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5 Tips For Car Keys Repairs Modern car keys are quite complex, and require professional repair when they fail. This article will give you five tips to keep your car key in good condition. Often times, problems with key fobs or remote controls can be resolved by replacing the battery. In some cases it is necessary to reprogramme the device. Check your owner's manual for specific instructions or seek out professional assistance. Battery Replacement Modern cars are equipped with remote key fobs, which include keyless entry and remote start features, as well as a traditional metal car key. These keys are powered by small batteries that eventually run out and must be replaced. Fortunately, the process is quite easy and can be completed by any auto accessory shop that stocks the proper battery type for the car model you have. The first step is to consult the owner's manual of your vehicle to determine the type of battery used in your key fob. Once you have figured out what kind of battery is on your key fob, head to an auto parts store close to you and purchase an alternative. You can often find the exact battery on sale or for free when you avail a special offer. Once you have the new battery in hand and you've opened your key fob and remove the circuit board by tearing away two seams with a flat-head screwdriver or your fingernail (if you're careful not to push anything). Locate the battery compartment. It'll either be inserted or have a plus/minus sign embossed. Install the new battery with care and make sure it is oriented the same way as the old one. Replace the circuit board after the battery is installed. Snap the two halves back together. Once it is reassembled, test the buttons to ensure that everything works as intended. The key fob's ID is not affected by changing the battery, therefore it shouldn't need to be reprogramed after the repair. This is great news for drivers looking to save money by avoiding costly trips to a locksmith or dealer. Ignition Cylinder Replacement Modern car key ignition systems are extremely complex and require a precise sequence of movements before the engine can start. If something interrupts that process, for instance a broken key cylinder that could cause your car to start with no power. While it's possible to replace a key cylinder however, it's not an easy process. The ignition is an intricate, one-key system. It requires specialized tools and careful oiling. Find out if you can switch the ignition to the accessory position. Also, check to see if the key will fit correctly. This will help you identify the problem. If you are unable to get the cylinder rotating in any direction it is recommended to consult your owner's manual or contact a professional locksmith to help with the ignition repair. If the cylinder will rotate in the accessory position then you can use a screwdriver for depressing the small anti-rotation button at the base of the cylinder. Then, turn the cylinder around until its retaining tabs and slots align and slide it out. If the cylinder doesn't move at all, or it's hopelessly stuck, you may have to tap it with the hammer or drill it. Be careful because drilling or rapping could cause damage to the steering wheel. The new ignition engine will be installed after the old one has been removed. The next step is to code the cylinder so that it is in line with the key in terms of sequence, and orientation. You will also need to take out and examine the tumblers. You'll also have to replace any tumblers that are worn out. After replacing the cylinder after which you'll need to connect the dashboard and steering column covers in their proper order. Reattach the dashboard and steering column covers in the proper order. Be careful not to disturb the wiring. It's easy to cut off or destroy vital electronic components. It's also crucial to reconnect the negative battery cable, and to test your new ignition. Key Programming Modern car keys come with a computer chip that communicates with the vehicle. In order for the keys to start the engine the chip and the car have to “know each one another”. A locksmith who has experience with many different types of cars can reprogram a key quickly. They can also assist you if your car key's lock has become damaged. Most car locksmiths will say that the process takes as little as a minute when you follow the steps properly. key repair may take longer for OBD2 programming or EEPROM programming, since these methods require your locksmith to extract specific modules from the car (security components) to determine the correct passcode as well as key data stored. These kinds of procedures should be left to professionals with extensive knowledge of electronic circuits and circuit boards and can reduce the risk of corrupting data. It's not uncommon for people to lose keys to their cars or leave them in the trunk of the car, or simply forget them at home after putting groceries in the back seat. In these scenarios, you can often find yourself stranded on the side of the road without any way to get home or get to your destination. If you have a spare, your locksmith can program it into your car to allow you to drive off once again. The lock could be damaged or the key might cease to function due to normal wear and tear. If the teeth on your car key do not fit in the lock as well it is an indication that you should replace your key. Many people attempt to program their own car keys but it is recommended that you have an expert do the work for instead. These DIY methods can cause a corruption of the information on your car key and cause it to malfunction, or even worse harm to your security system. A professional is more likely to not make a mistakes that could cost you thousands of dollars in the future. Broken Key Removal You'll need to remove your broken key from the ignition cylinder if it fails to function. It is not possible to drive the vehicle until the broken key is removed. It is recommended to hire a professional to complete the task, since the incorrect use of lubricants or extraction tools could damage the ignition. If you're looking to repair your car keys that are broken at home There are a few options that may help. A pair of needle-nosed, pliers with extra long tips can be used to grasp the key's end that's sticking out of the ignition. You can also boost the performance of your pliers by coating their business ends in sticky substances such as super glue, melted wax or putty. The pliers can then grasp the piece of key and pull it out of the cylinder. A set of fine, stiff wire can be used to slide over a broken key and then remove it from the lock. Paperclips are a good tool for this however, bend the ends in a way so that the key fragment is firmly held by the wider surface. Mini hacksaw blades can be a helpful tool to fix broken keys, however they must be extremely thin and small to fit in the tiny opening in an ignition cylinder. These tools are readily available in hardware stores and the auto parts section of some large retailers. Spraying a bit of grease into the hole of the key is also a good idea, since it can loosen the stuck car key and make it easier to take it out. It's not a great idea to try to force out a broken key, since it could cause further damage to the ignition or key. A car key that's bent or broken in half could be a dangerous and difficult project to repair, so it's a good idea keep a spare car key in a secure location at all times.