How to Repair Car Keys
The car keys are tiny and may not seem important, but they're vital for the proper operation of your car. The cost of replacing a traditional or modern transponder car keys can be upwards to $200.
There are methods to repair your car keys at home with less than. This article will address the most common car keys issues and their DIY fixes.
Dead Key Fob Batteries
The remote key fobs that are included with cars make it easier than ever before to open the trunk, doors and tailgate. The battery of the device is prone to dying. There are some tricks you can employ to fix this issue quickly.
Check to see if your vehicle is in ignition mode. If it is, the battery on the key fob could simply be low instead of dead. To test, press the fob's button against the ignition button on the vehicle. If it works, the battery is probably fine and will only need to be changed.
To replace the fob battery, start by prying the case off using an instrument like a screwdriver, or watch-type tool. Be careful not to apply too much force, as this may cause the fob's casing to split. If the fob isn't coming easily, try putting your pry tool into multiple places on the outside of the case.
Once the fob is open, remove the mechanical key, and then open the electronic section of the car. Insert car key and repair and snap it back into the shell. If the key fob isn't working after this, it could be that there is a larger problem with the remote start system in your car. This requires an expert to determine the cause. If this is the case, a reliable mechanic should be able to assist you. If you need help with your vehicle and you need help, you can call roadside assistance.
Broken Key Ring
There are a few things that you can do in the event that your key fob won't function because the ring is broken. Check to see if you can locate the broken part inside the ignition. If it is, remove it without damaging the lock on the ignition or door lock. If you are having trouble taking it off, call a locksmith for assistance. They have tools that are able to safely remove keys that are damaged from the ignition.
Another reason that can lead to broken car keys is the corrosion of the circuit board or plastic frame. It is possible to clean the board with cotton swab. This will remove the corrosion and protect to the contact pads.
You can fix a broken rings by using a thick nail or wire to close the hole. Superglue can be used to fix damaged key rings. After cleaning the ring with a moist cloth Apply a small amount superglue on each end of the nail or wire. Then, press the pieces together and let them dry prior to using your vehicle. These DIY solutions may appear appealing, but they're really just an interim measure. For long-term repairs, it's recommended to get a professional locksmith. They have the expertise and tools to repair a broken key quickly and efficiently. They can replace the battery and reprogram the key fob, if needed.
Broken Key Blade
Key blades may break due to a lot of wear and tear. If this occurs, you must purchase a new one. The issue isn't as serious as you might think at first. The primary issue is that the metal blade snapped off the case.
One solution is spraying the key hole with oil-based lubricant. You can then use pliers or tweezers to grab the broken end of the key and pull it. If the key is magnetic, you can also use a magnet to assist in pulling it out. Use a magnet to assist you remove the key, but be careful to not break the tumbler of the lock.
Call a locksmith immediately in the event that you are unable to remove the broken piece of the key. They're equipped with special tools that let them safely remove keys without causing further damage.
You can also apply super glue to fix a snapped key. Apply a small amount glue to the edges of the crack and press them together. Make sure the glue is dry before inserting the key into the lock. However, this method isn't secure and you may need to repeat the process a few times before it's successful. Plus the super glue may not be strong enough to keep the key in place. This is more of a temporary solution than an option that is permanent.
Broken Plastic Loop
If the plastic loop breaks off it can render the key ineffective. Luckily, this is a fairly easy fix. For a replacement alternative, you can use a thick wire or finishing nail. For each end of the wire or nail make two holes in the loop of plastic. Cut the wire or nail to a key width, then put the superglue drop in each hole. Press the nail or wire into the holes and let them dry.
A locksmith who sells replacement shells is another option. They can take the programmable portion of your key, move it to the new shell and cut a new blade for much less than the full replacement cost.
It's not the ideal solution, but it'll bring you back on the road in case your key snapped in half. It's difficult to fix when the key blade is in the ignition however. You can try using a hair clip or needle extractor tool to remove the damaged part out of the ignition, but this can be risky if not cautious. The best solution is to contact a locksmith with special tools to safely remove broken keys from the ignition. They can also design new keys that have the correct cuts for your vehicle's ignition and ensure it works correctly when inserted into the lock.
Broken Master Key
If a key breaks inside the lock, you'll have to attempt to retrieve it before it gets completely destroyed. You can use the tweezers, lubricants and needle nose pliers to grab the fragment of a broken key.
To begin, spray the inside of your lock with a lubricant like WD-40 or graphite powder. You could also try the hacksaw method, which involves gently sliding the blade down along the edge of the broken key, and hooking onto some of the teeth - if you succeed in doing this you should be able pull out the broken key from the lock.
Another helpful tool is a spiral key extractor which you can find in many 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 been snagged onto the serrations, it is possible to twist it in a circular motion and press it against the broken section of the key to pull it out.
Before calling a locksmith, try to get rid of the broken master key before calling a locksmith. If you are unable to get rid of the broken piece, you'll need to contact a professional locksmith. Locksmiths can create you a new key that can be programmed using the transponder of your car.