Fix It

Replacing the key cylinder on the steering column of your Jeep Wrangler may be necessary if damage has occurred to the tumblers or pins inside the cylinder. A replacement cylinder is available from the Jeep dealer and can be keyed to use your existing key for a fee. The cylinder can be swapped quickly and does not require a bunch of specials tools to complete.

Instructions

1

Sit in the drivers seat of your Jeep and insert the ignition key into the cylinder. Locate the hole in the bottom panel of the steering column directly below the cylinder.

2

Insert a small screwdriver or punch into the hole in the column and push the pin inside the hole up. Turn the key and cylinder to the "On" position then pull the cylinder straight out of the column. Remove the screwdriver or punch from the hole under the column.

3

Turn the key to the "Off" position then withdraw the key from the cylinder. Insert the key into the new cylinder and turn the key to the "On "position on the new cylinder.

4

Insert the cylinder and key into the column the rotate the key to the "OFF" position. Withdraw the key from the cylinder.

If you have lost the keys that came with your Dodge truck, you can contact a locksmith and they can attempt to cut a new key for you. However, they usually replace the lock cylinder in the doors and in the steering column. This can cost hundreds of dollars. There is a simpler and less expensive way to replace the key for your Dodge pickup truck.

Instructions

1

Locate the vehicle identification number (VIN) by looking at the dash through the lower corner of the window on the drivers side of the vehicle. The VIN number is also on your vehicle title, insurance card and registration card.

2

Contact your local Dodge dealership and confirm that they have the ability to cut you a new key. Most dealerships offer repair services.

3

Take your VIN number to the dealership. They can use the VIN number to look up the key code needed to duplicate your key.

Cotter keys (also known as cotter pins) are small metal fastening devices. The come in a variety of sizes but are all used for the same purpose, safety. Cotter pins are used to insure that a bolt or a pin does not come unscrewed or slide out of its hole. This very simple device can prevent serious damage to equipment and those working with it.

Instructions

Inserting the pin

1

Locate the hole in the bolt.

2

Push the cotter pin through the hole. Ensure that the pin goes all the way through.

3

Bend each side of the pin to wrap it around the bolt with your needle-nose pliers. This will ensure that the cotter pin will not slide out.

Removing the cotter pin

4

Use a needle-nose pliers to straighten the sides of the cotter pin.

5

Insert one of the ends of the needle-nose pliers into the circular end of the cotter pin.

6

Pull the pin straight out with one motion.

Car keys come in various forms depending on the make, model and year of your vehicle. Newer-model cars feature keys equipped with computer chips that correspond to the computer chip in your specific vehicle. Older-model vehicles do not have computer chips in the keys. If you lose your car key, you have two options: call the dealership of your vehicle or call a professional locksmith.

Instructions

1

Locate your cars vehicle identification number (VIN). VINs are recorded in your original vehicle paperwork, on your insurance information, and on your vehicle registration and title. You can also locate your VIN by looking at the bottom left side of your windshield or at the drivers door panel.

2

Call the dealership specific to your vehicles make, or call any professional locksmith. Both are equipped to make replacement keys for vehicles with and without computer chips in the keys.

3

Provide the locksmith/dealership with your VIN. The VIN states the specifics of your car, such as whether or not the key needs programming, and the cut of your key to make it match your car.

4

Pay for your new keys and the service of either the dealership or locksmith.

Smart keys used with Toyota vehicles are electronic devices that allow car owners to unlock, lock and start vehicles without the need of a standard key and key-entry process. The keys emit a radio frequency that is picked up by a vehicle antenna. When the vehicle senses the device is in proximity, the doors are unlocked and the engine can start without the need of a standard key. These devices make Toyota vehicles more technically savvy, but they also come with an array of issues.

Interference

When the smart key is within acceptable vicinity of the vehicle, the antenna on the vehicle will pick up the signal transmitted from the key. This signal allows the car to unlock the door or engine to start. When the key is not within range of the vehicle, the car remains locked. Because electrical signals from the key are sent through the air, similarly to radio frequencies, there is a chance they could encounter interference from other electrical frequencies. It has been reported that gas stations, military bases and airports, all locations with heavy radio frequencies and traffic, can interfere with the functionality of the smart key. When in a location with interference, the smart key may not function remotely and will require the traditional use of the key to unlock and start the vehicle.

Battery Replacement

Smart keys function by emitting a radio frequency to the vehicle, requiring batteries as their source of power. Toyota smart keys remain dormant or powered off until they receive an electrical ping from the vehicle that prompts the key to send a signal back to the vehicle. Theoretically, the battery power of the smart key would only be used when in the process of entering or operating the vehicle. However, numerous electrical devices such as cell phones and Bluetooth devices transmit electrical pings. When a smart key is near other devices that emit pings, the smart key does not remain dormant and uses small amounts of battery power. Over time, the battery power will diminish in the smart key, requiring battery replacement. The more your key is around other electrical devices, the more frequently it will require battery replacement.

