How to Repair Car Keys
Car keys might seem small and insignificant, but they are essential to the operation of your vehicle. Replacing car key repair near me The Keylab or a transponder key that is modern can cost up to $200.
There are many ways to repair your car keys yourself for less than the cost. This article will address the most frequently encountered car keys issues as well as the DIY solutions to fix them.
Dead Key Fob Battery
Cars are equipped with a remote key fob which makes opening doors, trunk and tailgate more convenient than ever before. However, the battery in the device can fail. There are, however, some tricks you can employ to solve this problem in the event of a need.
Examine if your vehicle is in ignition mode. If it is, then the key fob battery may simply be depleted instead of dead. To test this, push the button on the key fob right up against the vehicle's ignition button. If this works, then the battery is likely fine and needs to be replaced.
To replace the fob's battery, start by prying the case open using the help of a screwdriver or watch-type device. Be careful not to press too hard as this could cause the fob's to split into two pieces. If the fob doesn't open try prying the tool more than once around the outside of the case.
Once the fob is opened take out the mechanical key, and then open the electronic section of the car. Then, you can insert the replacement battery and then snap the shell back together. If your key fob still does not work after this, it may be an issue with the remote start system of your car. This will require a professional to diagnose. If this is the case, a trusted mechanic should be able assist you. You can also call roadside assistance for assistance with your vehicle, if you require it.
Broken Key Ring
If your key fob won't work because the ring has broken there are a few options you might try. Examine if you can locate the broken part in the ignition. If it is, you should remove it without damaging the door lock or ignition lock. If you are having trouble taking it off, call a locksmith for help. They have specialized tools that are able to safely remove a damaged key from the ignition.
Another reason that can lead to the car key breaking is the corrosion of the circuit board or frame. You can clean the circuit board using a cotton swab soaked in ruby alcohol. This will remove the corrosion and stop damage to the contact pads.
Repair a damaged rings by using a thick 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 on each end of the nail or wire. Let the pieces dry and then press them into place. These DIY solutions may seem appealing, but they're really just temporary solutions. For long-term repairs, you'll want to hire an expert locksmith. They have the tools and know-how to repair a damaged car key quickly and effectively. They can even replace the battery in your key fob, and reprogram it if needed.
Broken Key Blade
Some key blades can break from a lot of wear and tear. If this happens, it's time to purchase a new key. Fortunately, the issue isn't as serious as it might seem at first glance. The primary issue is that the metal blade has broken off from the case.
Spraying lubricant into the keyhole is one method to fix the problem. Then, you can use pliers pins, or tweezers to grasp the damaged key and take it out. You could also use a magnet if the key is magnetic. Use a magnet to assist you remove the key, but be cautious to not sever the lock tumbler.
Call a locksmith immediately if you are unable to remove the broken piece of the key. They have special tools to safely extract keys without causing any further damage.
You can also use super glue to repair a snapped key. Apply a small amount of the glue to the edges 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 have to repeat it a few times before it works. In addition the super glue might not be enough to hold the key together. This is more of a temporary solution rather than a permanent one.
Broken Plastic Loop
If the plastic loop on your key fob breaks it can make the key ineffective. This is a simple fix. To replace it, you can use an extremely thick wire or a finishing nail. Drill two holes in the plastic loop that is broken for each end of the wire or nail. Cut the nail or wire to key width and put the superglue drop in each hole. Press the nail or wire into the holes and allow them to dry.
Another option is to purchase a replacement shell from a locksmith who sells them. They can take out the programmable portion of your key, transfer it to the new shell and cut an entirely new blade for less than a complete replacement cost.
This is not the best solution, but will allow you to travel again if your key has split in half. It can be difficult to repair when the blade of the key is inside the ignition, however. You could try using hair clips or a needle extractor tool to remove the damaged part out of the ignition, but this is risky if you're not cautious. The best choice is to call an expert locksmith who has tools for safely removing broken keys from the ignition. You can also have a new key made with the correct cuts for the ignition of your car.
Broken Master Key
You'll have to attempt to retrieve the key before it is completely destroyed. You can use tweezers, lubricants, and needle nose pliers to grab the broken fragment of a key.
Spray the inside of your lock with WD-40 or graphite powder. You can also try the hacksaw method, which involves carefully sliding the blade down along the edge of the broken key, and attaching it to the 'teeth' - if you succeed in doing this, you should be able take the broken key from the lock.
Another useful tool is an extractor for keys spiral, that can be found in many hardware stores. This has a thin flexible bar with spiral threads which can be inserted into the keyway, and then bent to dig into the broken section of the key. Once it is firmly anchored to the serrations, you can turn the bar into a circle and pull it against the broken part of the key.
Before contacting a locksmith attempt to take out the damaged master key. If you are unable to get the piece out, you need to call in the big guns to have a locksmith cut you a brand new key and reprogram it using your car's transponder.