How to Repair Car Keys
The car keys aren't big and may not be considered important, but they're essential to the functioning of your vehicle. The cost of replacing an old or contemporary transponder car key can range from $200 to upwards of $200.
There are many ways to repair your car keys yourself for just a fraction of the cost. This article will cover some of the most frequent car keys issues and the DIY solutions.
Dead Key Fob Batteries
Cars are equipped with remote key fobs which makes opening doors and trunk easier than ever. The battery inside the device is prone to dying. There are some tricks you can use to resolve this issue fast.
Check to see if your vehicle is in ignition mode. If it is, the key fob's battery may be low, but not dead. To test this, press the fob's button against the ignition button of the vehicle. If it works, the battery is likely fine and needs to be replaced.
To replace the fob battery, first pry the case open using a screwdriver or watch-type tool. Do not apply too much force, as this could cause the fob's casing to split. If the fob isn't coming easily, try putting your pry tool in several places around the outside of the case.
Open the electronic compartment of your car after you have removed the mechanical key. Then insert the replacement battery and snap the shell back together. If the key fob doesn't work after this, it could be that there is an problem with the remote starting system in your car. This will require an expert to determine the cause. If this is the case, a trusted mechanic should be able to help you. If you need help with your vehicle or vehicle, you can get roadside assistance.
Broken Key Ring
If your key fob isn't working because the ring has broken, there are a few things you could try. The first step is to see if your broken piece is still inside the ignition. If it's still in there, remove it without damaging the ignition lock or the door lock. If you're having difficulty removing it, call a locksmith for help. They have tools that can safely remove a damaged key from the ignition.
Another reason that can lead to broken car keys is the corrosion of the circuit board or plastic frame. You can clean the circuit board by using a cotton swab with rubbing alcohol. This will remove corrosion and ensure that the contact pads aren't damaged.
If your key isn't starting because of a broken ring it, you might be able to fix it with a strong wire or nail to plug the hole. broken car key repair near me can also use superglue to fix a broken ring. First, clean the damaged ring with a damp cloth and then apply a small amount of superglue to each end of the wire or nail. Press the pieces together and let them dry before using your car. These DIY solutions may seem appealing, however they are only a temporary measure. For long-term repairs, it's recommended to hire an expert locksmith. They have the knowledge and tools to fix damaged keys quickly and efficiently. They can even replace the battery on your key fob and modify it if necessary.
Broken Key Blade
Some key blades break from a lot of wear and tear. If this happens, you should probably purchase a new one. Fortunately, this issue isn't as serious as it might seem at first glance. The issue is that the metal blade has snapped away from the case.
Spraying lubricant into the keyhole is a solution to fix the problem. You can then 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 magnetic tool to help pull it out. Use a magnet as a aid to you remove the key, but be cautious to not sever the lock tumbler.
If you're unable to take the broken piece of the key, contact an emergency locksmith. They have special tools that allow them to safely remove keys without causing damage.
Super glue can be used to fix an open lock that has snapped. Apply a small amount of the glue to the edges 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 may need to repeat the process several times before it is successful. Plus, the super glue may not be enough strong to hold the key together. This is more of a temporary solution rather than a permanent one.
Broken Plastic Loop
If the plastic loop breaks off, it can make the key useless. This is a relatively easy fix. You can make use of wire or a finishing nail as a replacement. For each end of the nail or wire you need to drill two holes into the plastic loop. Cut the wire or nail to the desired width, then place one drop of superglue into each hole. Put the nail or wire into the holes to close them and let it dry.
Another option is to get a replacement shell from a locksmith who sells them. They can take out the programmable portion of your key, then transfer it to the new shell, and cut a new blade for much less than a full replacement cost.
It's not the ideal solution, but it will bring you back on the road if your key broke in half. However, it could be difficult to fix the key blade if it's in the ignition. You can try using a hair clip or a needle extractor tool to remove the damaged piece of the ignition, however this is risky if you're not careful. Call a locksmith with special tools to safely remove damaged keys from ignitions. They can also make you a new key with the proper cuts for your ignition and ensure it works properly when it is inserted into the lock.
Broken Master Key
You'll need to to retrieve the key before it is completely destroyed. You can use lubricants, tweezers, and needle nose pliers for grabbing the broken fragment of a key.
To start, spray the inside of your lock with a lubricant like WD-40 or graphite powder. You can also use the hacksaw blade technique by sliding the blade along the side of a broken key and then grasping a few of its 'teeth.' If you are successful then you should be able to cut the damaged key.
Another useful tool is an extractor for keys spiral, which you can find in many hardware stores. It is a thin flexible rod with spiral threads that can be inserted into the keyway, and later bent into the broken part of the key. Once it has gotten caught on the serrations, you can twist the bar around and then pull it up against the damaged section of the key.
It's worth attempting to remove a master key that's broken prior to calling a professional locksmith. If you're not able to remove the broken piece then you'll have to call a locksmith. A locksmith can give you a new key that can be programmed using your car transponder.