How to Repair Car Keys
A damaged car key could disrupt your day, and you have to know how to fix it quickly. Verify if your bumper-tobumper guarantee or insurance will cover it.
The process of replicating traditional keys with no chip is as simple as creating an exact replica. A person will choose the appropriate key blank and trace its contours with a key cutting machine onsite.
Keys that are worn out
You use your car keys often and they may get worn down by regular wear and wear and tear. This could result in them not functioning properly or getting stuck inside your ignition. If your key is damaged, you should replace it before the issue gets worse.
If you must shake or jiggle the key to turn it, it's worn and needs to be replaced. You should also check your ignition and key cylinders for debris and dirt regularly. If you notice that they're becoming worn down, it is important to remove the keys from the ignition and clean them using a dry cloth. You can also purchase an lubricant made of graphite that can be used on metals to decrease friction between them.
If you try to jiggle your key and it won't turn, it could indicate that the cutting edges are becoming dull or damaged. The grooves could cause them to get distorted and the key will not fit in your lock or ignition. It is important that you seek out a locksmith as soon as this problem occurs to prevent further damage.
A key that wears out will often begin to scratch the internal surfaces. This could cause the key to cease functioning, or even break inside the lock cylinder. If this happens, you'll need to visit the locksmith to purchase a replacement key.
A worn-out key may be the result of dropping or accidentally struck. Remove anything you don't need 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 more quickly, so it's important to take care of it.
Honda keys are more susceptible to wear and tear due to their unique wafer system than other brands' cars. The tip of the Honda keys has a tiny triangular nib that extends into the lock. The tiny nib is easily worn down over time and the wear is focused only the point. The key will grind down the tiny nib as it is inserted and then removed from the lock.
Dead Key Fob Battery
When you press the key fob, nothing happens. The remote lock system in your car relies on a battery in the key fob to transmit signals to the receiver in your vehicle. When the battery fails and it fails, you could be in a bind. It's easy to replace. Here's how:
If your device seems to be lagging or you have to click the button multiple times before it responds, it's time for a new battery. You can purchase the replacement at any auto parts store, big-box retailer, or even a few hardware stores. A CR2032 3V battery should work for all key fobs however, make sure to consult your owner's manual as well as the manufacturer's website for specifics on the type of battery you should purchase.
Find a slot or notch along the seam which separates the top from bottom sides of your key fob. You can also use a screwdriver or coin to open the key fob apart to gain access to the circuit board and buttons. Once you have removed the old battery and replace it with a new one with the same + and - position as the previous one (the plus side is usually facing toward the buttons). The fob is then reassembled and make sure that everything snaps together. Check that all the buttons on the key fob are working.
If your car won't start after replacing the batteries, there could be a more serious issue. You might 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 reprogram the key fob and start the car.
You should also keep an extra battery for your key fob in your car to avoid being trapped if the original goes bad. If you're unable to replace the battery in your key fob it is likely that your car has an electronic backup key in the car that you can use to manually unlock and lock your doors.
Broken Keys
It's a bit of a hassle to be in a position where your car key breaks off inside the ignition lock. It's not recommended to try to remove a broken key from the ignition. This can only make the situation worse. Calling a locksmith to remove the broken key and replace it is the most effective solution to this issue.
If your car keys are able to open the door but not start the car, this could indicate that the ignition cylinder inside your car is getting close to its final point. It's the same issue that can cause the key to cease working after running it through intense sweat or after using it for too long. If this happens you can reset your keys by following the instructions contained in the owner's manual.
You can also visit your dealer and have a new key made. However, this can be expensive and may not work with all models of cars. If you decide to do this, take your VIN number to the shop to ensure that the key cuts are compatible.
A third alternative is to get an appropriate nail size in between the two ends of your key. The key has to be made of metal in order to accomplish this, so you will have a much more difficult time with plastic keys. You can also try super glue to join the two pieces of the key, but this is a risky option because it could cause damage to the ignition.
Additionally, you can purchase the special tool known as a key extractor. These tools are equipped with small hooks designed to slide into the keyway, and grab the broken metal. You can find these tools in hardware stores or in the auto section of the big box stores. It is important to keep in mind that attempting any of these methods can actually force your broken key deeper into the lock, so it's best to contact a locksmith.
Locked out
Being locked out of your car could be more than just an inconvenience. It could be a risk, especially when you have children inside the vehicle. There are a variety of ways to deal with this issue, and ways to avoid it in the first place. Make plans. This could include signing up for an emergency roadside assistance program or registering for an automaker's application, or hiding a spare in your office, home, or with trusted friends and family. You can also purchase a new car with excellent security features. For instance the current inventory at Longo Toyota. Make sure it comes with a spare key.
The most common reason your car keys may stop working is that the batteries are dying. If you find yourself pressing the button on your key fob several times to unlock or start your vehicle, it's time to replace the battery. You can use a key fob repair kit to perform this yourself, or you can employ a professional locksmith to do it for you.
Your car keys may also stop working if they are damaged. This is usually the result of wear and tear or aging. The grooves on the key may wear away over time and the depth of the grooves may not be as deep as 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 cause this issue. It can wear out over time or snap if you apply extreme pressure when turning the key. It is best to contact a locksmith rather than try and play around with the lock yourself, as it could further damage the lock.
It's not uncommon for people to grab the wrong set in a rush. It's important to keep in mind that each key fob is programmed with a unique code that can only be used on one car. If you're unable to locate your original car keys, it's possible that they're in your the office or at home, but it's also quite likely that someone has stolen the keys. If this is the case, you will have to contact your local dealer or authorized service center to get help.