How to Repair Car Keys
The mobile car key repair keys are small and might not seem to be important, but they are essential for the proper operation of your car. Replacing an old key or a transponder one can cost up to $200.
There are methods to fix your car keys at home for a fraction of the cost. This article will cover the most frequently encountered car key repair keys problems and their DIY fixes.
Dead Key Fob Batteries
Cars are equipped with a remote key fob repair key fob that makes opening the doors, trunk and tailgate easier than ever. The battery inside this device is susceptible to dying. Fortunately, there are a few tricks you can employ to fix this issue in the event of a need.
First, check if the car is still in ignition mode. If it is, then the battery of the key fob may simply be low instead of dead. To test this, press the button on the key fob right towards the ignition button. If it works, the battery is likely fine and only needs to be replaced.
To replace the fob battery, first pry open the case with a screwdriver or watch-type tool. Don’t apply too much force since this could cause the fob’s casing to split. If the fob isn’t opening easily, try putting your pry tool in multiple places on the outside of the case.
After the fob has been opened, remove the mechanical key, and then open the electronic part of the car. Insert the new battery and snap it back into the shell. If the key fob isn’t working after this, there may be a more serious problem with the remote start system that requires a professional to diagnose. A reputable mechanic will be capable of helping you if this is the situation. You can also contact roadside assistance to assist with your vehicle in case you need it.
Broken Key Ring
There are a few things you can do in the event that your key fob won’t work because the ring is broken. First, you should check to see if your broken piece is still in the ignition. If it is, you should remove it without damaging the lock on the ignition or door lock. Contact a locksmith if are having difficulty getting rid of the key. They have tools that allow you to safely remove keys that are damaged from the ignition.
Another common cause of a broken car key is corrosion on the circuit board or frame. It is possible to clean the circuit board using rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab. This will remove corrosion and ensure that the contact pads aren’t damaged.
You can repair a damaged ring by using a thick wire or nail to seal the hole. You can also use superglue to repair a broken ring. First, clean the broken ring with a damp towel and then apply a small amount of superglue to the ends of the wire or nail. Let the pieces dry and then press them together. These DIY solutions may sound appealing, however they are only a temporary measure. It is recommended to hire an experienced locksmith for long-term repairs. They have the tools and expertise to repair a damaged car key quickly and efficiently. They can replace the battery and reprogram your key fob if necessary.
Broken Key Blade
Key blades may break because of a lot wear and tear. If this happens, you should probably buy a new one. Fortunately, this issue isn’t as bad as it appears at first. The problem is that the blade has separated from the case.
Spraying lubricant into the keyhole is one method to fix it. Then, you can employ pliers or tweezers grasp the damaged end of the key and pull it. If the key is magnetic, you can also try using a magnet to assist in pulling it out. Use a magnet to assist you remove the key, but be careful to not damage the tumbler of the lock.
If you’re not able to remove the broken piece of the key, contact a locksmith right away. They have special tools that allow them to safely remove keys without causing further damage.
Super glue can be used to fix a snapped lock. Apply a small amount of glue to the edges and press them together. Make sure the glue is dry before inserting the key into the lock. This method is not very reliable, and you may have to repeat it a few times before it works. Plus, the super glue may not be enough strong to hold the key together. Therefore, this is more of a stopgap 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 use thick wire or a finishing nail as a replacement. For each end of the nail or wire, drill two holes into the plastic loop. Cut the wire or nail to a key width, then place a drop of superglue on each hole. Then, press the wire or nail into the holes to seal them and let it dry.
A locksmith who sells replacement shells is a different option. They can remove the programmable component 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 best solution, but it will bring you back on the road in case your key split in half. However, it could be difficult to fix the key blade if it is in the ignition. You can try using a hair clip or a needle extractor tool to pull the broken part of the ignition, however it’s risky if not careful. The best option is to call a locksmith who has special tools for safely removing broken keys from the ignition. They can also create new keys that have the correct cuts for your ignition, so it will work properly when it is inserted into the lock.
Broken Master Key
You’ll need to try in vain to recover the key before it becomes completely destroyed. There are a variety of methods you can use, including using lubricants and tools like needle nose pliers and tweezers. These tools can grab a fragment of the broken key and pull it out.
To begin, spray the interior of your lock with a lubricant, such as WD-40 or graphite powder. You can also use the hacksaw blade method by sliding the blade across the face of a damaged key and grasping onto a few of its ‘teeth.’ If you are successful, you should be able to cut the damaged key.
Another tool that is useful is an extractor for keys spiral, which you can find in a wide range of hardware stores. It is a thin, flexible bar with spiral threads that can be inserted into the keyway, and then bent to reach into the broken part of the key. Once it has been snagged onto the serrations, you can twist it in a circular motion, and press it against the broken part of the key to get it out.
It’s worth trying to remove the master key that is broken before calling a professional locksmith. If you are unable to take the broken piece off then you’ll have to contact a professional locksmith. A locksmith can make you a new key that can be programmed with the transponder of your car.