How to Repair Car Keys
A car key that isn't working properly can throw off your day, and you have to know how to fix it swiftly. It's best to check whether your bumper-to-bumper warranty, insurance or auto club covers it.
With traditional keys that don't have a chip it's as easy as making a exact copy. A key cutting machine can be used to trace the contours of the blank key.
Keys that are worn Out Keys
You use your car keys often and they may get worn down by regular wear and tear. This could result in them not working correctly or causing them to become stuck in your ignition. If your key is worn you must replace it before the problem gets any worse.
Having to jiggle your key or shake it to make it turn is a sign that it is worn out and needs to be replaced. You should also examine your ignition and key cylinders for dirt and debris regularly. It is important to remove your keys from the ignition when you observe that they are worn out. Clean them using a dry, clean cloth. You can also purchase a graphite lubricant which can be applied to metals to reduce friction between them.
If you shake your key and it won't turn, it could indicate that the cutting edges are getting dull or damaged. This could cause the grooves to be distorted and the key will not fit in the lock or ignition. If you have this issue it is crucial to visit a locksmith right away in order to avoid further damage to the key or the lock cylinder.
A key that becomes worn out will often begin to scratch the internal surfaces. This can cause it to stop working or may even cause it to break within the lock cylinder. If this happens, you'll need to visit a locksmith to purchase a new key.
A worn-out key may be caused by being dropped or accidentally struck. It is best to get rid of everything you don't need on your keychain, as this will slow down the wear rate. A heavy keychain can also cause the internal mechanisms of your key to wear more quickly, so it's worth taking care of it.
Honda keys are more susceptible to wear out than other car keys because they use a different wafer-system. The top of the Honda key has a tiny triangular-shaped nib that extends out into the lock. The tiny nib is easily worn down over time and the wear is concentrated only on the point. The key will grind the tiny nib when it is removed from the lock.
Dead Key Fob Battery
When you press the key fob it doesn't do anything. The remote-locking system that you have in your car is dependent on the battery contained in the keyfob to transmit signals to receivers within the vehicle. When the battery is dead, you can be left in a bind. Fortunately, replacing it is relatively simple and quick. Here's what you need to do:
If your fob seems sluggish and you need to press the button several times before it responds, you need a new battery. You can buy a replacement battery at any auto parts retailer or big-box retailer as well as in some hardware stores. The majority of key fobs can work with a CR2032 battery. Check your owner's guide or the manufacturer's site for more information.
It is also recommended to find a coin or screwdriver that will fit in the slot and be used to pry open the key fob so that you can access the circuit board and buttons. You can also make use of a screwdriver or coin to pry the key fob open and get at the circuit board and buttons. Once you have removed the old battery replace it with a new one that has the same + and - positions as the previous one (the plus side is usually directed towards the buttons). Reassemble the fob, ensuring that everything snaps into place. Check that all the buttons on the key fob are working.
If your car still won't start after changing the batteries, it could be a more serious problem. You may have erroneously deprogrammed the onboard computer of your vehicle by pressing certain buttons incorrectly. If that's the case, you'll have to check the manual of your vehicle for instructions on how to re-program the key fob to start your car.
Keep a spare battery for your key fob so that you are not left in the dark if the primary one fails. If you can't replace the key battery or replace it, you might have a backup key made of mechanical that can be used manually to unlock and lock doors.
Broken Keys
It's frustrating to find yourself in a situation where your car keys break off inside the ignition lock. It is not advisable to attempt to remove a damaged key from the ignition. This can only make the situation worse. A locksmith's call to remove the broken key and replace it is the best solution to this issue.
If your car keys are able to open the door, but not start the car, it could indicate that the ignition cylinder inside your car is coming to an end. This is the same thing that can cause keys to stop working after running it through heavy sweat or using it for a long time. If this happens, simply reset your keys by following the instructions provided in your owner's manual.
You can also go to your dealer to have a new key made. However, this can be costly and may not work for all models of cars. If you do decide to go this route be sure to bring your vehicle's VIN along to ensure they can match the cut marks on the new key.
A third option is to try to get a nail of the correct dimension between the two ends of your key. You will have a harder time with a plastic key. Super glue can be used to join the two parts of the key, but it is not recommended since it can damage the ignition.
Lastly, you can purchase an instrument that is specifically designed to be a key extractor. These tools are equipped with small hooks that are designed to slide into the keyway, and grab the broken metal. They are available in hardware stores or in the auto section of big box stores. It's important to remember that using any of these methods can cause the broken key to be pushed deeper into the lock, therefore it is always recommended to contact a locksmith.
Locked Out
Locked out of your car can be more than just an inconvenience. It could be dangerous, especially if you have children in the vehicle. Fortunately, there are a variety of solutions to this issue, as well as ways to prevent it from happening in the first place. Plan ahead. This could include signing to roadside assistance or registering for an automaker's application, or hiding an extra key in your office, home, or with trusted family and friends. You can also purchase a new vehicle with stellar safety features, such as the latest inventory from Longo Toyota, and make sure that it comes with an additional key.
Batteries could be the cause that your car keys aren't working. If your key fob needs multiple presses to unlock or start the car, it's time to replace the batteries. You can make use of a key fob repair kit to do this yourself, or you can hire a professional locksmith to complete it for you.
car keys repair to your car could not work if they're damaged. This is usually because of rough use or aging. The grooves in a key can wear down over time and the size of the grooves may no longer match that of the lock or ignition.
The keyhole can become blocked by dirt or other impurities. This will make the key difficult to fit. A malfunctioning lock may also cause this problem. It can wear out over time, or snap if you apply a lot of pressure when turning the key. It is best to contact a locksmith rather than try and tinker with the lock yourself, since this could cause further damage to the lock.
It's not uncommon to pick the wrong set when in the rush. It's crucial to keep in mind that every key fob is unique and has a code that can only be used with a specific vehicle. If you can't locate your original keys, they may be in the home or in the office. However, it is possible that someone has stolen the keys. If this is the case, you will be required to contact your local auto dealer or authorized service centre for assistance.