How to Repair Car Keys
Car keys may appear small and insignificant, but they are vital for the proper operation of your vehicle. The cost of replacing the traditional or contemporary transponder car key can range from $200 to upwards of $200.
There are solutions to fix your car keys yourself for a fraction of the price. car key repair will address the most common car keys issues and their DIY solutions.
Dead Key Fob Batteries
Cars come with a remote key fob that allows opening the doors and trunk easier than ever before. However, the battery in the device can fail. There are some tricks you can use to solve this issue quickly.
First, make sure that the car is still in ignition mode. If it is, the key fob battery may simply be depleted instead of dead. To test this, press the button on the key fob right towards the ignition button. If it works, the battery is likely fine and only needs to be changed.
To replace the fob battery, start by prying the case off using the help of a screwdriver or watch-type device. Don't apply too much force, as this may cause the fob's casing to split. If the fob isn't coming open easily, try wedge your pry tool into several places on the outside of the case.
Once the fob is open then remove the mechanical key and open the electronic portion of the car. Install the new battery and snap back the shell. If the key fob does not work after this procedure, it could be due to an problem with the remote start system of your vehicle. This will require a professional to diagnose. If this is the case, a reliable mechanic should be able to help you. If visit the website need help with your vehicle, you can contact roadside assistance.
Broken Key Ring
If your key fob isn't functioning because the ring broke, there are a few options you might try. Check to see if you can find the broken piece in the ignition. If it's still inside it, remove it without damaging either the ignition lock or the door lock. Contact a locksmith if have difficulty getting rid of the key. They have special tools that allow you to safely remove the damaged key from the ignition.
A damaged car key could be caused by corrosion of the plastic frame or circuit board. You can clean the board with the help of rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab. This will remove corrosion and ensure that the contact pads don't become damaged.
You can repair a damaged ring by using a thick wire or nail to seal the hole. Superglue can be used to repair damaged key rings. After cleaning the ring using a damp cloth apply a small amount of superglue to the ends of the wire or nail. Then, press the pieces together and let them dry before using your vehicle. These DIY solutions might seem appealing, but they are only a temporary solution. For long-term repairs, it's best to hire an expert locksmith. They have the knowledge and tools to fix damaged keys quickly and efficiently. They can replace the battery and reprogram the key fob if necessary.
Broken Key Blade
Some key blades can break because of a lot wear and tear. If this happens, it's time to buy a new key. This problem isn't nearly as serious as you might think at first. The most significant issue is that the blade snapped off the case.
Spraying lubricant into the keyhole is one way to fix it. Then, you can use pliers pins, or tweezers to grasp the broken end of the key and pull it out. If the key is magnetic, you could also use a magnet to assist in pulling it out. Use a magnet to assist you remove the key, but be cautious to not sever the lock tumbler.
Contact a locksmith immediately when you are unable take out the damaged part of the key. They have special tools that permit them to safely remove keys without causing damage.
Super glue can be used to fix a snapped lock. Apply a small amount of glue to the edges of the break and press them together. Wait until the glue dries before inserting your key into the lock. But this method isn't very reliable and you might have repeat the process several times before it works. Super glue might not be able to hold the key in place. This is more of a temporary solution rather than a permanent one.
Broken Plastic Loop
If the loop of plastic on your key fob fails it can make the key ineffective. It's a fairly simple fix. You can use wire or a nail for finishing as a replacement. Make two holes in the broken plastic loop at each end of the nail or wire. Cut the wire or nail into a key width, and then place a small drop of superglue into each hole. Press the nail or wire into the holes and let them dry.
Another option is to get a replacement shell from a locksmith who sells them. They can remove the programmable part of your key, transfer it to the new shell, and cut a new blade for much less than a full replacement cost.
It's not the most ideal solution, but it will bring you back on the road if your key split in half. It's difficult to fix when the blade of the key is in the ignition however. If you're not cautious, you can employ a hair clip, or a needle to remove the damaged part from the ignition. The best choice is to contact a locksmith with special tools for safely removing damaged keys from the ignition. They can also design new keys with the correct cuts for your vehicle's ignition to ensure that it functions correctly when inserted into the lock.
Broken Master Key
If a key gets damaged inside the lock, you'll need to try to retrieve it before it's completely destroyed. There are a few techniques you can employ, such as using lubricants and tools like needle nose pliers or tweezers to grab a fragment of the broken key and remove it.
To begin, spray the interior of your lock with a lubricant like WD-40 or graphite powder. You could also try the hacksaw blade method, that involves carefully moving the blade down the side of the broken key, and hooking onto some of the 'teeth'. If you succeed in doing this, you should be able remove the broken key from the lock.
Another helpful tool is a spiral key extractor that is available in a variety of hardware stores. This tool is a thin rod that is flexible and has spiral threads that can be inserted in the keyway, and later bent to form the broken part of the key. Once car key fob repair has caught onto the serrations, you can twist the bar in a circle and then pull it up against the broken part of the key.
It's worth attempting to remove the master key that is broken before calling a professional locksmith. If you are unable to take the broken piece off then you'll have to contact a professional locksmith. A locksmith can make you an entirely new key that will be programmed with your car transponder.