The 10 Scariest Things About Repair Car Keys
How to Repair Car Keys
Car keys may appear tiny and insignificant, however they are crucial to the operation of your vehicle. The cost of replacing a traditional or modern transponder car keys can range from $200 to upwards of $200.
However, there are ways to fix your car keys at home with a fraction of the cost. This article will discuss the most frequent car keys issues as well as the DIY solutions to fix them.
Dead Key Fob Battery
Cars come with a remote key fob which makes opening doors, trunk and tailgate easier than ever before. However, the battery inside the device could die. There are some tricks you can use to solve this problem quickly.
First, determine if the car remote key repair shop near me is still in ignition mode. If so the battery of the key fob could be low rather than dead. To test this, press the button on the fob against the ignition button of the vehicle. If it works, the battery is probably working fine and needs to be replaced.
To replace the battery in the fob, you need to open the case using the screwdriver. Be careful not to apply too much force, as this may cause the fob's case split. If the fob doesn't seem to be coming open with ease, try placing your pry tool in multiple places around the outside of the case.
After the fob has been opened, remove the mechanical key and open the electronic part of the car remote key repair near me. Insert the new battery and then snap back the shell. If the key fob doesn't work after this, there could be a more serious problem with the remote start system that requires a professional diagnosis. If this is the case, a trusted mechanic should be able to help you. You can also contact roadside assistance to assist with your vehicle if needed.
Broken Key Ring
If your key fob key repair near me isn't working because the ring has broken there are a few options you can try. The first step is to see if your broken piece is still in the ignition. If it is, remove it without damaging the ignition lock or door lock. Call a locksmith if you are having trouble taking the key off. They have specialized tools that can safely remove the damaged key from the ignition.
A broken car key could also be caused by corrosion on the plastic frame or circuit board. You can clean the board with cotton swab. This will eliminate the corrosion and protect to the contact pads.
Repair a damaged ring by using a thick nail or wire to close the hole. Superglue can also be used to repair a broken ring. First, clean the broken rings with a damp cloth and then apply a small amount superglue to the ends of the nail or wire. Then, press the pieces together and allow them to dry before using your vehicle. These DIY solutions might seem appealing, however they are only a temporary solution. It is recommended to hire an experienced locksmith for long-term repairs. They have the knowledge and tools to repair damaged keys quickly and effectively. They can replace the battery and reprogram the key fob in the event of need.
Broken Key Blade
Some key blades break because of a lot wear and tear. If this happens, it's time to purchase a new key. Luckily, this problem isn't as bad as it might seem at first glance. The most significant issue is that the blade broke off from the case.
Spraying lubricant into the keyhole is one solution to repair it. You can then make use of pliers or tweezers grasp the broken end of the key and pull it. If the key is magnetic, you could also try using a magnetic tool to assist in pulling it out. Just be careful not to use a magnetic tool on an ignition key because it could cause the tumbler in the lock to break.
If you're unable to remove the broken piece of key, contact an emergency locksmith. They're equipped with special tools that allow them to safely remove keys without causing damage.
Super glue can be used to fix a snapped lock. Apply a small amount of glue to the edges of the crack and press them together. After that, wait until the glue has dried before inserting your key into the lock. This method isn't secure and you may need repeat the process several times before it is successful. Super glue may not hold the key together. Therefore, this is more of a temporary measure than a permanent solution.
Broken Plastic Loop
If your key fob's plastic loop breaks off it could render the key useless. It's a fairly simple fix. As a replacement, you can use wire that is thick or a finishing nail. Drill two holes into the plastic loop that is broken at each end of the wire or nail. Cut the wire or nail to key width, and place one drop of superglue into each hole. Apply the nail or wire into the holes and allow them to dry.
A locksmith who sells replacement shells is another option. They can remove the programmable component of your key, then transfer it to the new shell, and cut the new blade for less than a complete replacement cost.
It's not the best solution, but it will get you back on the road if your key split in half. It's difficult to repair car key when the key blade is in the ignition, however. You can try using a hair clip or a needle extractor tool to remove the damaged part out of the ignition, but this is risky if you're not careful. The best option is to contact a locksmith who has special tools for safely removing broken keys from the ignition. You can also have an entirely new key made using the proper cuts to fit the ignition of your car.
Broken Master Key
You'll need to try in vain to recover the key before it becomes completely destroyed. There are a variety of methods that you can try, such as using lubricants as well as tools such as needle nose pliers and tweezers. These tools can pick up a piece of the damaged key 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 which involves carefully sliding the blade along the edge of the broken key and hooking onto some of the teeth - if you are able to do this you should be able to remove the broken key fob repair service from the lock.
Another tool that is useful is a spiral key extractor that is available in many hardware stores. It is a thin rod with spiral threads that can be inserted in the keyway and car key remote repair near me then bent to form the broken part of the key. Once it has gotten caught on the serrations, you can turn the bar into a circle and pull it against the broken part of the key.
It's worth attempting to remove the master key that is broken before calling a professional locksmith. If you're unable to pull an item out, it's time to call in the big guns and have a locksmith cut you a new key and reprogram it with the transponder in your car.