How to Repair Car Keys
Car keys may appear tiny and insignificant, however they are essential for the proper operation of your vehicle. The cost of replacing a traditional or contemporary transponder car key can be upwards to $200.
There are solutions to fix your car keys yourself at a fraction of the price. This article will discuss some of the most frequent car keys problems and the DIY solutions.
Dead Key Fob Batteries
Cars come with a remote key fob which makes opening doors, trunk and tailgate easier than ever before. The battery of the device is prone to dying. There are a few tricks you can use to solve this problem quickly.
First, make sure that the car is still in ignition mode. If so, the key fob's battery could be low rather than dead. To test this, push the button on the key fob towards the ignition button. If this does not work, the battery is probably in good condition and requires to be replaced.
To replace the battery inside the fob, you need to open the case using a screwdriver. Be careful not to apply too much force since this could cause the fob's casing to split. If the fob doesn't open try prying the tool several times around the outside of case.
Open the electronic compartment of your car once you have removed the mechanical key. Then insert the replacement battery and then snap the shell back together. If your key fob still does not work after this, it could be an problem with the remote starting system of your car. This requires a professional to diagnose. how to repair car key fob will be in a position to assist you in this situation. If you need help with your vehicle or vehicle, you can get roadside assistance.
Broken Key Ring
If your key fob isn't working because the ring broke there are a few things you could try. First, you should check to see if the broken piece is still in the ignition. If it is, remove it without damaging the ignition lock or door lock. If you're having difficulty taking it off, call an expert locksmith. They have special tools to safely remove a broken key from the ignition.
A damaged car key could also be the result of corrosion of the plastic frame or circuit board. You can clean the circuit board by using a cotton swab and rubbing alcohol. This will remove any corrosion and ensure the contact pads aren't damaged.
You can fix a broken ring by using a thick wire or nail to close the hole. Superglue can be used to fix damaged key rings. After cleaning the ring with a wet cloth Apply a small amount superglue on each end of the nail or wire. Then, press the pieces together and let them dry prior to using your car. These DIY solutions may appear appealing, but they're just temporary solutions. It is best to employ an expert locksmith for repairs that last. They have the tools and knowledge to repair a damaged car key quickly and efficiently. They can even replace the battery in your key fob, and modify it if necessary.
Broken Key Blade
Key blades can break due to wear and tear. If this happens, it's probably time to get a new key. The issue isn't as serious as you think at first glance. The primary issue is that the blade snapped off the case.
One method to fix this is to spray the key hole with a oil-based lubricant. Then, you can use pliers, pins, or tweezers to grasp the damaged key and pull it out. If the key is magnetic, you could also try using a magnetic tool to assist in pulling it out. Just be careful not to use a magnet on an ignition key since it could cause the tumbler of the lock to break.
Contact a locksmith immediately in the event that you are unable to remove the broken piece of the key. They have tools that let them safely remove keys without causing further damage.
You can also try super glue to repair a snapped key. Apply remote car key repairs of glue to the edges of the break and press them together. Wait until the glue has dried before inserting the key into the lock. This method is not very secure, and you could need to repeat the process several times before it works. Super glue might not be able to hold the key in place. Therefore, this is more of a temporary measure than a permanent solution.
Broken Plastic Loop
If the plastic loop is damaged it can render the key useless. Fortunately, this is a fairly easy fix. You can make use of wire or a finishing nail to replace it. Make two holes in the damaged loop of plastic for each end of the nail or wire. Cut the wire or nail to key width and put a drop of superglue on each hole. Then, press the wire or nail into the holes to close them and let it dry.
A locksmith who sells replacement shells is a different option. They can transfer the programmable portion of your key into the new shell and cut new blades for less than the cost.
It's not the ideal solution, but it will help you get back on the road in case your key split in half. However, it could be difficult to repair the key blade if it is in the ignition. You can try using a hair clip or needle extractor tool to pull the broken part out of the ignition, however this can be risky if not cautious. The best option is to contact a locksmith with special tools for safely removing broken keys from the ignition. They can also create new keys with the correct cuts for your vehicle's ignition, so it will work correctly when inserted into the lock.
Broken Master Key
You'll have to attempt to retrieve the key before it becomes completely destroyed. You can employ the tweezers, lubricants and needle nose pliers to grab the fragment of a broken key.
Spray the inside of your lock with WD-40 or graphite powder. You can also try the hacksaw method, which involves gently sliding the blade along the edge of the broken key, and connecting to a few of the 'teeth'. If you are able to do this you should be able pull out the broken key from the lock.
Many hardware stores carry the spiral key extraction tool. This tool has a thin flexible rod with spiral threads that can be inserted into the keyway and then bent into the broken part of the key. Once it is hooked to the serrations, you can turn it in a circular motion, and lever it against the broken section of the key to pull it out.
It's worth trying to remove a broken master key before calling an expert locksmith. If you can't get a piece out, you need to call the big guns to have a locksmith cut you a new key and reprogram it to the transponder in your car.