How to Repair Car Keys
Car keys may appear tiny and insignificant, however they are essential to the operation of your vehicle. Replacing a traditional key or a modern transponder key can cost upwards of $200.
There are many ways to repair your car keys yourself at a fraction of the price. This article will go over the most frequently encountered car key problems and their DIY solutions.
Dead Key Fob Batteries
Cars are equipped with a remote key fob which makes opening doors and trunk easier than ever before. The battery in this device is susceptible to dying. There are a few strategies you can employ to fix this issue quickly.
First, determine if the car is still in ignition mode. If it is, then the battery on the key fob could simply be low instead of dead. To test this, press the fob's button against the ignition button on the vehicle. If this is successful, the battery is likely fine and needs to be replaced.
To replace the battery inside the fob, you need to open the case with a screwdriver. Be careful not to put too much pressure on the fob as this could cause the fob to break into two pieces. If the fob doesn't seem to be coming easily, try putting your pry tool into more than one place on the outside of the case.
Open the electronic part of your car after you have removed the mechanical key. Insert the new battery and snap it back into the shell. If the key fob isn't working after this, there could be a larger issue with your car's 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 call roadside assistance for assistance with your vehicle, if you require it.
Broken Key Ring
If your key fob isn't functioning because the ring broke there are a few things you can try. Check to see if you can locate the broken piece inside the ignition. If it is, you should remove it without damaging the lock on the ignition or door lock. Contact a locksmith if have difficulty getting rid of the key. They have tools that allow you to safely remove keys that are damaged from the ignition.
Another reason that can lead to a broken car key is the corrosion of the circuit board or frame. It is possible to clean the circuit board using rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab. This will eliminate the corrosion and stop damage to the contact pads.
Repair a damaged rings by using a thick wire or nail to seal the hole. remote car key repair near me can be used to repair the broken key ring. After cleaning the ring using a damp cloth, apply a small amount superglue to the ends of the nail or wire. Then, press the pieces together and allow them to dry before using your vehicle. These DIY solutions may seem appealing, however they are only a temporary measure. For long-term repairs, it's recommended to get an expert locksmith. They have the experience and tools to repair damaged keys quickly and effectively. They can replace the battery and reprogram the key fob if necessary.
Broken Key Blade
Some key blades might break due to wear and tear. If this happens, it's time to get a new key. The issue isn't as serious as you might think at first. The problem is that the blade has broken off from the case.
Spraying lubricant into the keyhole is one solution to fix it. Then you can use pliers pins, or tweezers to grasp the broken end of the key and remove it. If the key is magnetic, you can also try using a magnetic tool to assist in pulling it out. Use a magnet to help you remove the key, but be careful to not sever the lock tumbler.
Contact a locksmith immediately if you are unable to take out the damaged part of the key. They have special tools to safely extract keys without causing further damage.
You can also use super glue to fix a snapped key. Apply a small amount of the glue to the edges and press them together. After that, wait until the glue dries before inserting your key into the lock. However, this method isn't reliable and you might have repeat the process several times before it is successful. Additionally, the super glue may not be enough strong to hold the key together. This is more of a temporary measure rather than a permanent solution.
Broken Plastic Loop
If your key fob's plastic loop is damaged it can render the key useless. Luckily, this is a fairly easy fix. You can use thick wire or a nail for finishing as a replacement. For each end of the nail or wire, drill two holes into the plastic loop. Cut the wire or nail to key width and put a drop of superglue on each hole. Then, press the wire or nail into the holes to seal them and allow it to dry.
A locksmith who sells replacement shells is an alternative 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'll help you get back on the road in case your key split in half. It's difficult to fix if the key blade is in the ignition, however. You could try using hair clips or needle extractor tool to pull the broken piece of the ignition, but this can be risky if not cautious. Contact a locksmith who has special tools to safely remove broken keys from ignitions. They can also make you a new key with the proper cuts for your ignition to ensure that it functions correctly when inserted into the lock.
Broken Master Key
If a key breaks inside the lock, you'll need to attempt to retrieve it before it gets completely destroyed. There are a few techniques that you can try, such as using lubricants, tools, needle nose pliers and tweezers. These tools can grab a fragment of the broken key and pull it out.
To start, spray the inside of your lock with a lubricant like WD-40 or graphite powder. You can also use the hacksaw blade method that involves sliding the blade along the sides of the broken key, and grasping onto a few of its 'teeth.' If you are successful then you should be able to remove the broken key.
Another helpful tool is a spiral key extractor that can be found in a wide range of hardware stores. This has a thin flexible bar with spiral threads that can be inserted into the keyway and then bent to dig into the broken part of the key. Once it has been snagged onto the serrations, you can turn it in a circular motion, and push it against the damaged portion of the key to get it out.
It's worth trying to remove a master key that's broken prior to calling an expert locksmith. If you're unable to pull the piece out, you need to call the big guns and get a locksmith to cut you a new key and reprogram it with the transponder in your car.