How to Repair Car Keys
The car keys are small and might not seem to be important, but they are essential to the functioning of your vehicle. Replacing a traditional key or a transponder one can cost upwards of $200.
However, there are ways to repair your car keys at home for less than. This article will discuss the most frequently encountered car keys issues and their DIY solutions.
Dead Key Fob Battery
The remote key fobs that are included with cars make it easier than ever to open the trunk, doors and tailgate. The battery inside the device is prone to dying. There are a few tricks you can use to resolve this problem quickly.
First, determine if the car is in ignition mode. If so the battery on the key fob may be low, but not dead. To test, press the fob's button against the ignition button on the vehicle. If this works, then the battery is probably working fine and only requires to be replaced.
To replace the fob's battery, begin by prying the case open using a screwdriver or watch-type tool. Be cautious not to press too hard as this could cause the fob to break apart. If the fob isn't opening try prying the tool more than once around the outside of case.
Open the electronic portion of your car after you have removed the mechanical key. Then, insert the battery replacement and then snap the shell back together. If the key fob won't work after this, there may be a bigger issue with your car's remote start system that requires a professional to diagnose. If this is the case, a reputable mechanic should be able assist you. You can also reach out to roadside assistance for assistance with your vehicle, if you require it.
Broken Key Ring
There are a few steps that you can do when your key fob does not work because the ring is broken. First, you should check to see if your broken piece is still inside the ignition. If it's still inside, remove it without causing damage to the ignition lock or the door lock. If you have trouble taking it off, call a locksmith for assistance. They have special tools to safely remove a broken key from the ignition.
Another reason that can lead to the car key breaking 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 protect to the contact pads.
You can fix a broken rings by using a thick wire or nail to seal the hole. You can also use superglue to repair a broken ring. After cleaning the ring with a moist cloth, apply a small amount superglue to the ends of the wire or nail. Allow the pieces to dry, and then press them into place. These DIY solutions might seem appealing, but they're only temporary solutions. It's best to hire an expert locksmith for repairs that last. They have the experience and tools to repair a broken key quickly and effectively. They can even replace the battery in the key fob and reprogram it if needed.
Broken Key Blade
Some key blades break from a lot of wear and tear. If this occurs, you ought to buy a new one. Fortunately, the issue isn't as bad as it appears at first glance. The primary problem is that the metal blade has separated from the case.
One way to fix this is spraying the key hole with fluid that lubricates the key hole. You can then make use of pliers or tweezers grasp the damaged end of the key and pull it. You may also make use of a magnet if the key is magnetic. Be cautious not to use a magnet on an ignition key because it could cause the tumbler in the lock to break.
If you're unable to remove the broken piece from the key, call a locksmith right away. They have the right tools that can safely remove keys without causing damage.
You can also try super glue to fix a broken key. Apply a small amount of glue to the edges of the crack and press them together. Wait until the glue has dried before inserting the key into the lock. However, this method isn't reliable and you might have to repeat the process a few times before it works. Plus the super glue might not be strong enough to hold the key together. keys repair is more of a temporary fix than an option that is permanent.
Broken Plastic Loop
If the plastic loop gets damaged it can render the key useless. It's a fairly easy fix. You can use thick wire or a nail for finishing to replace it. For each end of the nail or wire you need to drill two holes into the plastic loop. Cut the wire or nail to key width, then place tiny drops of superglue into each hole. Apply the nail or wire into the holes and allow them to dry.
A locksmith who sells replacement shells is a different option. They can take the programmable portion of your key, transfer it to the new shell, and cut the new blade for less than a complete replacement cost.
It's not the best solution, but it can help you get back on the road in case your key split in half. However, it could be difficult to fix the blade of the key if it's in the ignition. You can try using a hair clip or needle extractor tool to pull the broken part out of the ignition, but this is risky if you're not careful. Contact a locksmith who has special tools to safely remove damaged keys from ignitions. They can also create new keys with the appropriate cuts for your vehicle's ignition, so it will work perfectly when it is put into the lock.
Broken Master Key
If a key is broken inside the lock, you'll need to find it before it's completely destroyed. There are a variety of methods that you can try, such as using lubricants, tools, needle nose pliers or tweezers to pick up a piece of the broken key and pull it out.
To begin, spray the interior of your lock with a lubricant like WD-40 or graphite powder. You could also try the hacksaw blade method, that involves carefully sliding the blade along the side of the broken key, and hooking onto some of the teeth - if you succeed in doing this you should be able to take the broken key from the lock.
Many hardware stores carry the spiral key extraction tool. It is 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 gotten caught on the serrations you can twist the bar around and pull it against the broken part of the key.
It's worth trying to remove a master key that's broken prior to calling an expert locksmith. If you're not able to take the broken piece off it's time to call a locksmith. Locksmiths can create you a new key that can be programmed with your car transponder.