14 Misconceptions Commonly Held About Repair Car Keys

How to Repair Car Keys A faulty car key can throw off your day, and you have to be aware of how to fix it swiftly. It is best to determine if your bumper-to-bumper insurance, bumper-to-bumper warranty or auto club covers it. For traditional keys that don't feature a chip it's as easy as making a exact duplicate. A key cutting machine can be used to trace the contours of the key blank. Full Content that are worn out The keys to your car can get worn out by frequent use. This can result in them not working correctly or getting stuck inside your ignition. Replace your worn-out key before the issue gets worse. The need to jiggle your keys or shake it to turn it is an indication that it is worn out and must be replaced. It is also essential to examine the cylinders of your keys in your doors and ignition frequently for dirt and debris. It is crucial to remove your keys from the ignition if you notice that they are becoming worn. Clean them using a dry, clean cloth. You can also buy a graphite lubricant which can be used on metals to reduce friction between them. If you try to jiggle your key but it doesn't turn, it could mean that the cutting edges are becoming dull or damaged. This could cause the grooves on the key to change shape and it won't fit in your lock or ignition. If you experience this problem, it is important to contact an expert locksmith immediately 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 the key to stop functioning or even break within the lock cylinder. In this instance, you will have to visit a local locksmith to purchase a new key. A damaged key could also be caused by being dropped or accidentally hit. Take anything you don't require from your keychain to slow down the rate at which it wears. A heavy keychain can also cause the internal mechanisms of your key to wear down faster, which is why it is worth taking care of it. Honda keys are more prone to wear out than other car keys due to the fact that they use a different wafer-system. The tip of the Honda keys has tiny triangular nibs that is inserted into the lock. The tip of the tiny nib is easily worn down and wear is concentrated on the tip. The key will grind the tiny nib as it is inserted and then removed from the lock. Dead Key Fob Battery It can be a real discomfort when you press the key fob button and nothing happens. The remote-locking system that you have in your car is dependent on the battery in the keyfob, which transmits signals to the receivers inside the vehicle. If the battery fails, you can be left stranded. It's simple to replace. Here's what you must do: It's time to replace the battery in case your device is slow, i.e. you have repeatedly press it before it responds. You can purchase the replacement at any auto parts store, big-box retailer, or even some hardware stores. A CR2032 3V battery should work on most key fobs, but be sure to check your owner's manual as well as the manufacturer's site for details on the type of battery you should purchase. Look for an opening or notch in the seam that divides the top and bottom sides of your key fob. Also, you should find a coin or screwdriver that can fit into the slot and can be used to open the key fob and access the circuit board and buttons. Replace the old battery with a newer one that has + and – positioned the same as the old one. (The plus side is typically pointing towards the buttons.) The fob is then reassembled, ensuring that everything snaps together. Make sure that all the buttons on the key fob work. If you still can't get your vehicle to start after changing the battery, it could be more serious. For example, you may have accidentally wiped out your car's onboard computer by pressing certain buttons in the incorrect order. If this is the case, you'll have to check the manual of your vehicle to learn on how to reprogram the key fob and start your car. It is also advisable to keep a spare key fob battery in your car to avoid being stuck if your original battery is damaged. If you cannot 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 can be frustrating when your car keys break inside the ignition lock. It's not recommended to attempt to remove a damaged key from the ignition. This can only make the situation worse. Calling a locksmith to remove the damaged key and replace it is the best solution to this issue. If your car's key is able to open the door, but not start the vehicle this could be a sign that your car's ignition cylinder is at its end. This is the same issue that can cause a key to stop working after it has been through excessive sweat or being used for a long time. If this happens, simply reset your keys following the instructions in the owner's manual. Another option is visiting your dealer and having a replacement key cut. It can be expensive and not all models will work. If you decide to do this, make sure you bring your VIN number to the repair shop to ensure the key cuts match. A third alternative is to put the right size in between the two ends of your key. The key has to be made of metal to accomplish this, so you will have a much difficult time using plastic keys. Super glue can be used to join the two parts of the key, but it is not recommended as it could cause damage to your ignition. Lastly, you can purchase a special tool called a key extractor. These tools are equipped with hooks designed to slide into the keyway, and then grip the broken bit of metal. You can find these tools at hardware stores, or in the auto section of big box stores. It's important to remember that using any of these methods can actually force your broken key further into the lock, so it's always best to contact locksmith. Locked out It can be more than just a hassle to be locked out of your car. It could be dangerous if there children in the vehicle. There are many ways to deal with this issue, and ways to avoid it in the first place. Make plans. This could mean signing to a roadside assistance service or registering for an automaker's application or storing an extra key in your home, office or with trusted friends and family. You can also buy a new car with excellent security features. For example the current inventory of Longo Toyota. Make sure it comes with an extra key. Batteries can be the cause of your car keys not working. If your key fob requires several presses to unlock or start the car, it's time to replace the batteries. You can make use of a key fob replacement kit to repair it yourself, or you can hire a professional locksmith to complete it for you. Another reason that your car keys won't working is that they're damaged. This is usually due to wear and tear or the aging process. Over time, the grooves on keys can wear down and no longer match the depth of the lock or ignition. The keyhole could be blocked by dirt or other impurities. This could make the key difficult to fit. This could also be due to a broken lock, which could get worn out over time, or even break if a lot of pressure is applied upon turning the key. Call a locksmith instead of tinkering with the lock, as you could cause further damage. It's not uncommon for people to accidentally grab the wrong set of keys for their car, especially if they're in a hurry. It's important to keep in mind that each key fob is programmed with a specific code that can only be used on only one vehicle. If you can't locate your original keys, they might be in the home or in the office. But, it's also possible that someone has taken the keys. If this is the case, you'll need to contact an auto dealer or authorized service center.