Car keys often face issues like dead batteries, broken casings or chip malfunctions, with each problem requiring a different solution. Enjoy quick fixes and professional replacements from the team at Sommer Car Care in Brisbane, with expert advice and skills for European cars. For more common issues and their solutions, including dead batteries, broken casings, chip malfunctions and wear and tear, read below. Contact our friendly team today to book an appointment.
Car Key Issues and Solutions
Here’s a look at common car key problems with solutions.
Car Key Problems: Flat Battery
If you notice your electronic key no longer unlocks or locks your car, the ignition button is unresponsive even when you’re close, or the indicator lights don’t light up, the battery on your key is flat. Consult your owner’s manual to find the model and check for compatible batteries. Otherwise, you can bring it into our workshop, where we will repair or replace a car key for your high-performance European car. Until then, you can find an emergency manual key inside the fob, which you can use until you get a replacement.
Car Key Replacement for Damaged Casing
You may find that you can’t fit your key into the ignition smoothly, that the key itself is damaged, or you’re struggling to turn the ignition. Damage to your car key can prevent you from accessing your car and making your appointments on time. You can use a pair of pliers to apply gentle pressure and straighten out the blade, taking care not to snap the metal. If the key suffers extensive damage, bring it into our workshop, and we can make the necessary repairs or provide a replacement specific to your car’s lock settings. Take care not to force it in if there is damage, as it can cause damage to the lock and further.
Replace a Car Key: Chip Malfunction
Your electronic car keys contain a small transponder chip that communicates with your vehicle so it can start, and if this chip is faulty, you’re car won’t recognise it and won’t start the ignition. You may see a warning light on your dashboard, or the engine may start initially, then falter. If you carefully take apart the casing, you can inspect the chip to assess it for any damage. Failing this, our team has the skills and equipment to reprogram keys for European vehicles, so bring it in for expert car key repair.
Car Key Repair for Wear and Tear
You may require a car key replacement because of general wear and tear, including debris in your ignition cylinder, your key being worn from frequent use or a faulty ignition mechanism. If your key is locked in the ignition, try wiggling the key gently to set the key free or to start the car. You can also try applying a silicone-based lubricant to the culiner, which will help remove any buildup of debris. If all else fails, contact one of our mechanics to clean out and make repairs to your key or ignition port.
For all your European car key repair needs, visit Sommer Car Care in Brisbane for quick and reliable replacements. Contact us online today for more.