How to Repair Car Keys
A faulty car key can disrupt your day, and you have to be aware of how to fix it quickly. It's best to check whether your bumper-to-bumper insurance, bumper-to-bumper warranty or auto club will cover it.
With traditional keys that do not have chips it's as easy as creating an exact copy. A key cutting machine will be used to trace the contours of the blank key.
Worn Out Keys
Car keys can get damaged by the constant use. This can result in them not functioning properly or becoming stuck inside your ignition. If your key is damaged and you need to replace it before the issue gets worse.
If you have to shake or jiggle your key to turn it, it's probably worn out and must be replaced. It is also essential to check the key cylinders in your doors and ignition regularly for dirt and debris. It is essential to remove your keys from the ignition if you observe that they are worn out. Clean them with a clean, dry cloth. You can also buy an lubricant made of graphite that can be applied to metals to reduce friction between them.
If you shake your key and it doesn't turn, it could mean that the cutting edges are getting dull or damaged. This could cause the grooves on the key to be distorted and it won't fit in your lock or ignition. It is crucial to contact a locksmith right away if this issue occurs to prevent further damage.
When a key becomes worn it can begin to scratch its internal surfaces. This could cause it to stop working or may even cause it to split inside the lock's cylinder. If this happens, you'll require an locksmith to buy a replacement key.
Another common cause for keys that are worn out is if it was dropped or hit by accident. It is recommended to take off any items you do not need on your keychain, because this will reduce the rate of wear. A heavy keychain could cause the internal mechanisms of your key to wear faster, which is why it is important to take care of it.
Honda keys are more prone to wear out than other keys for cars because they have a different wafer-system. The tip of the Honda keys is tiny triangular nibs that extends into the lock. The tiny nib is susceptible to wear and tear over time and the wear is focused on just the tip. When the key is pulled into the lock it grinds the little nib until eventually it is impossible to use.
Dead Key Fob Battery
When you press the key fob it doesn't do anything. The remote lock system in your car relies on a battery contained in the key fob to send signals to the receiver inside your vehicle. If the battery fails, it can leave you in a bind. It's good news that replacing it is fairly easy and quick. Here's how to do it:
It's time to replace the battery in case your device isn't responding quickly, i.e. you have repeatedly click it before it responds. You can buy the replacement battery from any auto parts retailer or big-box retailer, or in some hardware stores. Most key fobs work with a CR2032 battery. Refer to the owner's manual or the site of the manufacturer for more information.
It is also recommended to find an appropriate screwdriver or coin that fits into the slot and be used to open the key fob, so you can access the circuit board and buttons. You can also make use of a screwdriver or coin to break the key fob out and access the circuit board and buttons. Replace the battery that was in use with a newer one with + and - placed exactly the same way as the previous one. (The plus side is usually pointing toward the buttons.) The fob is then reassembled and make sure that everything snaps in 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. For instance, you might have accidentally wiped out your car's onboard computer by pressing certain buttons in the wrong sequence. If that's the case you'll need to refer to your vehicle's manual for instructions on how to reprogram the key fob and start the car.
Keep an extra battery for your key fob in case of emergency to ensure that you don't get stuck if the original one fails. If you are unable to replace the key battery it is possible that you have a backup key made of mechanical that you can use manually to unlock and lock doors.
Broken Keys
It's a bit of a hassle to be in a situation where your car key breaks off within the lock for ignition. It is not advisable to try to remove a broken or damaged key from the ignition. This will only make the situation more difficult. A locksmith's call to remove the damaged key and replace it is the most effective solution to this problem.
If your car key is capable of opening the door but it is unable to start the car this could be an indication that the ignition cylinder of your car is on its last legs. This is the same thing that can cause a key to stop working after running it through intense sweat or after using it for a long time. In this case, reset your keys in accordance with the instructions provided in your owner's manual.
You can also go to your dealer and have a brand new key made. However, this is costly and may not work for the majority of models of cars. If you decide to try this method be sure to bring your vehicle's VIN number along to ensure they can match the cuts on the new key.
Another option is to try to put a nail of the correct size in between the two ends of your key. The key must be made of steel to accomplish this, which means you will have a much harder time with keys made of plastic. Super glue can be used to join the two parts of the key, but it is not recommended since it could cause damage to your ignition.
You can also purchase a key extractor, a special tool. These tools are equipped with hooks that are designed to slide into the keyway and grip the broken bit of metal. They can be found in the auto sections of large box stores or hardware stores. It's important to remember that attempting any of these methods can actually push your broken key deeper into the lock, so it's always best to speak with an expert locksmith.
Locked out
Locked out of your vehicle can be more than just an inconvenience. It could be dangerous when there are children in the car. There are many solutions to this problem and methods to avoid it in the first place. The best way to prevent it is to plan ahead whether that means enrolling in an automaker app, subscribing to a roadside assistance service, or simply keeping keys in your office, home, or with trusted friends and family members. You can also buy a brand new car that has excellent security features. For instance, the current inventory of Longo Toyota. Make sure it comes with a spare key.
The most common reason why your car keys may stop working is because the batteries are dying. If your key fob requires multiple presses of the buttons to unlock or start the car and start the car, it's time to replace the batteries. You can use a key fob repair kit to do this yourself, or have a professional locksmith do it for you.
Your car keys could also not work if they're damaged. This is usually the result of rough usage or ageing. The grooves in keys can wear out over time and the depth of the grooves may not match the depth of the lock or ignition.
The keyhole inside the vehicle can become clogged by dirt or impurities, causing the key to not fit. This could also be due to a broken lock, which can be worn down over time or even break if intense pressure is applied upon turning the key. It is recommended to contact a locksmith rather than try and tinker with the lock yourself, since this can further damage it.
It's not common for people to take the wrong set of car keys especially when they're in a hurry. However, it's important to remember that every key fob is unique and has a code that is programmed to work only with a specific car. If you cannot find your original keys, they could be in your home or at the office. However, it is possible that someone may have stolen the keys. If this is the case, you will need to call your local auto dealer or authorised service centre to get help.