"Ask Me Anything": Ten Answers To Your Questions About Vehicle Key Repairs
Vehicle Key Repairs
It's difficult when your car keys won't turn in the ignition. However, it's generally easy to repair.
It could be as easy as lubricating your lock cylinder, motor which permits the pins to drop properly. The use of silicone-based lubricant will also prevent dirt particles from accumulating inside the lock.
Transponder Keys
A transponder key, also referred to as a "chip" key repair car, is equipped with an electronic microchip that is embedded into the head of the plastic car key. It's a little more difficult to duplicate than a conventional metal key, but most locksmiths in the area can still help you. They'll use a specially-designed tool and the chip in your car to duplicate an already-programmed car key.
The engine will only begin when the transponder keys are inserted into the ignition. This sends a signal that must be in line with the vehicle's identification number. This technology discourages theft by making it impossible for thieves to hot wire your vehicle to turn it on and then drive off.
Most modern vehicles have a transponder system and you'll likely need an expert in transponder key repair if yours isn't working properly. Transponder keys were created to make them more difficult to steal and safeguard the valuable contents of your car. They cannot be copied as easily as a mechanical one and a lot of car manufacturers have anti-theft devices that disable the engine of your car in the event that you use the non-transponder.
Transponder car keys have been in use for a long time and have really been able to stop car theft off the track. It was easy for car thieves to start the car by connecting two wires to each other. This was known as "hotwiring" and motor was very simple. However, when General Motors introduced their Transponder Key in 1985 and made it bit more difficult for old-fashioned and novice car thieves to steal vehicles.
While these key systems have helped keep a lot of cars from theft, there are still those who try to get around them, so it's always a good idea to have your car's security inspected regularly. If your key is not functioning properly or has been damaged in any way, you should contact your local Mesa locksmith immediately to get it repaired. They can help keep your vehicle safe and secure from thieves.
Smart Keys Keys
Some cars come with smart keys, which are more sophisticated than a traditional car key. They can unlock doors and even start your engine without the need to insert a key into a lock. In addition, they offer added security and convenience features that can save your time and money.
Smart keys connect to your car using a radio frequency identification system, or RFID. A special antenna on your vehicle reads signals from the key fob whenever it is within the range. The signal contains a unique code that your car can recognize and allows it to open the doors or start the engine. This technology lets you lock the trunk and doors with a simple button push even if the key fob in the vehicle is not present.
This system is designed to provide the protection of your vehicle against theft. If the computer inside your vehicle detects a signal from a non-functioning keyfob, it will send out an encrypted code that is different and trigger a security alert. It also stops the engine from starting, making it very difficult to take your car.
In the majority of cases, when you lose your smart key, it's best to call your dealer to get a replacement, rather than attempting to replace it yourself. To make a replacement key the dealer needs evidence of ownership and identification. They are often able to help you get one much quicker than a locksmith.
However there are exceptions. The dealership could be your only option if you have keys that are difficult or expensive to replace. In such instances you can save money by going to the local locksmith instead of the dealership.
It was once an issue to lose a car key. You might even have to go back to the dealer. Replacing car keys in the modern age is now a lot easier. Pop-A-Lock's experienced team can help you quickly replace your keys, regardless of whether they're broken or lost.
Remote Fobs
The key fob is a convenient way to start your car, lock doors, and access other features in many vehicles. Like any electronic device, there are times when they're not working. However the majority of the time it's nothing serious and can be resolved with relative ease.
One of the first things you should do if your car's key fob begins malfunctioning is to replace the battery. There is often an YouTube video online that walks you through the process step-by-step. If replacing the battery fails to work, you can try other methods.
The first step is to look inside your key fob and check all the buttons. Since they see a lot of use and spend a lot of time in motion and pushed around, they could be loosened or even broken off. You can attempt to solder them back into place or even replace them completely if you're comfortable working with electronics.
Another issue that could come up is a problem with the receiver inside your vehicle. The key fob sends signals to the receiver to open the car or to start it but if the signal is interrupted for any reason, it won't function. The receiver may also stop working if the key fob batteries die or are replaced.
Your fob may need to be reprogrammed. The smart key systems of your vehicle rely on the transmitter in the fob and the receiver to recognize each other with an individual code unique to your vehicle. The code changes every time the fob is used. This keeps hackers from cloning and hacking signals to enter your vehicle.
If your fob is malfunctioning and you're in the middle of nowhere, keep a spare in your wallet so that you can still unlock your vehicle and get home safely. This will give you another fob in the event your main one stops working in future.
While having a spare key fob can seem like an unnecessary expense however, it can help you from the anxiety and hassle of being stuck without a way to start your vehicle or get home. You can also avoid the cost of a locksmith and the possibility of breaking into your car if you lock yourself inside.
