How to Repair Car Keys
Car keys may seem tiny and insignificant, but they are essential to the operation of your vehicle. The cost of replacing the traditional or modern transponder emergency car key repair key can be upwards to $200.
However, there are ways to repair your car keys at home for only a fraction of the cost. This article will discuss the most common car keys problems and their DIY solutions.
Dead Key Fob Battery
The remote key fobs for keys that come with cars make it simpler than ever before to open the trunk, doors and tailgate. However, the battery inside the device can fail. There are a few strategies you can use to solve this problem quickly.
Check to see if your vehicle is in ignition mode. If it is, the battery of the key fob may simply be low instead of dead. To test this, push the button on the key fob towards the ignition button. If this works, then the battery is probably fine and will only need to be changed.
To replace the fob battery, start by prying the case open using the help of a screwdriver or watch-type device. Don’t apply too much force as this could cause the fob’s case to split. If the fob isn’t coming open with ease, try placing your pry tool into multiple places on the outside of the case.
After the fob has been opened then remove the mechanical key and open the electronic portion of the car. Then insert the replacement battery and snap the shell back together. If the key fob won’t work after this, there could be a more serious problem with the remote start system that requires a professional diagnosis. A trusted mechanic will be in a position to assist you if this is the situation. If you need help with your car, you can contact roadside assistance.
Broken Key Ring
If your key fob won’t work because the ring is broken there are a few things you can try. First, you should check to see if the damaged piece is still in the ignition. If it’s still there, remove it without damaging the ignition lock or the door lock. Contact a locksmith if have difficulty taking the key off. They have the right tools to safely remove a damaged key from the ignition.
A broken car key could be caused by corrosion on the plastic frame or circuit board. You can clean the circuit board using a cotton swab with ruby alcohol. This will remove corrosion and ensure the contact pads aren’t damaged.
Repair a damaged rings 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 of superglue to the ends of the wire or nail. Press the pieces together and let them dry prior to using your vehicle. These DIY solutions may seem appealing, but they’re only temporary solutions. For long-term repairs, it’s recommended to work with an expert locksmith. They have the tools and expertise to fix a broken car keys repair key quickly and efficiently. They can even replace the battery on your key fob, and reprogram it if needed.
broken key repair Key Blade
Some key blades may break due to wear and tear. If this happens, you should probably buy a new blade. This problem isn’t nearly as serious as you think at first glance. The problem is that the blade has snapped away from the case.
Spraying lubricant into the keyhole is one way to fix the problem. Then you can use pliers, tweezers, or a pin to grasp the damaged key and pull it out. If the key is magnetic, you could also try using a magnetic tool to pull it out. Be careful not to use a magnet on an ignition key since it could cause the lock tumbler to break.
Contact a locksmith right away when you are unable remove the broken part of the key. They have special tools that allow them to safely remove keys without causing damage.
You can also apply super glue to fix a broken key. Apply a small amount of the glue to the edges and press them in. Wait until the glue is dry before inserting the key into the lock. This method isn’t reliable and you might have to repeat the process multiple times before it is successful. Additionally the super glue might not be enough strong to keep the key in place. Therefore, this is more of a temporary measure than a permanent solution.
Broken Plastic Loop
If the plastic loop breaks off, it can make the key useless. Luckily, this is an simple fix. You can make use of wire or a finishing nail as a replacement. Drill two holes in the plastic loop that is broken at each end of the wire or nail. Cut the wire or nail to the desired width, then place a small drop of superglue in each hole. Press the nail or wire into the holes and let them dry.
Another option is to purchase a replacement shell from a locksmith who sells them. They can transfer the programmable portion of your key to the new shell and cut new blades for only a fraction of the price.
This isn’t the best solution, but it will help you get back on the road again if your key split in half. However, it could be difficult to fix the blade of the key if it’s in the ignition. You could try using hair clips or a needle extractor tool to remove the damaged piece of the ignition, but this is risky if you’re not careful. The best solution is to contact a locksmith who has special tools for safely removing damaged keys from the ignition. You can also request an entirely new key made using appropriate cuts to fit the ignition of your car.
Broken Master Key
If a key is broken inside the lock, you’ll have to attempt to retrieve it before it’s completely destroyed. There are several methods you can use, including using lubricants as well as tools such as needle nose pliers and tweezers. These tools can grab a fragment of the key that has been broken and remove it.
To begin, spray the inside of your lock with a lubricant, such as graphite powder or WD-40. You can also try the hacksaw blade technique, which involves sliding the blade along the side of a damaged key and grasping onto a few of its teeth. If you’re successful then you should be able to take the broken key out.
Many hardware stores offer the spiral key extraction tool. It’s a thin and flexible bar with spiral threads that can be inserted into the keyway and bent to dig into the broken part of the key. Once it has hooked onto the serrations, you can twist it in a circular direction and lever it against the broken portion of the key to pull it out.
Before contacting a locksmith, try to remove the broken master key before calling a locksmith. If you are unable to get the piece out, you need to call the big guns – get a locksmith to make you a brand new key and reprogram it using your car’s transponder.