The 10 Most Scariest Things About Vehicle Key Repairs Vehicle Key Repairs

If your car's key is refusing to turn on the ignition, it's frustrating. It's usually an easy fix.

It could be as easy as lubricating the lock's cylinder, which permits the pins to drop in a correct manner. The lubricant made of silicone will stop dirt particles from getting into the lock.

Transponder Keys

Transponder keys, also called "chip" keys, are equipped with an electronic microchip embedded into the head made of plastic. It's a bit more difficult to duplicate than a conventional metal key, but local locksmiths can still do it for you. They'll use a special tool to clone an existing key programmed in advance and then insert the chip in your vehicle to enable it to function.

The engine will only begin when the transponder key is put into the ignition. This sends a signal that has to be in line with the vehicle's identification number. This technology deters theft by making it almost impossible for thieves to hot wire your vehicle to start it and then drive away.

Transponder systems are found in most modern cars. If yours isn't working correctly, you'll need to speak with a professional. Transponder keys were designed to make them difficult to steal and protect the valuable contents of your car. They cannot be copied as easily as a mechanical key and many car makers have anti-theft systems which disable the engine of your car if you use a non-transponder.

Transponder keys have been used for decades to prevent car theft. Previously, car thieves would simply connect two wires to the ignition and then start it up. This was called "hot wiring" and was simple to accomplish. However, when General Motors introduced their Transponder Key in 1985, they made it a little more difficult for old school and novice thieves to rob 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 vehicle security regularly checked. If your key isn't functioning properly or has been damaged in any way, you should contact your local Mesa locksmith immediately to have it fixed. They can help you keep your vehicle secure and safe from thieves.

Smart Keys

Certain cars come with smart keys that are more sophisticated than the traditional car key. They can unlock your doors and turn on the engine without ever needing to be inserted into a lock or turn the ignition. They also provide security and convenience features that will save you time and money.

Smart keys can communicate with your car using a radio frequency identification system, or RFID. A special antenna on your vehicle reads a signal from the key fob whenever it is within range. The signal has a unique number that your vehicle recognizes which allows it to open a door or start the car. key fob repair near me allows you to secure the doors and trunk by pushing a button even if the key fob in the vehicle is not there.

This system is designed to safeguard your vehicle from theft. If the computer inside your vehicle detects a signal from a keyfob that is not valid, it will issue a different encrypted code and trigger a security alert. It will also stop the engine from starting making it impossible for someone to steal your vehicle.

If you lose your smart-key, it is recommended to contact the dealership to get an exchange instead of trying to make it yourself. To make a replacement key, the dealer will need evidence of ownership and identification. They can often help you get one quicker than a locksmith.

There are exceptions, however. If you have a special key that would be very expensive or difficult to replace, the dealership might be the only option. In these cases, you may still be capable of saving money by visiting your local locksmith rather than the dealership.

It was once a major problem to lose a car key. It was even necessary to go back to the dealer. Nowadays, replacing car keys has become an easier process. Whether yours have simply been lost or have stopped working, the experienced Pop-Alock team will provide a fast solution that will allow you to avoid any additional expenses.

Remote Fobs

The key fob is an easy method to start your car, lock doors and gain access to other features found in a variety of vehicles. Like all electronic devices, there are times when they're prone to problems. However the majority of the time it's nothing serious and can be fixed with relative ease.

If your car key fob is acting up, replacing the battery is the first thing you do. YouTube videos will often walk you through this process step-bystep. If replacing the battery isn't helping you, there are other options that you can try.

Make sure you check all the buttons in your key fob. The buttons could be damaged or loose if they are frequently used and tossed around a lot. If you're familiar with electronics, you can try soldering the buttons back to their original position or replace them entirely.

A problem with your vehicle's receiver is another issue that could be a problem. If the signal from your key fob to the receiver is interrupted and the car doesn't start or open. The receiver might be unable to function if key fob's batteries go out or are changed.

Your fob may need to be reprogrammed. Smart key systems in your vehicle rely on a unique code that can be used by the receiver and transmitter to identify them. This code changes each time the fob's used. This keeps hackers from cloning and hacking the signals to get into your vehicle.

If your fob stops working and you're in the middle nowhere you should carry a spare with you to still unlock your car and make it home safely. This will also provide you with an extra backup in the event that your main fob ceases to work in the near future, so you don't get stuck in a remote location.

It may seem insignificant to have an extra key fob but it could ease the stress of being stranded without a means to start your car or home. It will also help you avoid the expense of having call a locksmith or even breaking into your car in the event that you are locked out.