The 10 Most Scariest Things About Repair Car Keys
How to repair car keys (browse around here)
Car keys may seem tiny and insignificant, however they are vital to the operation of your vehicle. Replacing an old key or a transponder one can cost up to $200.
However, there are ways to repair your car keys at home for only a fraction of the cost. This article will cover the most frequently encountered car keys problems and the DIY solutions.
Dead Key Fob Batteries
Cars are equipped with a remote key fob which makes opening doors, trunk and tailgate more convenient than ever before. The battery inside this device is susceptible to dying. There are a few tricks you can use to resolve this issue fast.
Check to see if the vehicle is still in ignition mode. If so, the key fob's battery may be low, but not dead. To test this, push the button on the key fob right up against the vehicle's ignition button. If this does not work, the battery is probably working fine and has to be replaced.
To replace the battery within the fob, open the case with the screwdriver. Be careful not to apply too much force as this may cause the fob's case to split. If the fob isn't opening Try using your pry tool more than once around the outside of case.
Once the fob is open take out the mechanical key and open the electronic portion of the car. Insert the new battery and snap back the shell. If your key fob doesn't work after this, it could be due to a larger problem with the remote start system of your car. This will require an expert to identify. A reputable mechanic will be in a position to assist you in this situation. If you need help with your car key repairs near me, you can contact roadside assistance.
Broken Key Ring
If your key fob isn't functioning because the ring broke, there are a few things you might try. Look to see if can find the broken piece in the ignition. If it's still in there it, remove it without damaging either the ignition lock or the door lock. Contact a locksmith if are having trouble taking the key off. They have tools that can safely remove a damaged or broken key from the ignition.
A broken car keys repair key could also be the result of corrosion of the plastic frame or circuit board. You can clean the circuit board using a cotton swab with ruby alcohol. This will remove any corrosion and ensure the contact pads don't become damaged.
If your key isn't working because the ring broke or was damaged, you might be able fix it by using a thick wire or nail to seal the hole. Superglue can be used to repair damaged key rings. First, clean the damaged ring with a damp towel and then apply a small amount superglue to the ends of the nail or wire. Let the pieces dry and then press them in place. These DIY solutions may seem appealing, but they are only temporary solutions. For long-term repairs, you'll want to hire an expert locksmith. They have the tools and know-how to repair a damaged car key quickly and efficiently. They can replace the battery and reprogram the key fob, if needed.
Broken Key Blade
Some key repair blades might break due to wear and tear. If this occurs, you must buy a new one. This problem isn't nearly as serious as you believe at first. The problem is that the metal blade has broken off from the case.
Spraying lubricant into the keyhole is a way to fix the problem. Then, you can use pliers tweezers, or a pin to grab the end of the broken key and take it out. You may also use a magnet if the key is magnetic. Use a magnet as a aid to you remove the key, but take care to not damage the tumbler of the lock.
Contact a locksmith right away when you are unable remove the broken piece of the key. They're equipped with special tools that can safely remove keys without causing further damage.
You can also apply super glue to repair a snapped key. Apply a small amount to the edges and press them together. After that, wait until the glue dries before you insert your key into the lock. This method is not very secure, and you could have to repeat it a few times before it does the trick. Plus the super glue might not be enough to keep the key in place. Therefore, this is more of a stopgap measure than a permanent solution.
Broken Plastic Loop
If your key fob's plastic loop gets damaged it could render the key ineffective. It's an easy fix. As a replacement alternative, you can use wire that is thick or a finishing nail. Drill two holes in the broken plastic loop for each end of the wire or nail. Cut the wire or nail to a key width, then put the superglue drop in each hole. Put the nail or wire into the holes to seal them and allow it to dry.
Another option is to purchase a replacement shell from a locksmith who sells them. They can take the programmable portion of your key, move it to the new shell, and cut the new blade for less than a complete replacement cost.
It's not the ideal solution, but it'll bring you back on the road in case your key split in half. It can be difficult to fix when the key blade is in the ignition, however. You can try using a hair clip or needle extractor tool to pull the broken part of the ignition, however this can be risky if not cautious. The best choice is to call a locksmith who has special tools to safely remove broken keys from the ignition. You can also have a new key that is made using the correct cuts to fit the ignition of your car.
Broken Master Key
If a key is broken inside the lock, you'll need to try to retrieve it before it gets completely destroyed. There are a few techniques that you can try, such as using lubricants, tools, needle nose pliers and tweezers to pick up a piece of the key that has been broken and then remove it.
To start, spray the inside of your lock with a lubricant, such as graphite powder or WD-40. You can also try the hacksaw blade method by moving the blade across the face of a broken key and grabbing onto some of its 'teeth. If you're successful then you should be in a position to remove the broken key.
Another useful tool is a spiral key extractor which you can find in many hardware stores. This tool has a thin flexible rod with spiral threads that can be placed in the keyway, and then bent to the broken portion of the key. Once it is hooked to the serrations, you can twist it in a circular motion, and press it against the broken portion of the key to take it out.
Before contacting a locksmith, attempt to take out the damaged master key before calling a locksmith. If you're unable to take the broken piece off it's time to call a locksmith. A locksmith can give you an entirely new key that will be programmed to your car keys repair near me transponder.