The Most Common Mistakes People Make With Repair Car Keys

How to Repair Car Keys Car keys may seem tiny and insignificant, but they are crucial for the proper operation of your vehicle. The cost of replacing an old or modern transponder car key can range from $200 to upwards of $200. There are methods to repair your car keys at home with only a fraction of the cost. This article will cover some of the most common car keys problems and their DIY solutions. Dead Key Fob Battery Cars come with a remote key fob that allows opening the doors, trunk and tailgate more convenient than ever. The battery in this device is susceptible to dying. However, there are some tricks you can employ to resolve this issue in the event of a need. Check to see if the car is still in the ignition mode. If it is the battery on the key fob could be low rather than dead. To test this, push the button on the key fob straight against the ignition button. If this does not work, the battery is probably working fine and requires to be replaced. To replace the battery inside the fob, the case open using the screwdriver. Don't apply too much force, as this may cause the fob's case to split. If the fob isn't opening try prying the tool several times around the outside of case. Once the fob is opened, remove the mechanical key and open the electronic portion of the car. Then, you can insert the replacement battery and then snap the shell together. If your key fob isn't working after this, it may be that there is an problem with the remote start system of your car. This requires an expert to determine the cause. If this is the case, a reputable mechanic should be able to assist you. If you require assistance with your car or vehicle, you can get roadside assistance. Broken Key Ring If your key fob isn't functioning because the ring has broken there are a few things you can try. The first step is to see if your broken piece is still inside the ignition. If it is, remove it without damaging the ignition lock or door lock. If you're having difficulty taking it off, call a locksmith for help. They have specialized tools that are able to safely remove the damaged key from the ignition. A broken car key can also be caused by corrosion of the plastic frame or circuit board. You can clean the circuit board using a cotton swab with rubbing alcohol. This will get rid of the corrosion and protect to the contact pads. If your key won't start because the ring broke, you may be able to fix it using a sturdy wire or nail to close the hole. Superglue can be used to fix damaged key rings. First, clean the damaged ring with a damp cloth and then apply a small amount of superglue to each end of the nail or wire. Allow the pieces to dry, and then press them into place. These DIY solutions may sound appealing, but they are only a temporary measure. It is recommended to hire an experienced locksmith for long-term repairs. They have the experience and tools to repair a broken key quickly and effectively. They can even replace the battery inside the key fob and modify it if necessary. Broken Key Blade Some key blades might break due to wear and tear. If this happens, it's time to purchase a new key. Luckily, this problem isn't as bad as it may appear at first. The main problem is that the metal blade broke off from the case. Spraying lubricant into the keyhole is one way to fix it. Then you can use pliers, pins, or tweezers to grasp the damaged key and take it out. You can also make use of a magnet if the key is magnetic. Use a magnet to assist you remove the key, but be careful to not sever the tumbler of the lock. Call a locksmith immediately if you are unable to take out the damaged part of the key. They're equipped with special tools to safely extract keys without causing damage. You can also apply super glue to fix a broken key. Apply a small amount of 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 reliable and you may have repeat the process several times before it's successful. Plus the super glue might not be enough strong to keep the key in place. This is more of a temporary solution than a permanent one. Broken Plastic Loop If your key fob's plastic loop gets damaged, it can make the key useless. Luckily, this is a fairly simple fix. You can use wire or a nail for finishing as a replacement. For each end of the wire or nail you need to drill two holes into the plastic loop. Cut the wire or nail to the desired width, then place tiny drops of superglue into 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 take out the programmable part of your key, move 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 help you get back on the road in case your key broke in half. However, it can be difficult to fix the blade of the key if it's in the ignition. If you're not cautious you could make use of a hair clip or a needle to take the broken piece from the ignition. Call a locksmith with special tools to safely remove damaged keys from ignitions. You can also get a new key that is made using the proper cuts to fit the ignition of your vehicle. Broken Master Key If a key gets damaged inside the lock, you'll need to try to retrieve it before it gets completely destroyed. There are several methods you can use, including using lubricants, tools, needle nose pliers or tweezers to pick up a piece of the damaged key and pull it out. To start, spray the inside of your lock with a lubricant like graphite powder or WD-40. You can also try hacksaw blades, which involves sliding the blade across the face of the broken key, and grasping onto a few of its teeth. If you're successful then you should be in a position to cut the damaged key. Another useful tool is a spiral key extractor that can be found in a wide range of hardware stores. This tool has a thin flexible rod with spiral threads that can be inserted in the keyway and then bent to the broken portion of the key. Once how to repair car key fob has been snagged onto the serrations, you can twist it in a circular direction and press 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're unable to pull a piece out, you need to call the big guns to get a locksmith to make you a brand new key and reprogram it to the transponder of your car.