Key not recognized by truck
My Check Engine light came on and my key isn’t recognized by the truck. The keys I have are the ones that came with the truck when I bought it 8 months ago. I am getting these codes: Skim Base Station Mismatch, ECM Mismatch with Skim, Invalid Key, Unidentified Key Communication Error. It also says I have an Invalid VIN Number! Do you know how I can fix this? I don’t want to bring it to the dealer. Thanks.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hello. I would usually start by checking the battery and the connections at the battery. If there is low voltage in the system, then this will occur. If the battery and connections are fine, then the issue is either in the body control module or the ignition switch. If the switch is not sending the correct signal to the computer, then this will also occur. A voltage drop test of the ignition switch can be done to see if it needs to be replaced. If you want to have this fixed, consider YourMechanic, as a certified technician can come to your home or office to inspect the Check Engine Light and ignition key problem for an in-person diagnosis.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :
Reasons a Mitsubishi Raider Key Won`t Turn. The most common reasons a Mitsubishi Raider key won`t turn are a binding steering column/lock, an ignition switch issue, or a problem with the ignition key.
Most mechanics will be perfectly able to read error codes without a check engine light. If the check engine light in your vehicle is on, it`s critical that you have the codes read by a mechanic as soon as possible.
Reprogramming Your Mitsubishi Key Fob
Press and hold the lock and unlock buttons until your Mitsubishi`s lights flash a total of three times. Release the buttons. Press the unlock button until your Mitsubishi`s lights flash a total of two times. Your key fob should now be reconnected with your car.
Check Your Fob Battery
If your remote starter system isn`t working properly, try replacing the battery in your fob. You can find replacement key fob batteries at Batteries Plus. Most remote starter fobs run on 2032 lithium coin cell batteries.
In the documentation of the vehicle. Sometimes the key code is in the vehicle manual or on a label with the lock or key. On the key. It would be an engraved or hewn in code.
Fortunately, this is often an easy fix. Simply grab a can of WD-40, silicon-based lubricant, graphite spray, or a dry lubricant and spray it into the keyway. Once it has been sprayed, insert the key so the lubricant will work into the locking mechanism.
The batteries in the key fob may die, leading to the car not recognizing the key. You can still start the car by inserting the key in the key slot or pressing START with the key`s tip. Replace the key fob battery as soon as possible.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
Key not recognized by truck – 2006 Mitsubishi Raider
ANSWER : Hello. I would usually start by checking the battery and the connections at the battery. If there is low voltage in the system, then this will occur. If the battery and connections are fine, then the issue is either in the body control module or the ignition switch. If the switch is not sending the correct signal to the computer, then this will also occur. A voltage drop test of the ignition switch can be done to see if it needs to be replaced. If you want to have this fixed, consider YourMechanic, as a certified technician can come to your home or office to inspect the Check Engine Light and ignition key problem for an in-person diagnosis.
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Put key in ignition. Lights and everything come on for a second, then went off as I turned the key. Now no power, key stuck
ANSWER : Hi, thanks for writing in. This sounds like your battery cable connections are corroded or loose at the battery. Try to see if the battery connections are loose by wiggling them and see if power returns. If power returns, then have the cables removed, cleaned, and reconnected to test the battery. Hope this helps and best of luck!
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2012 kia forte key alert keeps going even after reming key, parking lights stay on if in auto mode,key flob will not work all star
ANSWER : Hello. Unfortunately ignition cylinder failures are a fairly common occurrence on your particular vehicle. Usually the ignition cylinder itself will be at fault but at times you have to replace the unit which holds the cylinder known as ignition switch. A technician such as those which apply here at YourMechanic will be able to test your ignition switch and lock cylinder for you to let you which one is at fault. The ignition lock cylinder may simply be seized up, you can try to spray a little bit of WD-40 inside of the keyhole to see if that helps the situation.
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I parked my truck for 5-10 mins. Tried to turn it on, now it wont start, called a tow tow truck 15-20mins later my truck turned on
ANSWER : It is very likely that you have a powertrain control module failure. This can happen often on many GM vehicles. I would recommend having the powertrain control module tested and replaced as necessary in order to resolve this issue. After the powertrain control module is replaced, a reflash procedure will be required so that the vehicle can relearn all of its primary engine data. Once the reflash is completed, your vehicle should no longer have this issue.
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Truck horn is beeping without truck being turned on. Why?
ANSWER : The problem is in the horn pad. The horn pad may be damaged or changes in temperature can cause the contacts to touch in the horn pad causing the horn to beep. you may need to call the company to come and fix it or remove the horn fuse until it is fixed.
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how can i get replacement keys for the mechanical key blades attched to the 2 remote control keys of my ford explorer 2014 model
ANSWER : Unfortunately, the only way to get a replacement Intelligent Access key for your vehicle is from the Ford dealer. The keys will need to be programmed with an OEM capable scan tool as well, before the vehicle will recognize them.
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Replacing an ignition lock cylinder with no keys?
ANSWER : Hi there. Typically trying to get a key made to fit an ignition lock cylinder is next to impossible. The best advice we’d suggest is to replace your ignition lock cylinder; and make multiple copies of the keys (just in case this happens again).
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Car worked fine last night. Key won’t turn in ignition this morning. Black looking liquid on key when taken out. Chimes sometimes.
ANSWER : Hello and thank you for contacting YourMechanic. There is a rubbery stick substance that is inside the ignition switch to protect the key as it is inserted. What seems to happen is the ignition switch got hot and melted the rubbery stick substance. The fix to this is replacing the ignition switch for it to got hot and failed. Also, check the wiring to the ignition for any loose or damaged wires. If you need further assistance with the ignition switch, then seek out a technician, such as one from YourMechanic to help resolve this problem for you.
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