5 Laws Anybody Working In Repair Car Keys Should Be Aware Of
How to Repair Car Keys
The car keys aren't big and might not seem to be important, but they're essential to the functioning of your car. Replacing an old key or a modern transponder key can cost up to $200.
However, there are ways to repair your car keys at home for a fraction of the cost. This article will go over the most frequently encountered car key problems and 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 before. However, the battery inside the device can fail. There are, however, a few techniques that can be employed to solve this problem in the event of a need.
Examine if your car is still in the ignition mode. If it is, the key fob's battery could be low rather than dead. To test this, push the button on the key fob towards the ignition button. If this works, the battery is probably fine and has to be replaced.
To replace the battery inside the fob, open the case with the screwdriver. Don't apply too much force since this may cause the fob's case split. If the fob won't open try prying the tool more than once around the outside of the case.
After the fob has been opened then remove the mechanical key and open the electronic portion of the car. Insert the new battery and snap back the shell. If your key fob still isn't working after this, it may be due to an problem with the remote starting system of your vehicle. This requires a professional to diagnose. If this is the case, a reliable mechanic should be able assist you. If you require assistance with your car and you need help, you can call roadside assistance.
Broken Key Ring
There are a few steps that you can do if your key fob doesn't function because the ring is broken. First, you should check to see if your broken piece is still in the ignition. If it is, remove it without damaging the ignition lock or door lock. Call a locksmith if you have difficulty removing the key. They have the right tools to safely remove a broken key from the ignition.
Another common cause of a broken car key is corrosion on the circuit board or plastic frame. You can clean the circuit board using a cotton swab soaked in ruby alcohol. This will eliminate the corrosion and stop damage to the contact pads.
You can fix a broken rings by using a thick wire or nail to close the hole. Superglue can also be used to fix a broken ring. After cleaning the ring using a damp cloth apply a small amount of superglue to each end of the wire or nail. Let the pieces dry and then press them together. These DIY solutions can appear appealing, but they're really just an interim measure. For long-term repairs, you'll want to get an experienced locksmith. They have the expertise and tools to repair the broken key quickly and efficiently. They can even replace the battery on the key fob and modify it if necessary.
Broken Key Blade
Key blades may break because of a lot wear and tear. If this happens, it's time to buy a new key. Luckily, this problem isn't as serious as it might seem at first. The main problem is that the metal blade has broken off from the case.
Spraying lubricant into the keyhole is a solution to fix the problem. Then, you can use pliers, tweezers, or a pin to grab the broken end of the key and pull it out. If the key is magnetic, you can also try using a magnet to assist in pulling it out. Just be careful not to use a magnet on an ignition key as it could cause the tumbler of the lock to break.
Call a locksmith immediately in the event that you are unable to remove the broken part of the key. They have tools that permit them to safely remove keys without causing further damage.
You can also use super glue to repair a snapped key. Apply a small amount of glue to the edges and press them in. Wait until the glue has dried before inserting the key into the lock. But this method isn't very reliable and you may have repeat the process several times before it is successful. Super glue may not hold the key together. This is more of a temporary solution than a permanent one.
Broken Plastic Loop
If the plastic loop is damaged it could render the key ineffective. This is a relatively easy fix. For a replacement, you can use a thick wire or finishing nail. For each end of the nail or wire, drill two holes into the loop of plastic. Cut the nail or wire to a key width, then place a drop of superglue in each hole. Press the nail or wire into the holes and let them dry.
Another option is to get the replacement shell from a locksmith who sells them. They can take out the programmable component of your key, then transfer it to the new shell and cut an entirely new blade for less than the full replacement cost.
It's not the most ideal solution, but it can get you back on the road in case your key split in half. It can be difficult to repair the blade of the key if it's in the ignition. If you're not careful, you can make use of a hair clip or a needle to take the broken part from the ignition. The best option is to contact an expert locksmith who has tools for safely removing broken keys from the ignition. You can also have a new key made with the proper cuts to fit the ignition of your vehicle.
Broken Master Key
You'll have to attempt in vain to recover the key before it's completely destroyed. You can make use of the tweezers, lubricants and needle nose pliers to grab the fragments of a damaged key.
Spray the inside of your lock with WD-40 or graphite powder. You can also try the hacksaw method, which involves carefully moving the blade down the side of the broken key and hooking onto some of the teeth - if you are able to do this, you will be able to remove the broken key from the lock.
car keys repair that is useful is a spiral key extractor which you can find in a variety of hardware stores. It is a thin rod that is flexible and has spiral threads that can be placed in the keyway, and later bent to form the broken part of the key. Once it is hooked to the serrations, you can turn it in a circular direction and push it against the damaged part of the key to pull it out.
It's worth attempting to remove the master key that is broken before calling a professional locksmith. If you're unable to pull a piece out, you need to call in the big guns to let a locksmith cut you a new key and reprogram it to the transponder of your car.