How to Repair Car Keys
The car keys are tiny and may not seem important, but they are essential for the operation of your vehicle. The cost of replacing an old or contemporary transponder car key could be as high as $200.
However, there are ways to repair your car keys at home with a fraction of the cost. This article will discuss the most frequently encountered car keys issues and their DIY solutions.
Dead Key Fob Battery
Cars are equipped with a remote key fob that makes opening the doors, trunk and tailgate easier than ever. However, the battery in the device could die. There are, however, some tricks that can be used to resolve this issue in a pinch.
Check to see if your vehicle is in ignition mode. If so automotive key repair on the key fob could be low rather than dead. To test this, push the button on the key fob straight against the ignition button. If it works, the battery is probably working fine and needs to be replaced.
To replace the battery in the fob, open the case using the screwdriver. Be careful not to apply too much force, as this may cause the fob's case split. If the fob isn't coming easily, try putting your pry tool into multiple places on the outside of the case.
Open the electronic compartment of your vehicle after you have removed the mechanical key. Then, insert the battery replacement and then snap the shell together. If the key fob won't work after this, there may be a larger problem with the remote start system that requires a professional to diagnose. If this is the case, a reliable mechanic should be able help you. You can also reach out to roadside assistance to assist with your vehicle in case you need it.
Broken Key Ring
There are a few things you can do when your key fob does not work because the ring is broken. First, you must check to see if your broken piece is still in the ignition. If it's still in there the ignition, take it out without damaging the ignition lock or the door lock. Contact a locksmith if are having difficulty taking the key off. They have tools that can safely remove a damaged or broken key from the ignition.
Another reason that can lead to a broken car key is the corrosion of the circuit board or plastic frame. You can clean the circuit board by using a cotton swab with ruby alcohol. This will remove any corrosion and ensure that the contact pads aren't damaged.
Repair a damaged rings by using a thick wire or nail to seal the hole. Superglue can be used to repair the broken key ring. After cleaning the ring with a wet cloth, apply a small amount superglue to each end of the nail or wire. Allow the pieces to dry, and then press them in place. These DIY solutions can seem appealing, but they're really just an interim measure. For car key immobiliser repair -term repairs, it's recommended to hire an experienced locksmith. They have the expertise and tools to repair damaged keys quickly and efficiently. They can even replace the battery inside the 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 occurs, you must buy a new blade. Fortunately, this issue isn't as severe as it may appear at first. The main problem is that the blade has broken off from the case.
Spraying lubricant into the keyhole is a way to fix it. You can then employ pliers or tweezers grab the broken end of the key and pull it. broken car key repair near me can also make use of a magnet if the key is magnetic. Be careful not to use a magnet on an ignition key because it could cause the tumbler of the lock to break.
Call a locksmith immediately when you are unable remove the broken piece of the key. They have the right tools that can safely remove keys without causing damage.
You can also apply super glue to fix a broken key. Apply a small amount of glue to the edges of the crack and press them together. Make sure the glue has dried before inserting the key into the lock. This method isn't very reliable, and you may need to repeat the process several times before it does the trick. Super glue may not hold the key in place. This is more of a temporary solution than a permanent one.
Broken Plastic Loop
If your key fob's plastic loop gets damaged it could render the key useless. It's a fairly simple fix. As a replacement alternative, you can opt for wire that is thick or a finishing nail. For each end of the nail or wire you need to drill two holes into the loop of plastic. Cut the wire or nail to the desired width and then put a drop of superglue in each hole. Apply the nail or wire into the holes and let them dry.
Another option is to purchase an alternative shell from a locksmith that sells them. They can transfer the programmable portion of your key into the new shell and cut an entirely new blade at less than the cost.
This isn't the most efficient solution, but will allow you to travel once more if your key split in half. It's not easy to repair if the key blade is in the ignition however. If you're not careful you could use a hair clip or a needle to take the broken piece from the ignition. Contact a locksmith who has special tools to safely remove damaged keys from ignitions. They can also make you a new key with the correct 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 breaks inside the lock, you'll need to try to retrieve it before it is completely destroyed. You can use the tweezers, lubricants and needle nose pliers to grab the fragments of a damaged key.
To begin, spray the inside of your lock with a lubricant like graphite powder or WD-40. You could 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 are able to do this you should be able to pull out the broken key from the lock.
Many hardware stores sell tools for key extraction that spiral. It is a thin, flexible bar with spiral threads that can be inserted into the keyway and bent to get into the broken section of the key. Once it is firmly anchored to the serrations, you can twist the bar around and pull it against the broken section of the key.
Before contacting a locksmith, attempt to take out the damaged master key before calling a locksmith. If you can't get a piece out, it's time to call the big guns - let a locksmith cut you a new key and reprogram it using the transponder of your car.