How to Repair Car Keys
Car keys might seem tiny and insignificant, however they are vital to the functioning of your vehicle. The cost of replacing the traditional or modern transponder car key could be as high as $200.
There are ways to fix your car keys yourself for a fraction of the price. This article will go over the most frequently encountered car keys issues and their DIY solutions.
Dead Key Fob Battery
The remote key fobs that come with cars make it simpler than ever to open the trunk, doors, and the tailgate. The battery in this device is susceptible to dying. However, there are a few techniques that can be employed to resolve this issue in the event of a need.
First, check if the car is still in ignition mode. If it is, then the key fob battery may simply be low instead of dead. To test this, press the fob's button against the ignition button of the vehicle. If it does not work, the battery is probably fine and just requires to be replaced.
To replace car key remote repair near me , first pry open the case with the help of a screwdriver or watch-type device. Be careful not to apply too much pressure as this could cause the fob to break into two pieces. If the fob doesn't seem to be coming open with ease, try placing your pry tool in several places on the outside of the case.
Open the electronic part of your car once you have removed the mechanical key. Install the new battery and snap back the shell. If your key fob does not work after this, it could be due to an issue with the remote start system of your car. This will require an expert to determine the cause. If this is the case, a trusted mechanic should be able to assist you. You can also reach out to roadside assistance for help with your vehicle if needed.
Broken Key Ring
If your key fob isn't functioning because the ring broke, there are a few things you can try. First, you must check to see if the broken piece is still inside the ignition. If it is, you should remove it without damaging the ignition lock or door lock. Call a locksmith if you are having trouble removing the key. They have special tools to safely remove a damaged or broken key from the ignition.
Another common cause of broken car keys is corrosion on the circuit board or plastic frame. You can clean the circuit board by using a cotton swab with ruby alcohol. This will remove any corrosion and ensure that the contact pads don't get damaged.
Repair a damaged ring using a strong nail or wire to close the hole. Superglue can be used to fix the broken key ring. First, clean the broken ring with a damp towel and then apply a small amount of superglue on each end of the nail or wire. Let the pieces dry and then press them in place. These DIY solutions may seem appealing, but they're only a temporary measure. For long-term repairs, it's best to get an experienced locksmith. They have the expertise and tools to fix damaged keys quickly and efficiently. They can even replace the battery in your key fob and modify it if necessary.
Broken Key Blade
Some key blades can break due to a lot of wear and tear. If this happens, it's time to get a new key. This problem isn't nearly as serious as you think at first. The primary issue is that the metal blade snapped off the case.
One method to fix this is to spray the key hole with a lubricant. Then you can use pliers, tweezers, or a pin to grasp the damaged key and take it out. You may also use a magnet if the key is magnetic. Use a magnet to help you remove the key, but be careful to not break the lock tumbler.
If you are unable to remove the broken piece of the key, contact a locksmith right away. They're equipped with special tools that can safely remove keys without causing any further 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 in. After that, wait until the glue dries before inserting your key into the lock. This method isn't extremely reliable, and you might have to repeat it a few times before it works. In addition the super glue might not be enough to keep the key in place. This is more of a temporary solution than a permanent solution.
Broken Plastic Loop
If your key fob's plastic loop breaks off, it can make the key ineffective. Fortunately, this is an easy fix. For a replacement alternative, you can use a thick wire or finishing nail. Drill two holes into the plastic loop that is broken at each end of the nail or wire. Cut the nail or wire to the desired width and then place a drop of superglue in each hole. Press the wire or nail into the holes until it closes them and let it dry.
Another option is to purchase the replacement shell from a locksmith that sells them. They can transfer the programmable section of your key into the new shell, and then cut new blades for only a fraction of the price.
This isn't the most efficient solution, but it will get you on the road again if your key has been cut in half. It's not easy to repair when the key blade is in the ignition however. If you're not careful you could make use of a hair clip or a needle to take the broken piece from the ignition. The best option is to call a locksmith who has special tools to safely remove broken keys from the ignition. They can also make you new keys that have the proper cuts for your vehicle's ignition, so it will work correctly when inserted into the lock.
Broken Master Key
If a key gets damaged inside the lock, you'll have to find it before it's completely destroyed. You can use tweezers, lubricants, and needle nose pliers to grasp the fragments of a damaged key.
Spray the inside of your lock with WD-40 or a graphite powder. You can also try the hacksaw blade technique that involves moving the blade along the sides of a damaged key and grabbing onto some of its teeth. If you're successful, you should be in a position to remove the broken key.
Another tool that is useful is a spiral key extractor that can be found in a wide range of hardware stores. This has a thin flexible bar with spiral threads, which can be inserted into the keyway, and then bent to get into the damaged section of the key. Once it has caught onto the serrations you can twist the bar into a circle and then pull it up against the damaged section of the key.
It's worth trying to remove a broken master key before calling an expert locksmith. If you're unable to pull a piece out, it's time to call in the big guns and have a locksmith make you a brand new key and reprogram it using your car's transponder.