How to Repair Car Keys
Car keys may appear tiny and insignificant, but they are vital to the functioning of your vehicle. The cost of replacing the traditional or modern transponder car keys can be upwards to $200.
There are solutions to fix your car keys yourself for just a fraction of the cost. This article will address the most frequently encountered car keys issues and the DIY solutions to fix them.
Dead Key Fob Battery
The remote key fobs for keys that come with cars make it easier than ever before to open the trunk, doors, and the tailgate. The battery inside the device is prone to dying. Fortunately, there are a few techniques that can be employed to solve this problem in an emergency.
Examine if your car is still in the ignition mode. If it is the battery on the key fob may be low, but not dead. To test this, press the button on the fob against the ignition button of the vehicle. If it works, the battery is probably in good condition and will only need to be replaced.
To replace the battery within the fob, pry the case open using an screwdriver. Don't apply too much force, as this may cause the fob's case split. If the fob doesn't seem to be coming easily, try putting your pry tool into more than one place on the outside of the case.
Once the fob is open take out the mechanical key, and then open the electronic portion of the car. Then insert the replacement battery and then snap the shell back together. If the key fob doesn't work after this, there may be a bigger problem with the remote start system that requires a professional diagnosis. If this is the case, a reliable mechanic should be able to help you. If you need help with your vehicle, you can contact roadside assistance.
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If your key fob won't work because the ring broke there are a few things you might try. First, you must check to see if the damaged piece is still in the ignition. If it is, remove it without damaging the door lock or ignition lock. If you are having trouble taking it off, call a locksmith for help. They have special tools that allow you to safely remove a damaged key from the ignition.
Another common cause of broken car keys is the corrosion of the circuit board or plastic frame. You can clean the circuit board using a cotton swab with ruby alcohol. This will remove any corrosion and ensure the contact pads don't become damaged.
If your key won't start because of a broken ring, you may be able fix it with a strong wire or nail to seal the hole. Superglue can be used to repair damaged key rings. First, clean the damaged ring with a damp towel and then apply a small amount of superglue to the ends of the wire or nail. Apply the glue to the ring and let them dry before using your car. These DIY solutions can look appealing, but they're really just a stopgap measure. It is best to employ an skilled locksmith for any long-term repairs. They have the experience and tools to fix damaged keys quickly and effectively. They can replace the battery and reprogram your key fob, if needed.
Broken Key Blade
Key blades can break due to wear and tear. If this happens, you should probably buy a new blade. This problem isn't nearly as serious as you think at first. The main problem is that the blade broke off from the case.
One way to fix this is to spray the key hole with fluid that lubricates the key hole. Then you can use pliers, tweezers, or a pin to grasp the damaged key and take it out. If the key is magnetic, you can also try using a magnet to help pull it out. Use a magnet as a aid to you remove the key, but be careful to not sever the lock tumbler.
If you're not able to remove the broken piece of the key, contact a locksmith right away. They're equipped with special tools that allow them to safely remove keys without causing further damage.
You can also use super glue to fix a snapped key. Apply a small amount of glue to the edges and press them together. Wait until the glue is dry before you insert your key into the lock. This method isn't very reliable, and you might need to repeat the process several times before it does the trick. In addition, the super glue may not be enough strong to hold the key together. This is more of a temporary solution rather than an option that is permanent.
Broken Plastic Loop
If the loop of plastic on your key fob breaks, it can cause the key to become useless. Luckily, this is a fairly simple fix. For a replacement alternative, you can use a thick wire or finishing nail. For each end of the wire or nail, drill two holes into the loop of plastic. Cut the wire or nail to the desired width and then put the superglue drop in each hole. Then, press the wire or nail into the holes to close them, and then let it dry.
Another option is to get an alternative shell from a locksmith who sells them. They can transfer the programmable portion of your key into the new shell, and cut an entirely new blade at a fraction of the cost.
It's not the best solution, but it'll help you get back on the road if your key broke in half. It's difficult to fix when the key blade is inside the ignition, however. You can try using hair clips or needle extractor tool to pull the broken part out of the ignition, but it's risky if not cautious. Call a locksmith with special tools to safely remove broken keys from ignitions. They can also create new keys that have the correct cuts for the ignition of your vehicle, so it will work correctly when inserted into the lock.
Broken Master Key
If a key gets damaged inside the lock, you'll need to attempt to retrieve it before it's completely destroyed. You can use tweezers, lubricants, and needle nose pliers to grab the fragment of a broken key.
To start, spray the inside of your lock with a lubricant such as WD-40 or graphite powder. You can also try the hacksaw blade technique by moving the blade along the sides of a damaged key and grabbing onto some of its teeth. If you're successful you will be in a position to take the broken key out.
Another helpful tool is a spiral key extractor that can be found in a variety of hardware stores. This tool has a thin flexible rod with spiral threads that can be inserted in the keyway and then bent to form the broken part of the key. Once it is firmly anchored to the serrations you can twist the bar around and then pull it up against the broken section of the key.
Before calling a locksmith, try to remove the broken master key. If you're unable to take the broken piece off it's time to contact a professional locksmith. A locksmith can give you a new key that will be programmed with the transponder in your car.