How to Repair Car Keys
Car keys may seem tiny and insignificant, but they are vital to the operation of your vehicle. Replacing a traditional key or a transponder one can cost upwards of $200.
There are ways to fix your car keys yourself for a fraction of the price. This article will discuss some of the most frequent car keys issues and their DIY solutions.
Dead Key Fob Battery
The remote key fobs for keys that come with cars make it easier than ever to open the trunk, doors and tailgate. However, the battery in the device can fail. There are a few tricks you can employ to fix this issue fast.
First, make sure that the car is in ignition mode. If it is, the battery of the key fob may be drained instead of dead. To test this, press the button on the fob against the ignition button on the vehicle. If it does not work, the battery is probably working fine and requires to be replaced.
To replace the fob's battery, begin by prying open the case with an instrument like a screwdriver, or watch-type tool. Be cautious not to put too much pressure on the fob since this could cause the fob to split apart. If the fob doesn't seem to be coming open easily, try wedge your pry tool in more than one place around the outside of the case.
Open the electronic part of your car after you have removed the mechanical key. Then, you can insert the replacement battery and then snap the shell back together. If the key fob isn't working after this, there may be a more serious issue with your car's remote start system that requires a professional diagnostic. If this is the case, a reputable mechanic should be able assist you. You can also call roadside assistance to assist with your vehicle in case you need it.
Broken Key Ring
If your key fob isn't working because the ring broke, there are a few things you might try. First, you should check to see if the broken piece is still in the ignition. If it's still inside, remove it without damaging either the ignition lock or the door lock. Contact a locksmith if are having trouble removing the key. They have tools that allow you to safely remove keys that are damaged from the ignition.
A broken car key can be caused by corrosion on the plastic frame or circuit board. You can clean the circuit board by using a cotton swab soaked in ruby alcohol. This will eliminate the corrosion and stop damage to the contact pads.
If your key won't start because the ring is broken or was damaged, you might be able fix it with a strong wire or nail to close the hole. Superglue can also be used to fix a broken ring. After cleaning the ring with a wet cloth, apply a small amount superglue to the ends of the wire or nail. Then, press the pieces together and let them dry prior to using your vehicle. These DIY solutions can appear appealing, but they're just an interim measure. It is best to employ an experienced locksmith for long-term repairs. They have the experience and tools to repair a broken key quickly and effectively. They can replace the battery and reprogram the key fob if necessary.
Broken Key Blade
Some key blades break because of a lot wear and tear. If this happens, it's time to get a new key. Fortunately, the issue isn't as serious as it might seem at first glance. The main issue is that the metal blade has broken off from the case.
One method to fix this is spraying the key hole with fluid that lubricates the key hole. Then, you can use pliers or tweezers to grasp the broken end of the key and pull it. If the key is magnetic, you could also use a magnet to pull it out. Be cautious not to use a magnet on an ignition key as it could cause the tumbler in the lock to break.
Contact a locksmith right away if you are unable to take out the damaged part of the key. They're equipped with special tools that allow them to safely remove keys without causing damage.
You can also apply super glue to fix a snapped key. Apply a small amount of the glue to the edges and press them together. Wait until the glue is dry before inserting your key into the lock. This method is not very reliable, and you might have to repeat it several times before it works. https://burnett-shields.thoughtlanes.net/are-you-responsible-for-a-remote-key-fob-repair-budget-12-best-ways-to-spend-your-money might not be able to hold the key in place. Therefore, this is more of a stopgap measure than an option that can last.
Broken Plastic Loop
If your key fob's plastic loop is damaged, it can make the key useless. Luckily, this is an simple fix. To replace it alternative, you can opt for an extremely thick wire or a finishing nail. Make two holes in the broken plastic loop for each end of the wire or nail. Cut the wire or nail into a key width, and then place one drop of superglue in each hole. Press the nail or wire into the holes and let them dry.
Another option is to purchase an alternative shell from a locksmith who sells them. They can take the programmable component of your key, transfer it to the new shell and cut a new blade for much less than a complete replacement cost.
This isn't the most efficient solution, but will allow you to travel once more if your key been cut in half. It can be difficult to fix when the blade of the key is in the ignition, however. You can try using hair clips or a needle extractor tool to remove the damaged piece of the ignition, but it's risky if not cautious. Contact a locksmith who has special tools to safely remove damaged keys from ignitions. They can also design a new key with the appropriate cuts for your vehicle's ignition to ensure that it functions correctly when inserted into the lock.
Broken Master Key
If a key breaks inside the lock, you'll need to try to retrieve it before it is completely destroyed. You can use lubricants, tweezers, and needle nose pliers for grabbing the fragment of a broken key.
Spray the inside of the lock with WD-40 or a graphite powder. You can also try the hacksaw method, that involves carefully sliding the blade down along the side of the broken key, and attaching it to the 'teeth' - if you succeed in doing this you will be able to pull out the broken key from the lock.
Another helpful tool is an extractor for keys spiral, which you can find in a wide range of hardware stores. It is a thin, flexible bar with spiral threads which can be put into the keyway, and then bent to dig into the broken section of the key. Once it is firmly anchored to the serrations, you can turn the bar around and pull it against the broken part of the key.
It's worth attempting to remove a broken master key before calling a professional locksmith. If you can't get a piece out, you need to call in the big guns - have a locksmith make you a brand new key and reprogram it using the transponder of your car.