The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Repair Car Keys

How to Repair Car Keys

The car keys are tiny and might not seem to be important, but they're essential for the proper operation of your car. The cost of replacing an old or modern transponder car keys can range from $200 to upwards of $200.

There are methods to fix your car keys at home with only a fraction of the cost. This article will cover the most frequently encountered car key problems and the DIY solutions.

Dead Key Fob Batteries

Cars come with a remote key fob which makes opening doors, trunk and tailgate more convenient than ever before. However, the battery inside the device could die. There are some tricks you can employ to fix this issue fast.

First, determine if the car key lock repair near me is in ignition mode. If it is, then the battery on the key fob could simply be depleted instead of dead. To test, press the button on the fob against the ignition button of the vehicle. If it does not work, the battery is probably fine and only needs to be replaced.

To replace the battery within the fob, pry open the case using a screwdriver. Be careful not to apply too much force since this could cause the fob's casing to split. If the fob doesn't seem to be coming easily, try putting your pry tool into multiple places on the outside of the case.

After the fob has been opened then remove the mechanical key and then open the electronic part of the car. Insert the new battery and snap back the shell. If the key fob doesn't work after this, there could be a more serious problem with the remote car key repair near me start system that requires a professional diagnosis. If this is the case, a reputable mechanic should be able to assist you. You can also reach out to roadside assistance to assist with your vehicle if needed.

Broken Key Ring

There are a few things you can do when your key fob does not function because the ring is broken. Examine if you can locate the broken piece inside the ignition. If it is, remove it without damaging the lock on the ignition or door lock. Call a locksmith if you are having difficulty taking the key off. They have the right tools to safely remove a damaged key from the ignition.

Another common cause of broken car keys is corrosion on the circuit board or frame. It is possible to clean the board with rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab. This will get rid of the corrosion and stop damage to the contact pads.

Repair a damaged ring using a strong wire or nail to close the hole. Superglue can be used to fix damaged key rings. After cleaning the ring with a moist cloth apply a small amount of superglue on each end of the wire or nail. Let the pieces dry and then press them in place. These DIY solutions may sound appealing, however they are only temporary solutions. It is recommended to hire an expert locksmith for repairs that last. They have the tools and expertise to repair a damaged car key quickly and efficiently. They can even replace the battery inside the key fob and reprogram it if needed.

Broken Key Blade

Key blades can break due to wear and tear. If this happens, it's probably time to get a new key. Luckily, this problem isn't as bad as it appears at first. The problem is that the metal blade has separated from the case.

Spraying lubricant into the keyhole is a solution to fix it. Then, you can make use of pliers or tweezers grab the broken end of the key and pull it. You can also make use of a magnet if the key is magnetic. Use a magnet to help you remove the key, but be careful to not break the lock tumbler.

If you're not able to remove the broken piece from the key, contact an emergency locksmith. They have tools that let them safely remove keys without causing damage.

Super glue can be used to fix an open lock that has snapped. Apply a small amount glue to the edges of the break and press them together. Then, wait until the glue has dried before you insert your key into the lock. This method isn't reliable and you may have to repeat the process multiple times before it's successful. Super glue may not be able to hold the key together. This is more of a temporary measure than an option that can last.

Broken Plastic Loop

If the plastic loop on your key fob is damaged it could make the key ineffective. Fortunately, this is an easy fix. You can make use of wire or a nail for finishing to replace it. Drill two holes in the broken plastic loop 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. Press the nail or wire into the holes and allow them to dry.

Another option is to get an alternative shell from a locksmith who sells them. They can transfer the programmable portion of your key into the new shell and cut new blades for only a fraction of the price.

It's not the best solution, but it will get you back on the road in case your key broke in half. However, it can be difficult to repair the key blade if it is in the ignition. You could try using hair clips or a needle extractor tool to remove the damaged part out of the ignition, but this is risky if you're not careful. Contact a locksmith who has special tools to safely remove broken keys from ignitions. You can also get an entirely new key made using the correct cuts for the ignition of your vehicle.

Broken Master Key

If a key gets damaged inside the lock, you'll need to try to retrieve it before it is completely destroyed. You can make use of the tweezers, lubricants and needle nose pliers to grasp the fragments of a damaged key.

Spray the inside of your lock with WD-40 or graphite powder. You could also try the hacksaw method, that involves carefully sliding the blade down along the side of the broken key and attaching it to the teeth - if you succeed in doing this, you should be able remove the broken key from the lock.

Another helpful tool is a spiral key extractor that is available in a wide range of hardware stores. This tool is 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 caught onto the serrations, you can twist the bar into a circle and then pull it against the damaged section of the key.

Before calling a locksmith, repair key Fob attempt to take out the damaged master key before calling a locksmith. If you are unable to get a piece out, it's time to call in the big guns and let a locksmith cut you a new key and reprogram it using the transponder in your car.