10 Unexpected Key Repairs Tips
How to Fix Faulty Key Repairs
A faulty key fob can throw off your whole day. With the right tools and guidelines it's simple to solve these problems.
Always ground yourself before attempting repairs to eliminate static electricity. It takes just about a minute and is a good practice to work with electronics.
Find any debris that may be under the bad key. Breadcrumbs and other bits of food often get stuck underneath keys, preventing them from pushing in correctly.
Broken Car Keys
Car keys are easy to take for granted, until they fail or stop working at the most uncomfortable times. If your car keys do not work, it can be a nightmare to open your trunk to buy groceries, or open your doors to get somewhere, or start your engine to go to work.
Over time, keys to cars can become worn out. They can be damaged by being dropped or knocked around and the internal components could wear out until they're no longer functioning as they should. This is a serious problem that will mean you'll be unable to operate your vehicle until you have an extra key or your mechanic can fix the issue.
Fortunately, most broken car keys can be replaced or repaired easily. If the key is damaged inside the lock or ignition you can easily remove the remaining portion of the key by using pliers or coated wire. A locksmith can also provide you with special removal tools that slide along the key and grasp the broken pieces in a pincer-like manner.
If the car key is broken in half, an easy and affordable fix is to glue the two pieces back together. This is a little difficult as you must ensure that the pieces are properly aligned, but the end result can be extremely efficient. Keep a pair or scissors and a roll tape in case you need to adjust the alignment.
Another way to temporarily repair the car key that is damaged is to replace the battery on the key fob. If your car key fob isn't turning on and you don't yet have an alternative it is the best solution. Depending on the type of vehicle, you could often do this by removing the key fob and then opening it using a screwdriver or small tool.
If the problem is more severe, such as if your key fob is completely unresponsive or doesn't switch on at all, you will have to replace it. It is possible to do this at the dealership, however an auto locksmith will usually be cheaper. lock key repair near me will visit you and make any necessary repairs or even replace the key fob.
Broken Key Fobs
Car key fobs aren't durable, and like any electronic device is susceptible to malfunctions at some point. When they stop working they are not difficult to fix. The first thing you'll have to determine is the cause of the issue.
The battery is typically the reason why a keyfob stops working. The most simple and economical option is to replace the battery. It's possible to do this at your home.
If cleaning the fob isn't working you can disassemble it. The circuit board on your fob contains "contact pads" that correspond to every button on the fob. (Lock buttons, trunk buttons etc.) These contact pads are rubber-like and are coated in an electrically conducting film that starts to fade as time passes. Using a cotton swab and some rubbing alcohol, you can scrub the contacts of your key fob to get rid of any corrosion that may be hindering their function.
You could also try a pair of tweezers put the contacts back on your key fob if you suspect that they are damaged or loose. It is best to apply silicone to the back of the key fob before you insert the new contacts. Silicone will make the contacts more secure and keep out water.
Another reason for a malfunctioning 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 communicates to it what you're trying to do. If the key fob is un-paired it will not recognize the vehicle, and it won't allow you to start your engine.
If you can't get your key fob back to be paired with your car, it's probably time to call a locksmith or dealer technician. They'll have the tools required to reprogram the fob and get it working again. You'll likely have to pay a small fee for the service, but it's less expensive than buying a new key fob.
Keys that aren't responsive
If a key on your keyboard ceases to function, it can be a complete nightmare. The first step is to make sure that the key isn't being blocked by anything physical. Dust, hair and other debris could accumulate over time and obstruct a key's movement or disrupt its circuitry. Try gently removing your key and cleaning underneath it with a rag soaked in rubbing alcohol. Sometimes, this is all it takes to get your key functioning again.
If the key isn't working after trying all these options it could be an issue with your software. Some keys are mapped to specific actions in games, so if your key isn't performing as you expect it to, you should check your game settings to confirm that the key is properly assigned to a specific action.
You may also want to try reinstalling your keyboard drivers to fix the problem. Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause your keyboard to cease functioning, so it is important to always keep them up to date whenever you can.
The key could be damaged. There are two circuits in each key switch, and over time these can get worn out until they no longer register when they are pressed. If this happens the best solution is to replace the entire keyboard, as it is likely that it will no longer work properly.
If you've tried all of these fixes and the keyboard is still not responding, it's probably time to have your laptop or external keyboard checked by a professional. It could be that the membrane covering the keyboard is damaged or one of the keys are malfunctioning.
You can test your keys with the keyboard tester. The website will tell you whether the keys are functioning correctly or not. If they're not, then it is most likely a software problem. You can then start applying the other fixes to restore full functionality. You can also use an external keyboard until your internal keyboard is repaired or replaced.
Keys That Don't Work
It's a pain when keys don't function, but they are usually simple to repair. A malfunctioning button could be caused by a piece or grime under the button or it could simply not be properly connected to your keyboard or laptop. If you're unsure then clean the keys using canned air and blow out any dirt or dust.
It is also possible that the key has become out of alignment with the lock. This is another problem which can be resolved with an expert, however it is more likely to require replacement of the key. If your car key is electronic and can't be changed by turning a manual metal key into the ignition, it's possible that the transponder chip inside has stopped working, and you'll have to get a new one programmed.
If your laptop or external keyboard keys seem to not be recording any actions at all, you can try using the key test site. This will help you figure out if there is any software interference or problems with the keyboard itself.
A switch that isn't functioning correctly can also be the cause of a key not performing as is. If you own a mechanical keyboard you can check this by looking under the keycap and seeing whether there's any debris that has accumulated on it. If you find anything, wash it away using canned air, and then take off the cap. This will allow you to replace the hooks which connect the retainer and switch and, hopefully, restore functionality to your key.
If you have a keyboard key that isn't performing the intended function in only one program, it is likely that the keyboard settings of the game have assigned the key to perform a different function. Examine the settings on your keyboard and then try pressing the key again to determine whether it's functioning as intended. If you're still having problems it's best to buy a new keyboard. It can be installed by an expert. This is especially true if you play a game which requires a lot more typing.