Vehicle Key Repairs: 10 Things I Wish I'd Known Sooner

· 4 min read
Vehicle Key Repairs: 10 Things I Wish I'd Known Sooner

Vehicle Key Repairs

If your car's key isn't turning on the ignition, it's frustrating. It's generally a simple fix.

Lubricate the lock's cylinder to let the pins to fall properly. The use of silicone-based lubricant will also prevent dirt particles from accumulating inside the lock.

Transponder Keys

Transponder keys, also referred to as "chip" keys, contain an electronic microchip embedded into the head made of plastic. It's more difficult to duplicate than a traditional metal key, but locksmiths in the area can still help you. They will use a special tool and chip inside your car to duplicate an already-programmed car key.

The engine will start when the transponder keys are inserted into the ignition. The transponder key sends a signal that must be in line with the vehicle's identification number. This technology prevents theft by making it nearly impossible for thieves hot wire your vehicle to turn it on and then drive away.

Transponder systems can be found in most modern cars. If yours isn't operating correctly, you'll need to talk to a professional. Transponder keys are designed to be extremely difficult to steal and to protect the valuable contents of your car. They cannot be copied as easily as a mechanical key, and many car manufacturers have anti-theft systems which disable the engine of your car when you are using a non-transponder.

Transponder keys have been used for a long time to stop car theft. It was easy for car thieves to start the car by connecting two wires to each other. This was called "hotwiring" and was simple. General Motors' Transponder Key was introduced in 1985, making it harder for novice and old-school car thieves to steal vehicles.

While these key systems have helped to stop a large number of car theft, there are still people who attempt to evade them, so it's always recommended to have your car's security inspected regularly. If your key is not functioning properly or is damaged in any way, contact your local Mesa locksmith as soon as you can to have it fixed. They'll help keep your car safe from thieves, and will bring back your peace of mind.

Smart Keys

Some cars are equipped with smart keys that are more advanced than the traditional keys for cars. They can unlock doors and start your engine without having to insert keys into locks. They also offer security and convenience features that can save you time and money.

Smart keys use an identification by radio frequency, or RFID, system to communicate with your vehicle. When the key fob is within range, a special antenna in your car detects the signal. The signal is a unique code that your car can recognize and allows it to open the doors or start the engine. This technology also allows to lock your trunk and doors by pressing a button even if the key fob isn't inside the vehicle.

This system is designed for the protection of your car against theft. If the computer inside your vehicle detects a signal coming from a keyfob that is not valid, it will send out a different encrypted code and activate a security alert. It will also prevent the engine from starting making it impossible for someone to steal your car.

In most cases, if you lose your smart key, it is recommended to contact your dealer to request a replacement rather than attempting to replace it yourself. To create a replacement key the dealer will require proof of ownership and identity. They are often able to help you obtain one faster than locksmiths.

There are exceptions however. The dealership could be your only option if you have keys that are expensive or difficult to replace. In these cases there is a chance that you could be in a position to save money by visiting your local locksmith rather than the dealership.

Losing a car keys was once a major issue, and could be required a trip back to the dealer. Today, replacing car keys has become a much simpler process. Pop-A-Lock's expert team can help you quickly replace your keys, whether they are broken or lost.

Remote Fobs

The key fob is a handy method to start your vehicle, lock the doors and access other features found in a variety of automobiles. However, just like any electronic device, they could encounter issues from time moment. Most times the issue isn't serious and can be repaired relatively easily.

One of the first things you need to do when your car key fob is acting up is to change the battery. You can usually find a YouTube video on the internet that walks you through the process step by step. If replacing the battery doesn't work you can try other methods.

Take a look inside your key fob, and look at all the buttons. Since they see a lot of use and spend long periods of time in motion and pushed around, they could become loose or even broken off. If you're familiar with electronics, you could try soldering the buttons back in place or replace them entirely.



A issue with your vehicle's receiver is another problem that could arise. If the signal from your key fob to the receiver is cut off and the car doesn't start or even open. The receiver may also stop working if the key fob's batteries fail or are changed.

A final possibility is that your fob requires to be changed.  car key remote repair near me  depend on the transmitter in the fob and the receiver to recognize each other using an unique code to your vehicle. This code changes each time the fob is used, which stops attackers from cloning or hacking the signals and entering your vehicle.

If your fob is malfunctioning and you're in the middle of nowhere, keep an extra in your pocket to ensure that you are able to unlock your vehicle and get home safely. It also gives you an extra backup in the event that your main fob ceases to work in the near future, so you don't get trapped in the middle of nowhere.

It may seem insignificant to have an extra key fob but it could save you the stress of being left without a way to get your car started or home. Having one can also save you the expense of having to contact a locksmith, or breaking into your vehicle when you are locked out.