Repair Car Keys: 11 Things You're Forgetting To Do
How to Repair Car Keys
Car keys may appear tiny and insignificant, however they are vital to the 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. This article will discuss some of the most frequent car key problems and their DIY solutions.
Dead Key Fob Batteries
The remote key fobs that come with cars make it easier than ever before to open the trunk, doors, and tailgate. The battery inside the device is prone to dying. There are a few tricks you can employ to fix this issue quickly.
Check to see if your car is still in the ignition mode. If it is, the battery of the key fob may simply be low instead of dead. To test this, push the button on the key fob towards the ignition button. If this is successful, the battery is likely fine and only needs to be changed.
To replace the fob battery, start by prying the case open using the help of a screwdriver or watch-type device. Don't apply too much force, as this could cause the fob's case to split. If the fob doesn't seem to be coming open with ease, try placing your pry tool into several places around the outside of the case.
Open the electronic portion of your car after you have removed the mechanical key. Then, insert the battery replacement and then snap the shell back together. If the key fob doesn't work after this, there may be a larger problem with the remote start system that requires a professional diagnostic. If this is the case, a reliable mechanic should be able help you. If you require assistance with your vehicle and you need help, you can call roadside assistance.
Broken Key Ring
If your key fob isn't working because the ring is broken, there are a few things you might try. Examine if you can find the broken piece within the ignition. If it is, you should remove it without damaging the lock on the ignition or door lock. Call a locksmith if you are having difficulty removing the key. They have specialized tools that can safely remove the damaged key from the ignition.
Another reason that can lead to a broken car key is corrosion on the circuit board or frame. It is possible to clean the circuit board using cotton swab. This will get rid of the corrosion and protect to the contact pads.
You can fix a broken ring by using a thick nail or wire to close the hole. Superglue can be used to repair damaged key rings. After cleaning the ring with a moist cloth Apply a small amount superglue on each end of the wire or nail. Allow the pieces to dry, and then press them together. These DIY solutions might seem appealing, but they are only a temporary solution. It is recommended to hire an expert locksmith for repairs that last. They have the experience and tools to repair damaged keys quickly and efficiently. They can even replace the battery inside your key fob and change it's programming if required.
Broken Key Blade
Some key blades can break due to a lot of wear and tear. If this happens, you should probably buy a new blade. The issue isn't as serious as you believe at first. The primary issue is that the metal blade snapped off the case.
Spraying lubricant into the keyhole is a way to fix it. Then, you can employ pliers or tweezers grab the broken end of the key and pull it. If the key is magnetic, you can also try using a magnetic tool to help pull it out. Just be careful not to use a magnet on an ignition key as it could cause the tumbler of the lock to break.
Contact a locksmith immediately when you are unable take out the damaged part of the key. They have special tools that allow them to safely remove keys without causing further damage.
Super glue can be used to fix the snapped lock. Apply a small amount glue to the edges of the crack and press them together. Wait until the glue dries before inserting your key into the lock. This method isn't very reliable, and you may have to repeat it a few times before it does the trick. Plus the super glue might not be enough to keep the key in place. Therefore, this is more of a temporary measure rather than a permanent solution.
Broken Plastic Loop
If the plastic loop on your key fob fails it can cause the key to become ineffective. Fortunately, car key remote repair near me is an simple fix. You can use wire or a finishing nail as a replacement. Drill two holes into the damaged loop of plastic at each end of the wire or nail. Cut the wire or nail to the desired width, and then place one drop of superglue in each hole. Apply the nail or wire into the holes and let them dry.
A locksmith who sells replacement shells is an alternative option. They can remove the programmable part of your key, then transfer it to the new shell and cut the new blade for less than the full replacement cost.
It's not the most ideal solution, but it'll get you back on the road in case your key snapped in half. It can be difficult to repair when the blade of the key is in the ignition however. You could try using hair clips or a needle extractor tool to pull the broken part of the ignition, however this is risky if you're not careful. Contact a locksmith who has special tools to safely remove broken keys from ignitions. They can also design a new key with the proper cuts for your vehicle's ignition to ensure that it functions perfectly when it is put into the lock.
Broken Master Key
If a key breaks inside the lock, you'll need to attempt to retrieve it before it gets completely destroyed. There are a variety of methods you can use, including using lubricants as well as tools such as needle nose pliers or tweezers to take a small piece of the key that has been broken and remove it.
Spray the inside of your lock with WD-40 or a graphite powder. You may also try the hacksaw blade method that involves carefully sliding the blade down along the side of the broken key and connecting to a few of the 'teeth' - if you succeed in doing this, you should be able take the broken key from the lock.
Many hardware stores offer tools for key extraction that spiral. It's a thin and flexible bar with spiral threads which can be put into the keyway, and then bent to get into the damaged section of the key. Once it has gotten caught on the serrations, you can twist the bar around and then pull it against the broken part of the key.
It's worth trying to get rid of a broken master key before calling an expert locksmith. If you're not able to get rid of the broken piece then you'll have to contact a professional locksmith. A locksmith can give you a new key that will be programmed using the transponder in your car.