Repair Car Keys Explained In Fewer Than 140 Characters

How to Repair Car Keys

The car keys are tiny and may not seem important, but they're essential for the operation of your vehicle. Replacing an old key or a transponder one can cost up to $200.

There are  company website  to fix your car keys yourself for just a fraction of the cost. This article will cover the most frequent car keys issues as well as their DIY solutions.

Dead Key Fob Batteries

The remote key fobs that come with cars make it easier than ever before to open the trunk, doors and the tailgate. However, the battery in the device can fail. There are, however, a few tricks you can employ to resolve this issue in an emergency.

First, determine if the car is still in ignition mode. If it is, the battery on the key fob could simply be low instead of dead. To test, press the fob's button against the ignition button on the vehicle. If it does not work, the battery is probably fine and only requires to be replaced.

To replace the fob's battery, first pry the case off using the help of a screwdriver or watch-type device. Do not apply too much force as this could cause the fob's case to split. If the fob doesn't seem to be coming open easily, try wedge your pry tool in more than one place on the outside of the case.

Once the fob is open then remove the mechanical key and then open the electronic portion of the car. Install the new battery and snap it back into the shell. If the key fob isn't working after this procedure, there could be a bigger problem with your car's remote start system that requires a professional to diagnose. If this is the case, a reputable mechanic should be able to assist you. You can also reach out to 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 might try. First, you should check to see if your broken piece is still inside the ignition. If it is, you should remove it without damaging the door lock or ignition lock. Contact a locksmith if are having difficulty removing the key. They have tools that can safely remove a damaged key from the ignition.

Another reason for broken car keys is corrosion on the circuit board or plastic frame. You can clean the circuit board by using a cotton swab soaked in rubbing alcohol. This will remove any corrosion and ensure that the contact pads don't become damaged.

If your key won't start because the ring is broken or was damaged, you might be able fix it with a strong wire or nail to plug the hole. Superglue can be used to fix a broken key ring. First, clean the damaged ring with a damp towel and then apply a small amount of superglue to the ends of the nail or wire. Apply the glue to the ring and let them dry prior to using your vehicle. These DIY solutions might look appealing, but they're only temporary solutions. It is recommended to hire an expert locksmith for repairs that last. They have the tools and knowledge to repair a damaged car key quickly and effectively. They can even replace the battery inside your key fob, and reprogram it if needed.

Broken Key Blade

Some key blades can break due to a lot of wear and tear. If this happens, you should probably purchase a new one. Luckily, this problem isn't as serious as it might seem at first glance. The problem is that the blade has broken off from the case.

Spraying lubricant into the keyhole is one way to fix the problem. You can then make use of pliers or tweezers grasp the damaged end of the key and pull it. If the key is magnetic, you could also use a magnet to assist in pulling it out. Use a magnet to assist you remove the key, but be cautious to not damage the lock tumbler.

Contact a locksmith right away if you are unable to remove the broken part of the key. They're equipped with special tools that let them safely remove keys without causing further damage.

Super glue can be used to fix an open lock that has snapped. Apply a small amount to the edges and press them together. Then, wait until the glue dries before inserting your key into the lock. This method isn't very secure, and you could have to repeat it several times before it is successful. Super glue may not hold the key together. Therefore, this is more of a stopgap measure than an option that can last.

Broken Plastic Loop

If the plastic loop on your key fob fails, it can cause the key to become useless. Luckily, this is a fairly easy fix. To replace it alternative, you can opt for an extremely thick wire or a finishing nail. Drill two holes into the broken plastic loop at each end of the wire or nail. Cut the nail or wire to the desired width and then place a drop of superglue in each hole. Apply  repair car key remote  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 part of your key, then transfer it to the new shell and cut an entirely new blade for less than a complete replacement cost.

It's not the best solution, but it will help you get back on the road in case your key snapped in half. It can be difficult to fix when the blade of the key is in the ignition however. You could try using hair clips or needle extractor tool to pull the broken piece of the ignition, but it's risky if not cautious. Get a locksmith equipped with special tools to safely remove broken keys from ignitions. You can also get a new key made with appropriate cuts to fit the ignition of your car.

Broken Master Key

You'll need to to retrieve the key before it's completely destroyed. You can employ the tweezers, lubricants and needle nose pliers to grasp the fragment of a broken key.

To begin, spray the inside of your lock with a lubricant such as WD-40 or graphite powder. You could also try the hacksaw blade method that involves carefully sliding the blade down along the edge of the broken key, and hooking onto some of the  teeth - if you succeed in doing this, you will be able to remove the broken key from the lock.

Another tool that is useful is a spiral key extractor, which you can find in a variety of hardware stores. This tool is a thin rod with spiral threads that can be inserted into the keyway, and then bent to the broken portion of the key. Once it has hooked onto the serrations, it is possible to twist it in a circular motion and press it against the broken portion of the key to pull it out.

It's worth trying to get rid of a broken master key before calling a professional locksmith. If you are unable to get an item out, it's time to call the big guns and get a locksmith to cut you a new key and reprogram it with the transponder in your car.