Smart Key Replacement

Smart keys are unique to each Toyota vehicle that they are programmed to unlock. A Toyota smart key could not unlock another Toyota vehicle, as the keys are unique to each vehicle, just like standard keys. When a smart key is programmed, the key and the vehicle must both be adjusted and tuned to the same radio frequency. When replacing a smart key, the replacement process is not the same as with traditional keys. A vehicle owner can expect a large bill and a trip to the Toyota dealership to replace a smart key. To replace one, the vehicle requires reprogramming at a dealership and then the new smart key must be programmed to match the frequency and codes of the vehicle. For a smart key replacement, a vehicle owner can expect to pay a few hundred dollars to a Toyota dealership or Toyota authorized service mechanic.

Vehicles are equipped with key codes, which are number sequences that link a key to its specific vehicle. If you need a new key for your vehicle, youll need to have the key code to create your key; without it, you wont be able to start your car. Key codes are noted in the paperwork given to you when you purchased your car. If you cannot find the key code in your paperwork, dont panic because your vehicle identification number contains your key code as well.

Instructions

1

Contact your local car dealership or a professional locksmith to request a new key for your vehicle. Both will need to make sure they have the correct type of blank key for the make and model of your vehicle.

2

Provide the dealership or locksmith with your key code. If you cant find your key code, you can provide them with your vehicle identification number (VIN). Your VIN is located on your vehicles paperwork, your car insurance paperwork, and your title and registration paperwork. It is also located on the drivers door panel and inside the windshield on the bottom left corner, visible from outside your car.

3

Schedule a time to go to your dealership and get your new key, or for your locksmith to come to you with your new keys. You will be asked to provide some form of proof that you are the owner of the vehicle, such as your registration or insurance card. Pay for the service provided to you and for your new keys.

Having a key cut for your Ford car can be tricky if you dont have another key to use as a template. When you need to have a key cut and dont have another key to work from, you still have practical options. Ford codes the car keys to the ignition tumbler. That coding is available to Ford Parts managers and service managers. If you need to have a new key cut for your Ford, and you have access to a Ford dealership, getting a key is a snap.

Instructions

1

Locate your nearest Ford dealership. If youre not sure where it is, navigate your web browser to ford.com and click the "Locate A Dealer" link at the top of the web page. Input your zip code in the search field and click "search" to see a display of nearby Ford dealerships.

2

Go to the Ford Dealers Parts Department with your Ford Cars VIN number, a state-issued ID and proof of vehicle ownership.

3

Request to have a key cut for your Ford car. The Parts or Service manager will need to see the VIN number in order to pull up the key code. Ford requires all dealership personal to verify your identity and confirm that you own the car before cutting a key; this policy is to prevent theft.

4

Your next step? Pick up your new key.

Transponder keys are automotive keys specifically designed to deter theft. Each transponder key has a chip in the plastic cap that emits a unique electronic signal to a receiver in the cars ignition. If the signal isnt clear or is from the wrong key, the car will not turn over. Transponder keys are programmed by the manufacturer of the car for one specific vehicle. This is why special professional-grade equipment is required to clone a transponder key. It must be able to program the key electronically with the correct signal. You can copy a transponder key, however, with the aid of a professional.

Instructions

1

Call your dealership if you need a copy of your key and ask for a price quote. Then call an automotive locksmith and ask her for a quote.

2

Order a key from the provider with the price that best fits your budget. An automotive locksmith will often charge less and deliver the key to you directly if need be.

3

Test the new cloned transponder key in your car. If it was programmed incorrectly, it will not start and you will need to have the vendor re-program it with the right frequency for your car.

The Datsun 280Z was a sportscar made in the late 1970s. It was later replaced with the Nissan 280z after the Nissan automobile company purchased Datsun. It is the predecessor to todays Nissan 370Z. One of the security features of the 280Z was the ability to lock the steering column and ignition key while the vehicle was parked. This acted as a deterrent to would-be car thieves. It can be frustrating to remove the ignition key lock from the 280Z unless you understand how to turn the steering wheel and ignition key a certain way. Fortunately, you can learn how to do this in a few easy steps.

Instructions

1

Put the vehicle in park. If you have a manual transmission, you can skip this step and go on to Step 2 below.

2

Press the cars brake with your foot and hold it there. If you have not already done so, put the 280Zs key in the ignition.

3

Hold the steering wheel of the car firmly with your left hand and grip the ignition key with your right hand. While turning the steering wheel quickly left and right, simultaneously turn the ignition key as if you are starting the car. The turning of the ignition key coupled with the swiveling of the steering wheel will cause the ignition key lock to release.