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How to Fix Faulty Key Repairs
A faulty key fob can cause a disruption to your day. With the right tools and directions, it's easy to solve these problems.
Always make sure to ground yourself prior to attempting any repairs to eliminate static electricity. It's only a matter of seconds, and is good practice when working with electronics in general.
Look for any debris caught underneath the bad key. Breadcrumbs and other debris can become stuck under keys, which can prevent the keys from being properly pushed in.
Broken Car Keys
It's easy to take your car keys for granted until they stop working or break at the worst possible time. If you're trying to open the trunk of your vehicle to buy groceries, unlocking your doors to go out, or getting your car started and heading to work - car keys can be very frustrating when they do not work.
Over time, car keys suffer from the effects of wear and tear. The impact of knocking or dropping them can cause damage and the internal components can become worn out to the point that they are no longer functional. This is a big problem because it means that you aren't able to drive unless you have an extra key or your mechanic fix the issue.
Fortunately, most broken keys for cars can be replaced or repaired easily. If the key has broken in the lock or ignition, you can easily remove the remaining portion of the key using pliers or coated wire. A locksmith can also provide you with tools for removal designed to slide across the key and grip the broken pieces in a pincer-like fashion.
Super glue can be used to fix a damaged car key. It's a simple and easy fix. This is a little difficult as you must make sure that the pieces are properly aligned, but the result can be extremely efficient. It's a good idea keep a pair of scissors and a roll tape handy just in case you need to adjust the alignment slightly.
Replace the battery inside the car key fob to temporarily repair a broken key. This is generally the best option when your car key fob isn't turning on and you don't have the correct replacement yet. Depending on the type of vehicle, you can often do this by removing the key fob and then opening it using a screwdriver or small tool.
If the problem is more serious, such as the key fob is totally inactive or does not switch on at all, you will require replacement. You can do this at the dealership, however an auto locksmith is likely to be more affordable. They will visit you and make the needed repairs or even replace the key fob.
Broken Key Fobs
Car key fobs aren't impervious to damage, and just like any electronic device they can be susceptible to issues at some point. If they stop working, they're not difficult to fix. The first thing you'll need to do is figure out what the issue is.
Most of the time, when a key fob stops working it's because the battery is dead. Replacing the battery is the easiest and least expensive solution, and you can do at home.
If cleaning the fob isn't working you can disassemble it. Your fob has a circuit board within it which houses a number of "contact pads" for every button you can press on the fob (lock buttons and trunk buttons, for example). The contact pads are made of rubber and coated in an electricity conducting film that begins to wear away over time. Using a cotton swab and some rubbing alcohol, you can clean the contacts on your key fob to remove any corrosion that could be hindering their function.
If you suspect that the contacts are broken or loose, you can use a pair tweezers. It is best to apply silicone to the back of the key fob prior to you insert the new contacts. Silicone can help seal the contacts and keep water out.
Another possibility for a non-functioning key fob is that it has become un-paired with the vehicle. When you hit a key fob it sends the car a message that informs it of what you intend to accomplish. If the key fob is not connected it will not recognize the vehicle, and won't allow you to start the engine.
If you can't get your key fob to pair with your vehicle, it's likely to call a locksmith or dealer technician. They'll have the necessary equipment to reprogram the key fob and make it work again. You'll likely have to pay for the service, but it's cheaper than buying a brand new key fob.
Keys are not responsive
If a key on your keyboard ceases to function, it can be a complete nightmare. The first step is to ensure that the key isn't being blocked by something physical. Over time dust, hair, and other debris may accumulate and cause interference to the circuitry of the key. Try gently getting rid of the key and then cleaning the area under it using a rag and rubbing alcohol. Sometimes, this is all it takes to make your key work again.
If key repair car does not work after trying these methods, it could be a software problem. If the key you're using isn't doing what you expect, make sure to check the settings of your game to confirm that it's correctly and properly mapped.
You may also want to try reinstalling the drivers for your keyboard to fix the issue. Incorrect or outdated drivers could cause your keyboard to stop functioning, which is why you should always keep them updated whenever possible.
The key might be damaged. Key switches are comprised of two circuits, and they could wear out in time to the point that they cannot longer recognize a press. If this is the case the best solution is to replace the entire keyboard as it will likely no longer function properly.
If you've tried all these fixes, but the key still doesn't respond, it's time to have an expert look over your laptop or external computer keyboard. It could be that the membrane that covers your keyboard is damaged or that one of the keys is damaged.
To find out, you'll need to test the keys on a keyboard tester website. The website will let you know if the keys are registering correctly or not. If they're not, then it is most likely to be a software issue. The other solutions can be applied to restore full functionality. You can also use an external keyboard until your internal keyboard is repaired or replaced.
Keys that don't work
Keys that don't function are an enormous pain, but fortunately, they're generally easy to fix. A malfunctioning button could be caused by a piece of dirt that has accumulated under the button or it may simply not be properly connected to your keyboard or laptop. If you are unsure, clean the keys with canned air and blow away any dirt or dust.
The key could be misaligned. This is a different issue that can be fixed with a professional, though it is more likely to require replacement of the key. If you have an electronic key that cannot be turned using a metal key the transponder chip could have stopped functioning. You'll need a new key that is programmed.
Try a key test website if your keyboard on your laptop or externally are not responding. This will allow you to determine if your keyboard is malfunctioning or if software is causing problems.
Another reason for one key not performing its function is because the switch isn't functioning properly. If you have mechanical keyboards you can check this by looking beneath the keycap to see if there is any debris stuck to it. If you spot something, clean it using canned air, and then remove the keycap. This will allow you to replace the hooks that connect the retainer to the switch and hopefully bring back functionality to the key.
If a particular key on your keyboard only does not perform its intended function in one program, it's most likely that the key has been mapped to another action through the game's keyboard settings. Check the settings for your keyboard and press the key again to verify if it's working. If it's not, it's better to purchase a new keyboard and have it installed by an expert. This is especially important in the case of a game that requires lots of typing.