10 Wrong Answers To Common Repair Car Keys Questions: Do You Know The Right Answers?

How to Repair Car Keys

Car keys may appear tiny and insignificant, however they are vital to the functioning of your vehicle. The cost of replacing the traditional or modern transponder car keys could be as high as $200.

There are solutions to fix your car keys yourself for just a fraction of the cost. This article will cover the most frequently encountered car keys problems and their DIY solutions.

Dead Key Fob Batteries

The remote key fobs for keys that come with cars make it easier than ever to open the trunk, doors and tailgate. The battery in this device is susceptible to dying. There are, however, a few tricks you can employ to solve this problem in a pinch.

First, make sure that the car is still in ignition mode. If it is, then the key fob battery may be drained instead of dead. To test this, press the button on the key fob straight against the ignition button. If this does not work, the battery is probably working fine and needs to be replaced.

To replace the battery in the fob, the case open using an screwdriver. Be careful not to put too much pressure on the fob because this could cause the fob to split in two. If the fob doesn't open, try using your pry tool several times around the outside of the case.

Open the electronic compartment of your vehicle after you have removed the mechanical key. Then, insert the battery replacement and then snap the shell together. If the key fob doesn't work after this, there may be a more serious problem with your car's remote start system that requires a professional to diagnose. A reputable mechanic will able help you if this is the situation. You can also reach out to roadside assistance to assist with your vehicle, if you require it.

Broken Key Ring

If your key fob won't work because the ring has broken there are a few things you could try. The first step is to see if the broken piece is still inside the ignition. If it is, you should remove it without damaging the door lock or ignition lock. If you are having trouble removing it, call an expert locksmith. They have specialized tools that can safely remove a damaged key from the ignition.

A broken car key could also be the result of corrosion on the plastic frame or circuit board. You can clean the circuit board using a cotton swab with rubbing alcohol. This will remove the corrosion and prevent damage to the contact pads.

You can fix a broken rings by using a thick wire or nail to seal the hole. Superglue 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 wire or nail. Let the pieces dry and then press them into place. These DIY solutions may sound appealing, but they're only temporary solutions. For long-term repairs, it's best to work with an experienced locksmith. They have the expertise and tools to fix the broken key quickly and efficiently. They can even replace the battery in your key fob, and modify it if necessary.

Broken Key Blade

Key blades may break because of a lot wear and tear. If this happens, it's probably time to buy a new key. Fortunately, this issue isn't as bad as it might seem at first glance. The primary issue is that the metal blade snapped off the case.

One way to fix this is spraying the key hole with fluid that lubricates the key hole. Then, you can use pliers, tweezers, or a pin to grab the end of the broken key and take it out. You could also use a magnet if the key is magnetic. Be cautious not to use a magnetic tool on an ignition key since it could cause the tumbler of the lock to break.

If you're unable to remove the broken piece from the key, call an emergency locksmith. They have special tools that allow them to safely remove keys without causing damage.

You can also apply super glue to fix a snapped key. Apply a small amount of the glue to the edges and press them in. Make sure the glue has dried before inserting the key into the lock. This method isn't extremely secure, and you could need to repeat the process several times before it is successful. Super glue may not be able to hold the key in place. Therefore, this is more of a stopgap measure rather than an option that can last.

Broken Plastic Loop

If the plastic loop is damaged it could render the key useless. This is a relatively easy fix. As a replacement, you can use wire that is thick or a finishing nail. Make two holes in the damaged loop of plastic at each end of the wire or nail. Cut the wire or nail to the desired width, then place tiny drops of superglue into each hole. Then, press the wire or nail into the holes until it closes them and allow it to dry.

Another option is to get the replacement shell from a locksmith that sells them. They can take the programmable component of your key, then transfer it to the new shell and cut an entirely new blade for less than the full replacement cost.

It's not the ideal solution, but it will get you back on the road if your key broke in half. However, it could be difficult to repair the blade of the key if it's in the ignition. If you're not careful, you can make use of a hair clip or a needle to remove the broken part from the ignition. Call  key repair near me  with special tools to safely remove damaged keys from ignitions. They can also create new keys with the appropriate cuts for your vehicle's ignition and ensure it works correctly when inserted into the lock.

Broken Master Key

If a key breaks inside the lock, you'll have to try to retrieve it before it is completely destroyed. There are a few techniques you can use, including using lubricants and tools like needle nose pliers and tweezers. These tools can grab a fragment of the key that has been broken and remove it.

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 which involves carefully sliding the blade down along the side of the broken key, and hooking onto some of the  teeth - if you are able to do this, you should be able remove the broken key from the lock.

Another helpful tool is a spiral key extractor, which you can find in a wide range of hardware stores. This tool has a thin rod that is flexible and has spiral threads that can be inserted into the keyway and then bent into the broken part of the key. Once it has been snagged onto the serrations, it is possible to twist it in a circular direction and push it against the damaged section of the key to pull it out.

It's worth trying to get rid of a broken master key before calling an expert locksmith. If you're unable to pull a piece out, you need to call in the big guns and get a locksmith to make you a brand new key and reprogram it using the transponder of your car.