20 Things You Need To Be Educated About Repair Car Keys
How to Repair Car Keys
The car keys are tiny and may not be considered important, but they are essential for the proper operation of your car. Replacing an old key or a modern transponder key can cost upwards of $200.
There are many ways to repair your car keys yourself at a fraction of the price. This article will cover the most frequently encountered car keys issues as well as their DIY fixes.
Dead Key Fob Battery
Cars come with remote key fobs that allows opening the doors, trunk and tailgate more convenient than ever before. However, the battery in this device can die. However, there are a few techniques that can be employed to solve this problem in the event of a need.
Check to see if your car is still in the ignition mode. If so, the key fob's battery may be low, but not dead. To test, press the button on the fob against the ignition button on the vehicle. If car key fob repairs works, then the battery is probably in good condition and needs to be replaced.
To replace the battery within the fob, open the case using an screwdriver. Be cautious not to put too much pressure on the fob because this could cause the fob's to split in two. If the fob isn't coming open with ease, try placing your pry tool in several places around the outside of the case.
Open the electronic compartment of your car once you have removed the mechanical key. Install the new battery and snap it back into the shell. If your key fob still isn't working after this, it could be due to an problem with the remote starting system of your vehicle. This requires an expert to identify. A reputable mechanic will be capable of helping you in this situation. 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 functioning because the ring broke there are a few things you might try. Examine if you can locate the broken piece in the ignition. If it is, you should remove it without damaging the ignition lock or door lock. If you're having difficulty removing it, call a locksmith for help. They have specialized tools that are able to safely remove keys that are damaged from the ignition.
Another reason for a broken car key is the corrosion of the circuit board or frame. You can clean the circuit board using cotton swab. This will eliminate corrosion and ensure the contact pads aren't damaged.
If your key isn't working because of a broken ring, you may be able fix it by using a thick wire or nail to seal the hole. Superglue can be used to fix a broken key ring. After cleaning the ring with a wet cloth Apply a small amount superglue to the ends of the nail or wire. Apply the glue to the ring and let them dry prior to using your vehicle. These DIY solutions may seem appealing, but they are only a temporary measure. For long-term repairs, you'll want to work with an experienced locksmith. They have the tools and know-how to fix a broken car key quickly and effectively. They can even replace the battery inside your key fob and change it's programming if required.
Broken Key Blade
Key blades may break from a lot of wear and tear. If this happens, you should probably purchase a new one. Fortunately, this issue isn't as bad as it might seem at first. The primary problem is that the metal blade has broken off from the case.
Spraying lubricant into the keyhole is one solution to fix it. Then, you can use pliers, tweezers, or a pin to grab the damaged key and take it out. You could also employ a magnet in the event that the key is magnetic. Use a magnet to help you remove the key, but be cautious to not sever the tumbler of the lock.
If you're unable to remove the broken piece of the key, call an emergency locksmith. They have tools that allow them to safely remove keys without causing damage.
Super glue can be used to fix a snapped lock. Apply a small amount glue to the edges of the crack and press them together. Make sure the glue is dry before inserting the key into the lock. This method isn't reliable and you might have repeat the process several times before it's successful. Additionally, the super glue may not be enough strong to keep the key in place. This is more of a temporary measure than a permanent solution.
Broken Plastic Loop
If the plastic loop on your key fob fails it could render the key useless. It's a fairly simple fix. You can use thick wire or a nail for finishing as a replacement. For each end of the nail or wire make two holes in the loop of plastic. Cut the wire or nail to the desired width, and place a small drop of superglue into each hole. Press the nail or wire into the holes and let them dry.
A locksmith who sells replacement shells is a different option. They can take the programmable portion of your key, transfer it to the new shell, and cut an entirely new blade for less than the full replacement cost.
It's not the best solution, but it will help you get back on the road in case your key snapped in half. It's difficult to repair if the key blade is in the ignition however. You could try using hair clips, a needle or an extractor tool to pull the broken part out of the ignition, but this is risky if you're not careful. The best choice is to call a locksmith who has special tools for safely removing damaged keys from the ignition. You can also request a new key made with the correct cuts to fit the ignition of your car.
Broken Master Key
If a key breaks inside the lock, you'll need to find it before it gets completely destroyed. You can employ lubricants, tweezers, and needle nose pliers to grab the broken fragment of a key.
Spray the inside of the lock with WD-40 or a graphite powder. remote key repair may also try the hacksaw blade method, which involves carefully sliding the blade 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 to pull out the broken key from the lock.
Another useful tool is a spiral key extractor which you can find in a variety of hardware stores. It's a thin and flexible bar with spiral threads which can be inserted into the keyway, and then bent to reach into the broken part 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 broken section of the key.
It's worth trying to get rid of the master key that is broken before calling a professional locksmith. If you are unable to get the piece out, you need to call in the big guns and get a locksmith to cut you a brand new key and reprogram it with your car's transponder.