Repair Car Key: The Secret Life Of Repair Car Key
How to Repair a Dead Car Key
Sometimes extreme cold or heat can cause the car key to stop functioning properly. It is best to wait a few minutes before replacing it.
It's a real pain when keys to your car break and it happens at the most inconvenient times! There are a variety of ways to fix a broken car key that won't require an entirely new one.
Dead Key Fob Battery
Modern key fobs allow us to open doors, trunks, and tailgates without the need to search for a car key. Certain key fobs come with an inbuilt key that can be utilized to start our vehicles. However, these fobs depend on a small battery that is the power source for their remote functions. If the battery is dead and the key fob stops working, it will no longer send a signal to activate the vehicle. There are several ways to repair a dead car key fob.
The first step is to determine if the key fob is in fact dead. If it seems to be, you'll require a replacement battery. You can do this yourself by removing the fob from its clip or using a flat-head screwdriver. You should not use too much force or you may damage the fob. It's also important to be sure that you replace the correct type of battery. Some models may require a different battery. If you're not sure which kind of battery your vehicle requires, you can usually find the details in the owner's manual, or visit an Interstate All Battery Center to have a battery expert help you.
If the key fob isn't dead, you can sometimes revive it by moving it closer to your vehicle. Since the majority of key fobs use RFID (radio-frequency identification) they can only operate at a limited distance and need to be within a certain distance for the ignition system to detect the signal. You can unlock your car, or even start it by moving a few inches closer.
Many car manufacturers have a backup mechanism that is activated when the battery for the key fob is dead. Ford for instance has a slot that is dedicated to the key fob. When inserted correctly the key fob will activate the engine of the car. There are instructions in the owner's manual of how to locate the slot and insert the key fob correctly. If you are unable to start your car using this method, you should contact roadside assistance.
Broken Key Ring
The chip in the key fob is what communicates with your car's immobilizer system to start the engine. The chip could be damaged or there could be programming mistakes. If this happens, your key fob won't be able transmit the correct identification code and your car won't start. In some instances, a faulty transponder key may be caused by physical damage or wear and tear to the key shell or contact pads.
Often, when the key fob begins to fail to communicate with the immobilizer system of your vehicle, you will see specific warning indicators on the dashboard. These include error messages flashing lights, or the key is not locking the vehicle. If you notice these warnings contact your local locksmith immediately for key fob replacement or repair.
If you carry a lot of keys, it's easy to damage your key ring. This could cause the key fob to split in half and is among the most common causes of broken car keys. It is possible to apply super glue on both sides of the crack and gently press them together to fix the issue. It is crucial to make use of a gel-type glue that has a slow drying time to prevent drips or runniness.
If this method isn't working then you must contact a professional locksmith right away in order to avoid further damage to your vehicle. A locksmith who is certified will be able to replace or repair your key fob quickly, and they will be able to ensure that the ignition lock as well as the door lock aren't affected by the process.
It can be frustrating when your key fob gets damaged. It is not a cause for panic or frustration. You can take proactive steps to decrease the likelihood of your key fob breaking in the near future. These include regular maintenance, key protectors and having a spare. Quicksmith's team is ready to help you if your key fob is damaged.
Broken Key Loop
One of my MK5 keyfobs has broken off the small key loop on top, where it connects to the keyfob. Apparently it's made out of extremely soft metal or plastic. car keys repairs near me made a hole in it, and then wet-sanded the area to strengthen it but I'm guessing the problem isn't helped by this.
I've also tried wrapping the broken the ring with clear tape, but it didn't look as good. It's really a shame because I use the tiny rings to keep my keys on the little mini-split ring that holds the bigger split rings for the other keyfobs.
If the case for the key fob is damaged, it's often possible to open up the case and replace the battery (assuming the battery isn't dead). Online kits are available however they're only an interim solution. It may be quicker to have it repaired by a mechanic. Alternatively, you might find an alternative case at an home improvement store or a locksmith. They're not likely to be as costly as a new key fob.