How to Repair Car Keys
Car keys might seem small and insignificant, but they are essential to the operation of your vehicle. The cost of replacing an old or contemporary transponder car key can be upwards to $200.
There are methods to repair your car keys at home for only a fraction of the cost. This article will cover the most frequently encountered car keys problems and the DIY solutions.
Dead Key Fob Batteries
Cars are equipped with a remote key fob which makes opening doors, trunk and tailgate easier than ever. The battery in this device is prone to dying. There are some tricks you can use to solve this problem quickly.
Check to see if your vehicle is still in ignition mode. If it is the battery of the key fob may be low, but not dead. To test this, press the fob's button against the ignition button on the vehicle. If this works, then the battery is probably in good condition and will only need to be replaced.
To replace the fob battery, start by prying open the case with a screwdriver or watch-type tool. Be careful not to press too hard because this could cause the fob to split into two pieces. If the fob won't open try prying the tool several times around the outside of case.
Once the fob is opened then remove the mechanical key, and then open the electronic part of the car. Then, insert the battery replacement and snap the shell back together. If electronic car key repair near me fob doesn't work after this procedure, there could be a more serious issue with your car's remote start system that requires a professional to diagnose. If this is the case, a trusted mechanic should be able to help you. You can also call roadside assistance for help with your vehicle, if you require it.
Broken Key Ring
If your key fob isn't functioning because the ring has broken there are a few options you might try. Check to see if you can locate the broken piece in the ignition. If it's still in there it, remove it without damaging either the ignition lock or the door lock. If you are having trouble taking it off, call a locksmith for assistance. They have special tools that can safely remove keys that are damaged from the ignition.
A damaged car key could also be the result of corrosion of the plastic frame or circuit board. Clean the board with rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab. This will get rid of the corrosion and protect to the contact pads.
You can fix a broken ring by using a thick wire or nail to close the hole. Superglue can be used to fix damaged key rings. After cleaning the ring with a wet cloth apply a small amount of superglue on each end of the wire or nail. Let the pieces dry and then press them into place. These DIY solutions may seem appealing, however they are only a temporary measure. It is best to employ an experienced locksmith for long-term repairs. They have the tools and know-how to repair a damaged car key quickly and effectively. They can replace the battery and reprogram your key fob, if needed.
Broken Key Blade
Some key blades might break due to wear and tear. If this happens, it's probably time to get a new key. This problem isn't nearly as serious as you might think at first. The problem is that the metal blade has broken off from the case.
One method to fix this is spraying the key hole with a lubricant. Then, you can use pliers, pins, or tweezers to grab the end of the broken key and pull it out. If the key is magnetic, you can also try using a magnetic tool to assist in pulling it out. Use a magnet to help you remove the key, but take care to not sever the tumbler of the lock.
Contact a locksmith immediately when you are unable remove the broken piece of the key. They have the right tools that can safely remove keys without causing any further damage.
Super glue can be used to fix a snapped lock. Apply a small amount of glue to the edges of the crack and press them together. Wait until the glue has dried before inserting the key into the lock. This method isn't very reliable, and you might need to repeat the process several times before it does the trick. In addition the super glue may not be strong enough to hold the key together. This is more of a temporary solution rather than a permanent one.
Broken Plastic Loop
If the loop of plastic on your key fob fails, it can render the key ineffective. It's an simple fix. You can use thick wire or a nail for finishing to replace it. For each end of the wire or nail make two holes in the plastic loop. Cut the wire or nail to the desired width, and then place tiny drops of superglue into each hole. Put electronic car key repair near me or wire into the holes to seal them and allow it to dry.
A locksmith who sells replacement shells is an alternative option. They can remove the programmable portion of your key, transfer it to the new shell and cut a new blade for much less than the full replacement cost.
This isn't the best solution, but it will help you get back on the road again if your key split in half. It can be difficult to repair the blade of the key if it's in the ignition. You could try using a hair clip or a needle extractor tool to pull the broken part out of the ignition, but this can be risky if not careful. The best solution is to call an expert locksmith who has tools to safely remove broken keys from the ignition. You can also have a new key made with the correct cuts to fit the ignition of your car.
Broken Master Key
If a key gets damaged inside the lock, you'll have to attempt to retrieve it before it's completely destroyed. You can use lubricants, tweezers, and needle nose pliers to grasp the fragments of a damaged key.
Spray the inside of your lock with WD-40 or graphite powder. You could also try the hacksaw blade method which involves carefully sliding the blade down along the side of the broken key, and hooking onto some of the 'teeth'. If you succeed in doing this you should be able remove the broken key from the lock.
Another tool that is useful is an extractor for keys spiral, that is available in a wide range of hardware stores. This tool has a thin rod with spiral threads that can be inserted in the keyway, and then bent to the broken portion of the key. Once it has gotten caught on the serrations, you can twist the bar in a circle and then pull it against the broken section of the key.
Before contacting a locksmith, attempt to take out the damaged master key before calling a locksmith. If you can't get a piece out, you need to call in the big guns - get a locksmith to make you a brand new key and reprogram it with the transponder of your car.