How to Repair Car Keys
Car keys may seem tiny and insignificant, but they are crucial to the operation of your vehicle. The cost of replacing the traditional or contemporary transponder car key could be as high as $200.
However, there are ways to repair your car keys at home for a fraction of the cost. This article will discuss the most frequently encountered car keys problems and their DIY solutions.
Dead Key Fob Batteries
The remote key fobs that are included with cars make it easier than ever to open the trunk, doors, and the tailgate. The battery of the device is prone to dying. There are a few strategies you can use to resolve this problem quickly.
First, make sure that the car is in ignition mode. If it is, the key fob's battery may be low, but not 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, start by prying open the case with the help of a screwdriver or watch-type device. Be careful not to apply too much force as this could cause the fob's case split. If the fob isn't coming open easily, try wedge your pry tool into multiple places around the outside of the case.
Open the electronic portion of your car once you have removed the mechanical key. Install the new battery and snap it back into the shell. If your key fob still isn't working after this, it could be due to an problem with the remote starting system of your vehicle. This requires an expert to identify. A reputable mechanic will be able help you in this situation. You can also reach out to roadside assistance for help with your vehicle in case you need it.
Broken Key Ring
If your key fob isn't functioning because the ring is broken, there are a few options you could try. Examine if you can find the broken piece inside the ignition. If it's still inside, remove it without causing damage to the ignition lock or the door lock. If you're having difficulty getting it out, contact a locksmith for assistance. They have specialized tools that allow you to safely remove the damaged key from the ignition.
Another common cause of a broken car key is the corrosion of the circuit board or plastic frame. You can clean the circuit board using the help of rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab. This will remove the corrosion and prevent damage to the contact pads.
If your key won't start because the ring broke, you may be able fix it by using a thick wire or nail to plug the hole. Superglue can be used to repair a broken key ring. First, clean the broken ring with a damp cloth and then apply a small amount of superglue to the ends of the nail or wire. Allow the pieces to dry, and then press them together. These DIY solutions might look appealing, but they're just temporary solutions. It is recommended to hire an expert locksmith for repairs that last. They have the tools and expertise to repair a damaged car key quickly and efficiently. They can even replace the battery in your key fob and modify it if necessary.
Broken Key Blade
Some key blades might break due to wear and tear. If this occurs, you must buy a new blade. The issue isn't as serious as you might think at first. The primary issue is that the blade snapped off the case.
Spraying lubricant into the keyhole is a solution to repair it. Then, you can use pliers or tweezers to grasp the broken end of the key and pull it. If the key is magnetic, you can also try using a magnet to help pull it out. Use car key repair near me to help you remove the key, but be cautious to not break the lock tumbler.
Call a locksmith immediately in the event that you are unable to remove the broken piece of the key. They have tools that allow them to safely remove keys without causing further damage.
You can also try super glue to fix a snapped key. Apply a small amount of glue to the edges and press them together. Then, wait until the glue has dried before you insert your key into the lock. But this method isn't very 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 loop of plastic on your key fob breaks, it can make the key useless. Luckily, this is a fairly easy fix. You can make use of wire or a finishing nail as a replacement. For each end of the wire or nail make two holes in the loop of plastic. Cut the nail or wire to the desired width and then place a drop of superglue on each hole. Press the nail or wire into the holes and let them dry.
A locksmith who sells replacement shells is a different option. They can transfer the programmable section of your key to the new shell and cut a brand new blade for only a fraction of the price.
This is not the best solution, but will allow you to travel again if your key broken in half. It's not easy to fix if the key blade is in the ignition however. If you're not careful you could use a hair clip or a needle to remove the broken piece from the ignition. The best option is to call an expert locksmith who has tools to safely remove broken keys from the ignition. They can also create a new key with the proper cuts for your ignition and ensure it works correctly when inserted into the lock.
Broken Master Key
You'll need to try at regaining the key before it becomes completely destroyed. You can employ tweezers, lubricants, and needle nose pliers for grabbing the fragments of a damaged key.
To start, spray the inside of your lock with a lubricant such as WD-40 or graphite powder. You can also try the hacksaw blade method which involves gently sliding the blade down along the edge of the broken key, and attaching it to the 'teeth'. If you succeed in doing this, you should be able to remove the broken key from the lock.
Many hardware stores offer the spiral key extraction tool. This tool is a thin rod that is flexible and has spiral threads that can be inserted into the keyway and then bent to form the broken part of the key. Once it is firmly anchored to the serrations, you can turn the bar around and then pull it against the broken part of the key.
Before contacting a locksmith attempt to take out the damaged master key before calling a locksmith. If you're unable to take the broken piece off, you'll need to contact a professional locksmith. Locksmiths can create you an entirely new key that will be programmed to the transponder in your car.