How to Repair Car Keys
The car keys are tiny and may not seem important, but they're vital for the operation of your vehicle. The cost of replacing an old or modern transponder car key could be as high as $200.
There are methods to repair your car keys at home for only a fraction of the cost. This article will cover the most common car keys issues and the DIY solutions to fix them.
Dead Key Fob Battery
Cars are equipped with remote key fobs which makes opening doors, trunk and tailgate more convenient than ever. The battery inside this device is prone to dying. There are a few tricks you can employ to fix this issue fast.
Check to see if your car is still in the ignition mode. If it is, then the key fob battery may be drained instead of dead. To test this, push the button on the key fob straight towards the ignition button. If this works, then the battery is probably in good condition and needs to be replaced.
To replace the fob battery, begin by prying the case off using a screwdriver or watch-type tool. Don't apply too much force since this may cause the fob's casing to split. If the fob doesn't open try prying the tool several times around the outside of the case.
auto key repair near me of your car after you have removed the mechanical key. Then, insert the battery replacement and then snap the shell together. If the key fob isn't working after this procedure, there could be a more serious issue with your car's remote start system that requires a professional to diagnose. A reputable mechanic will be capable of helping you in this situation. You can also reach out to roadside assistance for help with your vehicle if needed.
Broken Key Ring
If your key fob won't work because the ring is broken there are a few things you could try. The first step is to see if the broken piece is still inside the ignition. If it's still in there, remove it without damaging either the ignition lock or the door lock. Contact a locksmith if have difficulty taking the key off. They have special tools to safely remove a broken key from the ignition.
Another reason that can lead to the car key breaking is the corrosion of the circuit board or plastic frame. You can clean the circuit board by using a cotton swab soaked in rubbing alcohol. This will eliminate corrosion and ensure that the contact pads aren't damaged.
You can repair a damaged ring using a strong wire or nail to seal the hole. Superglue can also be used to repair a damaged ring. After cleaning the ring with a moist cloth, apply a small amount superglue to the ends of the nail or wire. Let the pieces dry and then press them together. These DIY solutions can appear appealing, but they're just temporary solutions. It is recommended to hire an skilled locksmith for any long-term repairs. They have the tools and expertise to fix a broken car key quickly and efficiently. They can replace the battery and reprogram your key fob, if needed.
Broken Key Blade
Key blades can break due to wear and tear. If this occurs, you must buy a new one. Fortunately, the issue isn't as bad as it appears at first. The primary issue is that the blade snapped off the case.
Spraying lubricant into the keyhole is one solution to fix the problem. 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 take care to not break the tumbler of the lock.
Call a locksmith immediately when you are unable take out the damaged part of the key. They're equipped with special tools that allow them to safely remove keys without causing further damage.
You can also try super glue to fix a snapped key. Apply a small amount of glue to the edges of the crack and press them together. After that, wait until the glue is dry before you insert your key into the lock. This method isn't reliable and you may have to repeat the process multiple times before it's successful. Super glue might not be able to hold the key together. Therefore, this is more of a stopgap measure than a permanent solution.
Broken Plastic Loop
If the plastic loop on your key fob is damaged it can cause the key to become useless. This is a relatively easy fix. As a replacement alternative, you can opt for a thick wire or finishing nail. For each end of the wire or nail, drill two holes into the plastic loop. Cut the wire or nail to key width, and place tiny drops of superglue into each hole. Apply the nail or wire into the holes and let them dry.
Another option is to purchase the replacement shell from a locksmith who sells them. They can transfer the programmable portion of your key to the new shell, and then cut an entirely new blade at only a fraction of the price.
This isn't the most efficient solution, but will help you get back on the road again if your key has broken in half. It can be difficult to fix the key blade if it's in the ignition. If you are not careful you can employ a hair clip, or a needle to remove the broken part from the ignition. Get a locksmith equipped with special tools to safely remove damaged keys from ignitions. They can also make you new keys that have the correct cuts for your vehicle's ignition to ensure that it functions perfectly when it is put into the lock.
Broken Master Key
You'll need to in vain to recover the key before it's completely destroyed. You can use tweezers, lubricants, and needle nose pliers to grab the fragments of a damaged key.
Spray the inside of the lock with WD-40 or a graphite powder. You can also employ the hacksaw blade method, which involves sliding the blade across the face of the broken key, and then grasping a few of its teeth.' If you are successful you will be able to remove the broken key.
Another tool that is useful is an extractor for keys spiral, that is available in a wide range of hardware stores. It is a thin rod with spiral threads that can be inserted in the keyway and then bent to the broken portion of the key. Once it is hooked to the serrations, you can twist it in a circular motion, and lever it against the broken section of the key to pull it out.
Before calling a locksmith, try to get rid of the broken master key before calling a locksmith. If you're unable to pull the piece out, it's time to call in the big guns and let a locksmith cut you a new key and reprogram it using your car's transponder.