How to Repair Car Keys

Car keys might seem tiny and insignificant, however they are essential to the functioning of your vehicle. The cost of replacing a traditional or modern transponder car key can range from $200 to upwards of $200.

However, there are ways to fix your car keys at home for only a fraction of the cost. This article will discuss the most common car keys issues as well as their DIY fixes.

Dead Key Fob Batteries

The remote key fobs that come with cars make it simpler than ever before to open the trunk, doors, and the tailgate. The battery of this device is prone to dying. There are a few tricks you can use to solve this problem quickly.

Check to see if your vehicle is still in ignition mode. If it is the battery of the key fob might be low instead of dead. To test this, push the button on the key fob up against the vehicle's ignition button. If it does not work, the battery is probably working fine and needs to be replaced.

To replace the battery within the fob, pry the case open using a screwdriver. Be careful not to press too hard as this could cause the fob to split in two. If the fob isn't opening, try using your pry tool several times around the outside of case.

Once the fob is opened, remove the mechanical key, and then open the electronic part of the car. Then insert the replacement battery and then snap the shell back together. If the key fob does not work after this, it could be that there is an issue with the remote start system of your car. This requires a professional to diagnose. If this is the case, a reliable mechanic should be able help you. If you need help with your car key fob repair or vehicle, you can get roadside assistance.

Broken key repair shop Ring

There are a few things you can do if your key fob doesn't work because the ring is broken. First, you must check to see if your broken piece is still inside the ignition. If it's still there it, remove it without causing damage to the ignition lock or the door lock. If you are having trouble removing it, call a locksmith for help. They have tools that can safely remove a damaged or broken key from the ignition.

A damaged car key could be caused by corrosion of the plastic frame or circuit board. You can clean the circuit board using a cotton swab with rubbing alcohol. This will eliminate corrosion and ensure that the contact pads don't get damaged.

If your key isn't working because of a broken ring, you may be able to repair it with a strong wire or nail to close the hole. Superglue can be used to repair a broken key ring. After cleaning the ring with a moist cloth Apply a small amount superglue to the ends of the wire or nail. Apply the glue to the ring and let them dry before using your car. These DIY solutions may seem appealing, but they're really just a stopgap measure. It is recommended to hire an experienced locksmith for long-term repairs. They have the experience and tools to repair the broken key quickly and effectively. They can replace the battery and reprogram the key fob, if needed.

Broken Key Blade

Some key blades may break due to wear and tear. If this happens, it's probably time to purchase a new key. The issue isn't as serious as you think at first glance. The most significant issue is that the metal blade broke off from the case.

One solution is to spray the key hole with fluid that lubricates the key hole. Then you can use pliers, tweezers, or a pin to grab the damaged key and remove it. You can also make use of a magnet if the key is magnetic. Be careful not to use a magnet on an ignition key as it could cause the tumbler in the lock to break.

Contact a locksmith immediately when you are unable take out the damaged part of the key. They're equipped with special tools that can safely remove keys without causing damage.

You can also apply super glue to fix a snapped key. Apply a small amount of glue to the edges of the break and press them together. Make sure the glue has dried before inserting the key into the lock. But this method isn't very reliable and you may have repeat the process several times before it's successful. Additionally, the super glue may not be enough to hold the key together. This is more of a temporary solution than a permanent one.

Broken Plastic Loop

If the plastic loop on your key fob breaks it can cause the key to become useless. This is a simple fix. You can use wire or a finishing nail as a replacement. Drill two holes into the damaged loop of plastic for each end of the wire or nail. Cut the wire or nail to key width and place a drop of superglue on each hole. Apply the nail or wire into the holes and let them dry.

A locksmith who sells replacement shells is a different option. They can take the programmable component of your key, transfer it to the new shell and cut a new blade for much less than the full replacement cost.

This isn't the best option, but it can allow you to travel again if your key has split in half. It can be difficult to repair the key blade if it's in the ignition. You could try using a hair clip, a needle or an extractor tool to remove the damaged piece of the ignition, but this can be risky if not careful. The best solution is to call an expert locksmith who has tools to safely remove broken keys from the ignition. They can also create a new key with the correct cuts for your ignition and ensure it works properly when it is inserted into the lock.

Broken Master Key

If a key gets damaged inside the lock, you'll have to find it before it is completely destroyed. There are several methods you can employ, such as using lubricants, tools, needle nose pliers and tweezers to pick up a piece of the broken key and remove it.

Spray the inside of your lock with WD-40 or graphite powder. You may also try the hacksaw method, which involves carefully sliding the blade along the side of the broken key and attaching it to the 'teeth'. If you succeed in doing this, you should be able to take 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 has a thin flexible bar with spiral threads, which can be inserted into the keyway and then bent to get into the broken section of the key. Once it has caught onto the serrations, you can twist the bar into a circle and pull it against the damaged section of the key.

Before calling a locksmith, try to get rid of the broken master key. If you can't get an item out, you need to call the big guns to get a locksmith to make you a brand new key and reprogram it to the transponder in your car key repairs near me.