The Reasons Key Repairs Could Be Your Next Big Obsession
How to Fix Faulty Key Repairs
A damaged key fob could make your life miserable. Fortunately, fixing the issue is simple with the right tools and procedures.
Before attempting any repairs, make sure you ground yourself to remove static electricity. It's only a matter of seconds and is a good practice when working with electronics in general.
Find any debris under the key that is damaged. Breadcrumbs and other pieces of debris often get stuck underneath keys, preventing them from being pushed in properly.
Broken Car Keys
Car keys are easy to take for granted, until they stop or break working at the most inconvenient times. If your car keys don't work, it could be frustrating to try to open your trunk to get groceries, open your doors to go somewhere, or start your engine to get to work.
Over time, keys to automobiles can wear out. They can be damaged by being thrown around or dropped and the internal components can wear out to the point where they don't function correctly anymore. This is a major issue because it means that you can't use your car without an extra key or your mechanic fix the problem.
The majority of car keys that are damaged can be easily repaired or replaced. If the key has been damaged inside the lock or ignition you can easily remove the remaining piece of the key with pliers or coated wire. Alternatively, a locksmith can provide you with the necessary tools for removal that are designed to slide in alongside the key and apply an apex-like grip to the broken pieces to securely take them out.
If the car key is broken in half, an easy and cost-effective solution is to super glue the two pieces back together. It can be difficult to get the pieces aligned properly, but it can yield amazing results. It's a good idea to keep a pair of scissors and a roll tape handy just in case you need to adjust the alignment a little.
Replace the battery in the car key fob in order to repair a broken key. This is typically the best option if your car key fob isn't turning on and you don't have the correct replacement. You can do this depending on the model and type of your vehicle by taking out the fob and then opening it using a screwdriver.
If the problem is serious such as if your key fob isn't functioning or is unresponsive it is necessary to replace it. This is something that you can do at a dealer, but it's usually cheaper to hire an auto locksmith to visit your location and make the needed repairs or replace the key fob completely.
Broken Key Fobs
Car key fobs are not durable, and like all electronic devices is susceptible to problems at some point. Fortunately, they're not all that difficult to fix when they do stop working. You'll first need to determine the cause.
The battery is typically the culprit when a keyfob stops working. The replacement of the battery is the easiest and cheapest solution, and is something you can do at home.
If replacing the battery doesn't work, you can try disassembling it and cleaning it. The circuit board of your fob contains "contact pads" that correspond to every button on the fob. (Lock buttons and trunk buttons for example.) These contact pads are rubber-like and coated in an electricity conducting film that will eventually wear away as time passes. Using a cotton swab and some rubbing alcohol, you can scrub the contacts of your key fob to remove any corrosion that may be hindering their functioning.
You can also try using a pair or tweezers to put the contacts back on your key fob if think they're broken or loose. It is recommended to apply silicone to the back of the key fob before you insert the new contacts. Silicone helps seal the contacts and keep out water.
Another possibility for a non-functioning key fob is that it is no longer linked with the vehicle. When you press a key fob, it sends the car a code that tells it what you're trying to accomplish. If the key fob is unpaired, it won't recognize the car and will not allow you to start the engine.
It's time to call an locksmith or dealership technician if it's impossible to get the key fob to connect with your vehicle. They will have the equipment required to reprogram the fob to get it working again. You'll likely have to pay for the service but it will be much cheaper than buying a brand new key fob.
Unresponsive Keys
It can be a nightmare when a key on your computer ceases to function. First, make sure that the key isn’t blocked by any obstruction. Over time dust, hair, and other debris can build up and interfere with the circuitry of a key. Try gently taking car key fob repair off and cleaning the area under it with a rag or ruby alcohol. This may be all that's needed to get your key back in working order.
If the key does not work, it's possible there's a problem with your software. Some keys are mapped to specific actions in games and if your key isn't performing as you expect it to, make sure you check your game settings to make sure that the key is properly associated with the game.
You can also 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 ensure that they are updated as often as possible.
Another possibility is that the key is broken. There are two circuits that make up each key switch and over time these can get worn out to the point where they are no longer able to detect when the key is pressed. If this happens, the best option is to replace the entire keyboard since it's likely to cease to function properly.
If you've tried all of these fixes but the key still isn't responding, it's probably time to have your laptop or external keyboard checked by a professional. It could be that the membrane covering your keyboard is damaged, or one of the keys is damaged.
You can test the keys using the keyboard tester. The website will let you know whether the keys are registered correctly during the test, and if they do, it's most likely due to a software problem. You can then begin applying the fixes you have made to restore full functionality. You can also utilize an external keyboard until the internal keyboard is repaired or replaced.
Keys that aren't working
It's frustrating when keys stop working but they're generally easy to repair. The majority times, a malfunctioning key is caused by a piece of dirt beneath the key, or simply not properly connected to the laptop or keyboard. If you're not sure whether this is the case, begin by cleaning the keys and using canned air to blow out dust or dirt.
The key may have become disaligned. This is a different issue which can be resolved with a professional, though it is more likely to require replacement of the key. If you own an electronic key that cannot be turned using an iron key, the transponder chip may have stopped working. It is necessary to have a new key programmed.
If your laptop or external keyboard keys seem to not be recording any actions in any way, you could try the key test site. This can help you figure out if there is any problems with software or the keyboard itself.
A switch that isn't functioning properly could also be the cause for the key not functioning as is. If you own mechanical keyboards you can examine this by looking under the keycap and observing if there is any debris that has accumulated on it. If you spot any, use canned air to clear it and then remove the cap. This will allow you replace the hooks that connect the retainer to the switch and, hopefully, restore functionality to your key.
If you have a keyboard key that does not perform the desired function in just one program, then it is likely that the settings for the game's keyboard have assigned the key to perform a different action. Check the keyboard's settings and then try pressing the key once more to see if it's working properly. If you're having issues it's best to purchase an entirely new keyboard. It can be set up by a professional. This is particularly true when you play a sport which requires a lot more typing.