How to Repair Car Keys

Car keys might seem small and insignificant, but they are essential for the proper operation of your vehicle. Replacing an old key or a transponder one can cost up to $200.

There are many ways to repair your car keys yourself for just a fraction of the cost. This article will cover some of the most frequent car keys problems and their DIY solutions.

Dead Key Fob Batteries

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

Examine if your vehicle is in ignition mode. If it is the battery of the auto key fob repair fob could be low rather than dead. To test this, press the button on the key fob against the ignition button. If this is successful, the battery is probably fine and will only need to be replaced.

To replace the battery in the fob, you need to the case open using an screwdriver. Don't apply too much force as this may cause the fob's casing to split. If the fob doesn't seem to be coming easily, try putting your pry tool in more than one place around the outside of the case.

Open the electronic compartment of your car after you have removed the mechanical key. Install the new battery and snap back the shell. If your key fob still isn't working after this, it could be a larger issue with the remote start system of your car. This requires a professional to diagnose. If this is the case, a trusted mechanic should be able help you. If you require assistance with your vehicle or vehicle, you can get roadside assistance.

Broken Key Ring

There are a few things you can do in the event that your key fob won't work because the ring is broken. First, you should check to see if the damaged piece is still inside the ignition. If it is, remove it without damaging the door lock or ignition lock key repair near me. Contact a locksmith if are having difficulty getting rid of the key. They have tools that allow you to safely remove the damaged key from the ignition.

A damaged mobile car key repair key could also be caused by corrosion on the plastic frame or circuit board. You can clean the circuit board by using a cotton swab with ruby alcohol. This will remove the corrosion and prevent damage to the contact pads.

If your key repair isn't starting because of a broken ring or was damaged, you might be able to repair it using a sturdy wire or nail to close the hole. Superglue can also be used to repair a damaged ring. After cleaning the ring with a moist cloth apply a small amount of superglue to each end of the wire or nail. Let the pieces dry and then press them together. These DIY solutions can seem appealing, but they're only an interim measure. It's best to hire an expert locksmith for repairs that last. They have the expertise and tools to repair damaged keys quickly and effectively. They can replace the battery and reprogram the key fob if necessary.

Broken Key Blade

Some key blades break from a lot of wear and tear. If this happens, you should probably purchase a new one. This problem isn't nearly as serious as you might believe at first. The most significant issue is that the blade broke off from the case.

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

If you are unable to take the broken piece of key, contact an expert locksmith immediately. They have special tools to safely extract keys without causing any further damage.

Super glue can be used to fix a snapped lock. Apply a small amount of the glue to the edges and press them in. Wait until the glue has dried before you insert your key into the lock. This method isn't secure and you may need to repeat the process multiple times before it works. In addition the super glue might not be strong enough to hold the key together. This is more of a temporary solution than a permanent one.

Broken Plastic Loop

If the plastic loop is damaged it could render the key ineffective. This is a simple fix. You can use thick wire or a nail for finishing as a replacement. For each end of the nail or wire, drill two holes into the loop of plastic. Cut the wire or nail to the desired width, and then place one drop of superglue in each hole. Apply the nail or wire into the holes and let them dry.

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

It's not the most ideal solution, but it can help you get back on the road in case your key split in half. It's not easy to repair when the key blade is inside the ignition, however. You can try using hair clips or a needle extractor tool to pull the broken part of the ignition, but it's risky if not cautious. Contact a locksmith who has special tools to safely remove broken keys from ignitions. You can also have an entirely new key made using the proper cuts to fit the ignition of your vehicle.

Broken Master Key

If a key is broken inside the lock, you'll have to try to retrieve it before it's completely destroyed. There are a few techniques that you can try, such as using lubricants, tools, needle nose pliers and tweezers to 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 graphite powder or WD-40. You can also use the hacksaw blade technique that involves sliding the blade along the sides of the broken key, and then grasping a few of its teeth. If you're successful then you should be able to remove the broken key.

Many hardware stores carry a spiral key extraction tool. This has a thin flexible bar with spiral threads, which can be put into the keyway, and then bent to get into the broken part of the key. Once it has gotten caught on the serrations you can twist the bar into a circle and pull it against the broken part of the key.

It's worth trying to remove a master key that's broken key repair prior to calling an expert locksmith. If you're unable to take the broken piece off then you'll have to contact a professional locksmith. A locksmith can make you a new key that will be programmed with the transponder of your car.