15 Funny People Working In Repair Car Keys In Repair Car Keys
How to Repair Car Keys
Car keys may seem tiny and insignificant, but they are vital for the proper operation of your vehicle. Replacing a traditional key or a transponder one could cost as much as $200.
There are solutions to fix your car keys yourself at a fraction of the price. This article will discuss the most common car keys issues as well as their DIY solutions.
Dead Key Fob Batteries
Cars are equipped with remote key fobs that makes opening the doors, trunk and tailgate more convenient than ever. However, the battery inside the device could die. There are some tricks you can employ to fix this issue fast.
Examine if your car is still in the ignition mode. If it is, the battery on the key fob could be drained instead of dead. To test this, push the button on the key fob right against the ignition button. If this works, then the battery is probably in good condition and only needs to be replaced.
To replace the battery within the fob, you need to the case open using a screwdriver. Don't apply too much force as this could cause the fob's casing to split. If the fob isn't opening open with ease, try placing your pry tool into several places on the outside of the case.
After the fob has been opened then remove the mechanical key and then open the electronic portion of the car. Then insert the replacement battery and then snap the shell together. If the key fob doesn't work after this, there could be a bigger issue with your car's remote start system that requires a professional to diagnose. A trusted mechanic will be in a position to assist you if this is the situation. You can also call roadside assistance for help 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 could try. Look to see if can locate the broken part in the ignition. If it is, you should remove it without damaging the lock on the ignition or door lock. Call a locksmith if you are having trouble taking the key off. They have the right tools to safely remove a broken key from the ignition.
Another reason that can lead to a broken car key is corrosion on the circuit board or plastic frame. Clean the circuit board using cotton swab. This will remove any corrosion and ensure that the contact pads don't get damaged.
Repair a damaged ring by using a thick nail or wire to close the hole. Superglue can be used to repair a broken key ring. After cleaning the ring with a wet cloth Apply a small amount superglue to each end of the nail or wire. Press the pieces together and let them dry before using your car. These DIY solutions may seem appealing, but they're really just temporary solutions. It is recommended to hire an expert locksmith for repairs that last. They have the tools and expertise to fix a broken car key quickly and effectively. They can replace the battery and reprogram the key fob in the event of need.
Broken Key Blade
Some key blades can break because of a lot wear and tear. If this happens, it's probably time to purchase a new key. Fortunately, the issue isn't as severe as it may appear at first glance. The primary issue is that the blade broke off from the case.
One solution is spraying the key hole with a fluid that lubricates the key hole. Then, you can make use of pliers or tweezers grasp the damaged end of the key and pull it. If the key is magnetic, you can also use a magnet to pull it out. Use a magnet as a aid to you remove the key, but take care to not damage the tumbler of the lock.
Contact a locksmith right away in the event that you are unable to remove the broken piece of the key. They have tools that permit them to safely remove keys without causing damage.
Super glue can be used to fix an open lock that has snapped. Apply a small amount of glue to the edges of the break and press them together. Make sure the glue is dry before inserting the key into the lock. But this method isn't very reliable and you may have to repeat the process a few times before it works. Super glue may not hold the key in place. This is more of a temporary solution than a permanent solution.
Broken Plastic Loop
If the loop of plastic on your key fob fails it can cause the key to become ineffective. Luckily, this is an simple fix. For a replacement alternative, you can opt for a thick wire or finishing nail. Make two holes in the broken plastic loop for each end of the nail or wire. Cut key fob repairs or wire to the desired width and then put a drop of superglue in each hole. Then, press the wire or nail into the holes to seal them, and then let it dry.
Another option is to get an alternative shell from a locksmith who sells them. They can transfer the programmable portion of your key to the new shell and cut an entirely new blade at a fraction of the cost.
It's not the ideal solution, but it'll get you back on the road if your key broke in half. It's not easy to repair when the blade of the key is in the ignition however. You can try using a hair clip or a needle extractor tool to pull the broken part out of the ignition, however this can be risky if not cautious. Get a locksmith equipped with special tools to safely remove broken keys from ignitions. You can also have a new key that is made using the correct cuts to fit the ignition of your vehicle.
Broken Master Key
If a key gets damaged inside the lock, you'll have to find it before it gets completely destroyed. There are a variety of methods that you can try, such as using lubricants as well as tools such as needle nose pliers or tweezers to grab a fragment of the broken key and remove it.
Spray the inside of the lock with WD-40 or a graphite powder. You could also try the hacksaw blade method, which involves carefully moving the blade down the edge of the broken key, and connecting to a few of the 'teeth'. If you are able to do this, you should be able to take the broken key from the lock.
Many hardware stores sell a spiral key extraction tool. This has a thin flexible bar with spiral threads which can be put into the keyway, and then bent to dig into the broken section of the key. Once it is hooked to the serrations, you can turn it in a circular direction and lever it against the broken part of the key to get it out.
Before contacting a locksmith, try to remove the broken master key. If you can't get a piece out, it's time to call in the big guns and have a locksmith cut you a new key and reprogram it using the transponder in your car.