are able to turn the ignition on in the accessory position. Also, determine if the key can fit properly. This will help you diagnose the problem and find a solution. If you are unable to get the cylinder to turn in any position then you must consult your owner's manual or consult a professional locksmith to assist with the ignition repair. If the cylinder is able to rotate in the accessory position, you can make use of a screwdriver to press the small anti-rotation switch at the bottom of the cylinder. Then, you can rotate the cylinder so that its retaining tabs and slots align and slide it out. If the cylinder is stuck or won't rotate, you can tap it or drill it. Be careful as drilling or rapping can harm the steering wheel. The new ignition is installed after the old one is removed. Then, you'll have to code the new cylinder in order that it is in line with the key in terms of sequence and orientation. Also, you'll need to take off and inspect the tumblers. If any of the tumblers are worn out, you'll need to replace them. After the cylinder is replaced after which you'll need to connect the steering column and dashboard covers in the proper order. Reattach the dashboard and steering column covers in the correct order. Be careful not to disturb the wiring. It's easy to disconnect or disrupt vital electronics. Reattaching the negative battery cable is crucial. Test your new ignition. Key Programming Modern car keys contain computer chips that communicate with the vehicle. To allow the key to start the engine the chip and car need to “know each one another”. A locksmith with experience in many different kinds of vehicles can reprogram a new key in a short time. They can also assist if the lock on the car key has been damaged. Many car locksmiths will claim that the process can take less than a minute in the event that you follow all steps correctly. OBD2 or EEPROM programming can take a little longer, because your locksmith will have to remove certain modules from the vehicle to read the passcode and key information. These kinds of procedures should be left to professionals with an in-depth understanding of circuit boards and electronics, reducing the risk of corrupting data. It's not uncommon for people to lose keys to their cars or put them in the trunk of the vehicle, or simply leave them at home after putting groceries in the back seat. In these instances it's not uncommon for you to find yourself stranded by the side of the highway with no way to get to your home or where you want to go. If you have a spare, your locksmith can program it to your car, allowing you to leave the road again. Car keys may stop working due to a variety of reasons, such as normal wear and tear or in the event that the lock is damaged. If your car key's teeth no longer fit the lock it is an indication that you should replace your key. Many people try to reprogram their own car keys. However, it's recommended to hire a professional instead. for beginners 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 lower risk of making an error that could cost you thousands in the future. Broken Key Removal You'll have to remove your broken key from the ignition cylinder if it breaks. It will be impossible to drive your car until the key is removed, and it is advised to call an expert for this job since there is a possibility of damaging the ignition through incorrect use of lubricants or extraction tools. However, if you're determined to fix your broken car key at home there are a few methods that could help. A pair of needle-nosed pliers that have longer tips can be used to grasp the key end that is sticking out of the ignition. You can also enhance 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 to accomplish this purpose, but be sure to bend the ends to increase the surface area that is able to grip the key fragment. Mini hacksaw blades can be used to repair broken keys. However, they must be very small and thin to fit in the small openings in the cylinders for ignition. These tools are readily available in hardware stores, as well as the auto parts section of a few large retailers. Spraying a bit of lubricant into the key hole is also a good idea, as it could loosen the stuck piece of car key and make it easier to get it out. It's not a good idea to attempt to force out a damaged key, since it could cause further damage to the ignition or key. A car key that is bent or broken in half can be a risky and difficult task to repair, which is why it's a good idea to keep a spare car key in a safe place at all times.