The 10 Most Scariest Things About Repair Car Keys
How to Repair Car Keys
Car keys might seem tiny and insignificant, but they are essential for the proper operation of your vehicle. Replacing a traditional key or a transponder one can cost upwards of $200.
There are solutions to fix your car keys yourself at a fraction of the price. This article will cover some of the most frequent car keys problems and the DIY solutions.
Dead Key Fob Batteries
Cars come with a remote key fob that makes opening the doors, trunk and tailgate easier than ever. However, the battery inside the device can fail. There are some tricks you can use to solve this issue quickly.
Check to see if your vehicle is in ignition mode. If it is the battery of the key fob might be low instead of dead. To test, press the fob's button against the ignition button of the vehicle. If this works, the battery is probably in good condition and only requires to be replaced.
To replace the battery in the fob, you need to open the case using the screwdriver. Be careful not to apply too much force as this could cause the fob's case split. If the fob doesn't seem to be coming easily, try putting your pry tool into several places around the outside of the case.
Once the fob is open then remove the mechanical key and open the electronic car key repair near me portion of the car. Then insert the replacement battery and then snap the shell together. If your key fob does not work after this, it could be an problem with the remote start system of your car. This will require a professional to diagnose. If this is the case, a trusted mechanic should be able to help you. You can also call roadside assistance for help with your vehicle if needed.
Broken Key Ring
If your key fob won't work because the ring is broken there are a few things you could try. Look to see if can locate the broken part in the ignition. If it is, you should remove it without damaging the ignition lock or door lock. If you're having difficulty removing it, call a locksmith for help. They have specialized tools that allow you to safely remove keys that are damaged 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 by using a cotton swab and rubbing alcohol. This will eliminate corrosion and ensure the contact pads don't become damaged.
If your key isn't working because the ring is broken or was damaged, you might be able to fix it using a sturdy wire or nail to seal the hole. Superglue can also be used to fix a broken ring. After cleaning the ring using a damp cloth Apply a small amount superglue on each end of the nail or wire. Allow the pieces to dry, and then press them together. These DIY solutions may appear appealing, but they're really just temporary solutions. It's best to hire an experienced locksmith for long-term repairs. They have the tools and knowledge to fix a broken car key quickly and efficiently. They can even replace the battery on the key fob and change it's programming if required.
Broken Key Blade
Some key blades might 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 might think at first glance. The main problem is that the blade snapped off the case.
One way to fix this is to spray the key hole with oil-based lubricant. Then you can use pliers tweezers, or a pin to grab the end of the broken key and remove it. You could also employ a magnet in the event that the key is magnetic. Use a magnet to assist you remove the key, but be careful to not damage the lock tumbler.
If you're unable to remove the broken piece of the key, contact a locksmith right away. They're equipped with special tools that permit them to safely remove keys without causing further damage.
Super glue can be used to fix an open lock that has snapped. Apply a small amount of glue to the edges of the break and press them together. Wait until the glue is dry before inserting the key into the lock and key repair near me. However, this method isn't reliable and you might have to repeat the process multiple times before it is successful. Super glue may not be able to hold the key in place. This is more of a temporary fix than a permanent one.
Broken Plastic Loop
If the loop of plastic on your key fob breaks it can cause the key to become useless. It's a fairly simple fix. For a replacement alternative, you can use wire that is thick or a finishing nail. For each end of the wire or car key repairs (official Wikimapia blog) nail make two holes in the loop of plastic. Cut the nail or wire to key width and put a drop of superglue in each hole. Press the wire or nail into the holes to seal them, and then let it dry.
A locksmith who sells replacement shells is another option. They can transfer the programmable section of your key to the new shell, and cut an entirely new blade at a fraction of the cost.
This is not the best option, but it can help you get back on the road again if your key split in half. However, it could be difficult to fix the key blade if it is in the ignition. If you're not careful you could use a hair clip or a needle to take the broken part from the ignition. Contact a locksmith who has special tools to safely remove damaged keys from ignitions. They can also create new keys repair that have the correct cuts for your ignition to ensure that it functions perfectly when it is put into the lock.
Broken Master Key
You'll need to try in vain to recover the key before it is completely destroyed. You can make use of the tweezers, lubricants and needle nose pliers to grab the broken fragment of a key.
To begin, spray the inside of your lock with a lubricant like WD-40 or graphite powder. You could also try the hacksaw blade method which involves carefully sliding the blade down along the edge of the broken key and hooking onto some of the 'teeth'. If you are able to do this, you should be able to take the broken key from the lock.
Another useful tool is a spiral key extractor that can be found in a wide range of hardware stores. This tool has 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 has hooked onto the serrations, it is possible to twist it in a circular motion and lever it against the broken portion of the key to take it out.
Before contacting a locksmith, try to remove the broken master key before calling a locksmith. If you're unable to remove the broken piece, you'll need to call in the professionals. A locksmith can give you a new key that can be programmed using the transponder of your car.