How to Repair Car Keys
Car keys may seem tiny and insignificant, but they are crucial for the proper operation of your vehicle. Replacing an old key or a transponder one can cost upwards of $200.
There are many ways to repair your car keys yourself at less than the cost. This article will discuss some of the most frequent car key problems and the DIY solutions.
Dead Key Fob Batteries
The remote key fobs for keys that come with cars make it easier than ever to open the trunk, doors and the tailgate. The battery in this device is prone to dying. There are, however, a few tricks you can employ to solve this problem in an emergency.
First, determine if the car is in ignition mode. If so the battery on the key fob may be low, but not dead. To test this, press the button on the key fob up against the vehicle's ignition button. If this works, then the battery is probably in good condition and needs to be changed.
To replace the fob's battery, begin by prying the case off using an instrument like a screwdriver, or watch-type tool. Be careful not to press too hard since this could cause the fob to break in two. If the fob isn't opening try prying the tool several times around the outside of the case.
Open the electronic portion of your car after you have removed the mechanical key. Insert the new battery and snap back the shell. If the key fob doesn't work after this, there could be a larger problem with the remote start system that requires a professional diagnostic. If this is the case, a trusted mechanic should be able help you. You can also contact roadside assistance for assistance with your vehicle if needed.
Broken Key Ring
There are a few steps you can do if your key fob doesn't work because the ring has been broken. Check to see if you can find the broken piece in the ignition. If it's still in there it, remove it without causing damage to the ignition lock or the door lock. If you have trouble removing it, call an expert locksmith. They have the right tools to safely remove a damaged or broken key from the ignition.
A damaged car key could be caused by corrosion on the plastic frame or circuit board. You can clean the board with the help of rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab. This will eliminate the corrosion and prevent damage to the contact pads.
If your key isn't working because of a broken ring or was damaged, you might be able to repair it with a strong wire or nail to seal the hole. Superglue can be used to fix damaged key rings. First, clean the damaged ring with a damp towel and then apply a small amount of superglue on each end of the nail or wire. Allow the pieces to dry, and then press them in place. These DIY solutions may seem appealing, but they are only temporary solutions. It's best to hire an skilled locksmith for any long-term repairs. remote key repair have the knowledge and tools to repair a broken key quickly and effectively. They can even replace the battery in your key fob, and reprogram it if needed.
Broken Key Blade
Key blades may break due to a lot of wear and tear. If this happens, it's time to buy a new key. The issue isn't as serious as you might think at first glance. The primary issue is that the metal blade snapped off the case.
Spraying lubricant into the keyhole is one way to fix it. You can then use pliers or tweezers to grasp the damaged end of the key and pull it. You may also make use of a magnet if the key is magnetic. Be careful not to use a magnetic tool on an ignition key because it could cause the tumbler of the lock to break.
If you are unable to remove the broken piece of key, call an expert locksmith immediately. They have special tools that permit them to safely remove keys without causing further damage.
You can also use super glue to repair a snapped key. Apply a small amount to the edges and press them together. After that, wait until the glue dries before you insert your key into the lock. This method is not very secure, and you could have to repeat it several times before it does the trick. Super glue might not be able to hold the key together. So, this is more of a stopgap measure rather than a permanent solution.
Broken Plastic Loop
If the plastic loop is damaged, it can make the key useless. This is a simple fix. To replace it alternative, you can use an extremely thick wire or a finishing nail. Drill two holes into the plastic loop that is broken for each end of the nail or wire. Cut the nail or wire to key width and place a drop of superglue on 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 transfer the programmable portion of your key into the new shell, and cut a brand new blade for only a fraction of the price.
It's not the most ideal solution, but it will bring you back on the road in case your key broke in half. It's difficult to fix when the key blade is in the ignition, however. If you're not careful you could employ a hair clip, or a needle to remove the broken piece from the ignition. Call a locksmith with special tools to safely remove broken keys from ignitions. They can also make you new keys 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 is broken inside the lock, you'll have to try to retrieve it before it's completely destroyed. You can use tweezers, lubricants, and needle nose pliers to grasp the fragments of a damaged key.
To begin, spray the interior of your lock with a lubricant such as graphite powder or WD-40. You can also try the hacksaw blade technique by sliding the blade along the sides of a broken key and then grasping a few of its 'teeth. If you're successful, you should be able to take the broken key out.
Many hardware stores offer a spiral key extraction tool. This has a thin flexible bar with spiral threads, which can be put into the keyway and then bent to get into the broken section of the key. Once it has caught onto the serrations, you can turn the bar in a circle and pull it 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 the big guns and let a locksmith make you a brand new key and reprogram it using the transponder in your car.