Repair Car Keys: What's No One Is Discussing
How to Repair Car Keys Car keys might seem tiny and insignificant, but they are essential for the proper operation of your vehicle. The cost of replacing the traditional or contemporary transponder car key can be upwards to $200. There are methods to repair your car keys at home for less than. This article will discuss some of the most common car keys issues and the DIY solutions. 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 this device is prone to dying. There are a few strategies you can employ to fix this issue quickly. First, determine if the car is in ignition mode. If so the battery of the key fob could be low rather than dead. To test this, press the button on the fob against the ignition button on the vehicle. If this works, then the battery is probably working fine and just requires to be replaced. To replace the fob's battery, first pry open the case with an instrument like a screwdriver, or watch-type tool. Be careful not to put too much pressure on the fob since this could cause the fob to split apart. If the fob isn't opening open easily, try wedge your pry tool into multiple places on the outside of the case. Open the electronic portion of your vehicle after you have removed the mechanical key. Insert the new battery and snap it back into the shell. If your key fob doesn't work after this, it could be a larger problem with the remote start system of your car. This will require a professional to diagnose. A reputable mechanic will capable of helping you if this is the situation. If you need help with your car or vehicle, you can get roadside assistance. Broken Key Ring There are a few steps to do if your key fob doesn't function because the ring is broken. Check to see if you can locate the broken piece inside the ignition. If it's still there it, remove it without causing damage to the ignition lock or the door lock. If you're having difficulty getting it out, contact an expert locksmith. They have the right tools to safely remove a damaged or broken key from the ignition. A damaged car key could also be the result of corrosion on the plastic frame or circuit board. Clean the board with the help of rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab. This will eliminate the corrosion and stop damage to the contact pads. If your key isn't starting because of a broken ring, you may be able to repair it by using a thick wire or nail to close the hole. Superglue can be used to repair the broken key ring. After cleaning the ring with a wet cloth, apply a small amount superglue on each end of the nail or wire. Let the pieces dry and then press them in place. These DIY solutions may sound appealing, but they are only a temporary measure. For long-term repairs, you'll want to hire an experienced locksmith. They have the expertise and tools to repair damaged keys quickly and effectively. They can replace the battery and reprogram your key fob in the event of need. Broken Key Blade Some key blades break due to a lot of wear and tear. If this happens, it's time to get a new key. This problem isn't nearly as serious as you might think at first glance. The most significant issue is that the metal blade snapped off the case. Spraying lubricant into the keyhole is one way to repair it. Then, you can use pliers tweezers, or a pin to grab the damaged key and remove it. You could also use a magnet if the key is magnetic. Just be car key fob repairs not to use a magnetic tool on an ignition key because it could cause the lock tumbler to break. 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 damage. Super glue can be used to fix the snapped lock. Apply a small amount to the edges and press them together. Then, wait until the glue is dry before inserting your key into the lock. This method isn't very reliable, and you may have to repeat it a few times before it does the trick. Plus the super glue may not be enough strong to keep the key in place. This is more of a temporary solution than a permanent solution. Broken Plastic Loop If the loop of plastic on your key fob breaks it can render the key ineffective. This is a simple fix. For a replacement, you can use a thick wire or finishing nail. Make two holes in the plastic loop that is broken for each end of the nail or wire. Cut the nail or wire to a key width, then place a drop of superglue in each hole. Then, press the wire or nail into the holes until it closes them and let it dry. Another option is to get an alternative shell from a locksmith that sells them. They can take out the programmable component of your key, transfer it to the new shell and cut an entirely new blade for less than a full replacement cost. This isn't the most efficient option, but it can allow you to travel once more if your key been cut in half. However, it could be difficult to repair the key blade if it's in the ignition. You can try using hair clips or needle extractor tool to pull the broken part of the ignition, however this can be risky if not cautious. The best solution is to contact an expert locksmith who has tools for safely removing damaged keys from the ignition. You can also get a new key made with the proper cuts for the ignition of your car. Broken Master Key If a key gets damaged inside the lock, you'll have to try to retrieve it before it's completely destroyed. There are several methods you can employ, such as using lubricants, tools, needle nose pliers or tweezers to grab a fragment of the key that has been broken and then remove it. Spray the inside of your lock with WD-40 or a graphite powder. You can also use the hacksaw blade technique by moving the blade along the side of the broken key, and grasping onto a few of its 'teeth.' If you are successful, you should be able to cut the damaged key. Another helpful tool is a spiral key extractor, that is available in a wide range of hardware stores. It is a thin flexible rod with spiral threads that can be inserted in the keyway, and then bent into the broken part of the key. Once it has caught onto the serrations, you can twist the bar around and then pull it against the broken part of the key. Before contacting a locksmith try to remove the broken master key before calling a locksmith. If you are unable to get an item out, you need to call in the big guns to have a locksmith make you a brand new key and reprogram it with your car's transponder.