10 Wrong Answers To Common Repair Car Keys Questions: Do You Know The Right Ones?

How to Repair Car Keys The car keys are small and may not seem important, but they're essential to the functioning of your vehicle. The cost of replacing a traditional or modern transponder car key could be as high as $200. There are solutions to fix your car keys yourself for less than the cost. This article will go over the most frequently encountered car key problems and the DIY solutions. Dead Key Fob Battery The remote key fobs that are included with cars make it easier than ever to open the trunk, doors and the tailgate. However, the battery inside this device can die. However, there are some techniques that can be employed to solve this problem in an emergency. Examine if your car is still in the ignition mode. If it is, then the battery of the key fob may be drained instead of dead. To test this, press the fob's button against the ignition button on the vehicle. If it works, the battery is likely fine and will only need to be changed. To replace the battery in the fob, pry open the case with a screwdriver. Be cautious not to put too much pressure on the fob as this could cause the fob to break into two pieces. If the fob isn't opening, try using your pry tool several times around the outside of the case. Once the fob is opened then remove the mechanical key and open the electronic part of the car. Install the new battery and then snap back the shell. If your key fob isn't working after this, it could be a larger problem with the remote start system of your car. This requires a professional to diagnose. If this is the case, a reputable mechanic should be able assist you. If you require assistance with your car or vehicle, you can get roadside assistance. Broken Key Ring If your key fob isn't working because the ring has broken, there are a few things you could try. First, you must check to see if the damaged piece is still inside the ignition. If it's still inside the ignition, take it out without causing damage to the ignition lock or the door lock. Contact a locksmith if are having trouble removing the key. They have special tools to safely remove a damaged key from the ignition. A damaged car key could also be the result of corrosion of the plastic frame or circuit board. It is possible to clean the circuit board using rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab. This will remove any corrosion and ensure the contact pads don't become damaged. Repair a damaged ring using a strong wire or nail to close the hole. Superglue can also be used to fix a broken ring. After cleaning the ring using a damp 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 can seem appealing, but they're only a stopgap measure. For long-term repairs, it's recommended to work with an expert locksmith. They have the tools and know-how to repair a damaged car key quickly and efficiently. They can even replace the battery on your key fob, and change it's programming if required. Broken Key Blade Key blades may 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 main problem is that the metal blade snapped off the case. One solution is spraying the key hole with a lubricant. Then, you can employ pliers or tweezers grasp the damaged end of the key and pull it. If the key is magnetic, you could also try using a magnetic tool to assist in pulling it out. Be cautious not to use a magnet on an ignition key as it could cause the tumbler of the lock to break. Call a locksmith immediately when you are unable take out the damaged part of the key. key fob repair near me equipped with special tools to safely extract keys without causing further damage. You can also try super glue to repair a snapped key. Apply a small amount to the edges and press them together. Make sure the glue is dry before inserting the key into the lock. This method isn't very reliable, and you might need to repeat the process several times before it is successful. Super glue may not be able to hold the key in place. So, this is more of a stopgap measure than an option that can last. Broken Plastic Loop If the plastic loop on your key fob breaks, it can make the key useless. Luckily, this is a fairly easy fix. You can use wire or a nail for finishing as a replacement. For each end of the nail or wire make two holes in the plastic loop. Cut the nail or wire to key width and put the superglue drop in each hole. Press the wire or nail into the holes to seal them and allow it to dry. Another option is to purchase a replacement shell from a locksmith who sells them. They can transfer the programmable part of your key to the new shell, and cut an entirely new blade at only a fraction of the price. It's not the ideal solution, but it'll bring you back on the road in case your key split in half. However, it can be difficult to repair the key blade if it's in the ignition. If you're not careful you could use a hair clip or a needle to remove the damaged part from the ignition. Call a locksmith with special tools to safely remove broken keys from ignitions. They can also design new keys with the appropriate cuts for the ignition of your vehicle and ensure it works perfectly when it is put into the lock. Broken Master Key If a key is broken inside the lock, you'll need to find it before it gets completely destroyed. You can make use of tweezers, lubricants, and needle nose pliers for grabbing the broken fragment of a key. Spray the inside of your lock with WD-40 or a graphite powder. You can also try the hacksaw blade technique, which involves sliding the blade across the face of a damaged key and grabbing onto some of its 'teeth. If you're successful then you should be able to take the broken key out. Another useful tool is a spiral key extractor which you can find in a wide range of hardware stores. This has a thin flexible bar with spiral threads, which can be put into the keyway and bent to get into the damaged section of the key. Once it has gotten caught on the serrations you can twist the bar in a circle and then pull it against the broken section of the key. Before contacting a locksmith, attempt to take out the damaged master key. If you are unable to get a piece out, you need to call the big guns and let a locksmith make you a brand new key and reprogram it to the transponder of your car.