5 Tips For Car Keys Repairs

Modern car keys are quite complex, and they require professional help to fix them when something goes wrong. This article will cover 5 tips for keeping your car key in good condition.

Often times, problems with key fobs and remote controls are simply resolved by replacing the battery. In some instances, reprogramming is required. Consult your owner's manual for specific instructions or seek professional assistance.

Battery Replacement

Modern cars are equipped with remote key fobs, which include keyless entry and remote start features, as well as the traditional car key made of metal. They are powered by small batteries that eventually run out and need to be replaced. The process is simple and can easily be done by any auto accessory store that has the correct type of battery for your car model.

First, check the owner's manual of your vehicle to find out what kind of battery is used in your key fob. Once you've got this information, go to your local auto parts store and purchase the replacement. Sometimes, you can find the same battery at a discount or even free if you take advantage of a special promotion.

If you are careful to not push something, you can tear off two seams using flat-head screws or your fingernail. Find the compartment for the battery. It'll either be inserted, or have a plus/minus mark embossed. Install the new battery with care, making sure that it is oriented the same way as the old one.

Replace the circuit board after the battery has been installed. Take ignition key repair near me . Test the buttons after reassembling to verify that everything is working. The ID of the key fob won't change if the battery is changed, so the key fob should not require reprogramming following the repair. This is great news for drivers looking to save money and avoid costly trips to the dealership or locksmith.

Ignition Cylinder Repair

Modern car key ignition systems require a series of precise actions before the engine can begin. A broken key cylinder can stop your car from starting. Although it's possible to repair the key cylinder, it's not a simple procedure. The ignition is a delicate, single-key system. It requires specialized tools and careful oiling.

Find out if you can turn the ignition on in the accessory position. Also, check to determine if the key can fit properly. This will help identify the problem. If you are unable to rotate the cylinder in any direction, refer to your owner's manual or contact an locksmith for assistance with the ignition.

If the cylinder is able to rotate in the accessory position then you can use a screwdriver to depress the small anti-rotation button located at the base of the cylinder. Then, you can turn the cylinder around until its tabs for retaining and slots line up and slide it out. If the cylinder isn't turning at all, or is hopelessly stuck, you may need to gently tap it with the hammer or drill it. But do so cautiously when drilling or rapping the cylinder may harm the steering column.

The new ignition engine will be installed after the old one is removed. The next step is to program the cylinder so that it is compatible with the key both in terms of sequence and orientation. Also, you'll need to remove and inspect the tumblers. If any tumblers are damaged, you'll have to replace them.

After replacing the cylinder, you'll need to attach the steering wheel and dashboard covers in the correct order. Reattach the dashboard and column covers in the proper order. Be careful not to disturb the wiring. It's easy to accidentally disconnect or damage vital electronics. It's also crucial to reconnect the negative battery cable, and to test your new ignition.

Key Programming

Modern car keys are fitted with a computer chip that communicates with the vehicle. The chip and the vehicle must "know eachother" before the key can be used to start the engine.

A locksmith who has experience in a variety of cars can reprogram your new car key quickly. They can also help if the lock on the key to your car has been damaged.


The majority of car locksmiths will tell you that the process takes as little as a minute if you follow all steps properly. OBD2 or EEPROM programming can take a little longer, as your locksmith will need to remove specific modules from the car to read the passcode and key data. 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 their keys to their car or put them in the trunk of their vehicle, or simply leave them at home after loading groceries in the back seat. In these situations you could end up on the side of the road without any way to get home or to your destination. Your locksmith can program a spare key for your vehicle so you can drive again.

The lock could be damaged or the key may cease to function because of normal wear and tear. If your car key's teeth no longer fit the lock, it is a good reason to replace your key.

Many people attempt to program their car keys themselves however it is advised to hire a professional do this work for instead. It's not uncommon for DIY methods to corrupt the information on your key, which can cause it to fail, or worse, damage your security system. A professional is more likely to not make a a mistake which could cost you thousands of dollars in the future.

Broken Key Removal

If the car key breaks inside of the ignition cylinder and you need to remove the broken piece. It is not possible to drive the vehicle until the broken key is removed. It is best to hire a professional complete this task, as incorrect use of lubricants and extraction tools could damage the ignition. If you're looking to repair your car keys that have broken at home there are a few options that can assist.

A pair of needle-nosed, pliers with extra long tips can be used to grasp the key end that is still stuck in the ignition. You can also supercharge your pliers by coating their business ends in a sticky substance like super glue, melted wax or putty. When this is done, the pliers will be able latch onto the key fragment and pull it out of the cylinder.

A thin, stiff wire can be a great tool to slide along the broken car key and pulling it out of the lock. Paperclips can be used to accomplish this, but bend the ends slightly so that the key fragment is held by the larger area.

Mini hacksaw blades can be a helpful tool for fixing broken keys, however they must be extremely small and thin so that they can fit into the small opening of an ignition cylinder. They are available at hardware stores as well as the auto parts section of some large retailers.

Spraying some lubricant through the keyhole could be helpful. It could loosen the stuck piece, making it easier to remove. It's not a good idea to try to force out a broken key, as it could cause further damage to the ignition or key. It is risky and difficult to fix the car key that's been bent or split in half. Keep the spare key in a secure location at all times.