How to Repair a Dead Car Key
Extreme cold or heat can sometimes cause the car to stop functioning. It is best to wait a few minutes before replacing it.
If your car keys get damaged it's a huge hassle. It always occurs at the worst timing! There are a few ways to repair broken car keys that don't involve paying for an entirely new one.
Dead Key Fob Battery
Modern key fobs allow us to open doors, trunks and tailgates, without having to fumble around for a physical key. Certain key fobs come with a built in key that can be utilized to start our vehicles. key repair service are powered by a small battery. If the battery dies and the key fob dies, it cannot transmit the signal needed to start the vehicle. There are a variety of ways you can fix the problem and get your car functioning again.
First, you must find out if your key fob is dead. If it seems to be dead, you'll have to replace the batteries. You can do this yourself by removing the fob from its clip, or by using an screwdriver with a flat-head. Do not use too much force or it could cause damage to the fob. It is also essential to make sure that you replace the correct type of battery. Most key fobs are the CR2032 3-Volt battery, however some models may require a different type of battery. If you're not sure which kind of battery your vehicle requires, you can usually find the details in your owner's manual or visit an Interstate All Battery Center to have a battery expert help you.
If the key fob actually isn't dead, you can sometimes revive it by bringing it closer to your car. Since the majority of key fobs use RFID (radio-frequency identification) they can only operate at a limited distance and must be close enough for the ignition system to recognize the signal. You can unlock your car or even start it if you move couple of inches closer.
Many car manufacturers have an emergency mechanism that is activated when the key fob battery is dead. For example, most Ford models come with a designated slot for the key fob which will start the engine when it is properly inserted. Refer to the owner's manual for instructions on finding this slot and how to insert the key fob. If you're not able to start the car by using this method, call roadside assistance.
Broken Key Ring
The internal chip of the key fob is what transmits to the immobilizer on your car to allow it to start the motor. The chip could be damaged or there could be programming errors. If this happens the key fob won't be able to send the correct identification code, and your car won't start. A faulty transponder can be caused by physical damage to the key shell or wear and tear on the contact pads.
Often when a key fob starts to have trouble communicating with the vehicle's immobilizer system and you notice specific warning indicators on your dashboard. This could be warnings about errors, flashing lights or the key not locking the car. If you observe any of these warnings, contact your local locksmith immediately to repair your key fob or replacement.
It's very easy to cause damage to the ring of your keys by applying too excessive pressure on it, especially when carrying a lot of keys. This can cause the key fob to split in half this is one of the most frequent causes of broken car keys. You can apply super glue on both sides of the crack and gently press them together to repair the issue. Use a gel-type of glue that drys slowly to prevent drips or runniness.
If this method doesn't work, it's important to contact a professional locksmith right away to prevent any further damage to your vehicle. A locksmith with the right qualifications can replace or repair your fob swiftly and make sure that the ignition and door locks aren't damaged in the process.
It can be frustrating when your key fob gets damaged. It's not cause to be in a state of panic or anger. You can make proactive steps to lessen the possibility of your key fob breaking in the future. This includes regular maintenance, key protectors and keeping a spare. If you do experience problems with your key fob the team at Quicksmith is here to assist you!
Broken Key Loop
One of my MK5 keysfobs broke off the tiny key ring that is at the top, where it connects to the keyfob. It's made of plastic or metal that is soft. I've drilled a hole, and then wet-sanded it to make it stronger but I'm guessing the problem isn't helped by this.
I've also tried wrapping the broken part of the ring in clear tape, but it does not seem to do any good. It's a shame, since I use the tiny rings to hold my keys on the tiny mini-splitring which holds the larger split rings for the other keyfobs.
If the key fob's case is broken, you can often remove it and replace the battery, if it isn't already dead. There are online kits available for this, but they typically only provide temporary fixes - it is more efficient to take it to a mechanic who will replace the battery and reprogram the key fob. You may also be able to find an alternative case at the home improvement store or locksmith. They're not likely to be as expensive as the new key fob.