5 Repair Car Keys Myths You Should Stay Clear Of
How to Repair Car Keys The car keys aren't big and may not be considered important, but they're vital for the proper operation of your vehicle. The cost of replacing the traditional or modern transponder car keys could be as high as $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 key problems and their DIY solutions. Dead Key Fob Battery The remote key fobs that come with cars make it easier than ever to open the trunk, doors and the tailgate. The battery of the device is prone to dying. There are, however, some techniques that can be employed to solve this problem in a pinch. Check to see if your vehicle is still in ignition mode. If so, car remote key repair near me could be low rather than dead. To test this, press the fob's button against the ignition button of the vehicle. If it works, the battery is probably fine and needs to be changed. To replace the fob's battery, start by prying open the case with an instrument like a screwdriver, or watch-type tool. Be cautious not to put too much pressure on the fob as this could cause the fob's to split into two pieces. If the fob isn't opening try prying the tool more than once around the outside of case. Once the fob is opened then remove the mechanical key and open the electronic portion of the car. Then insert the replacement battery and then snap the shell back together. If your key fob still doesn't work after this procedure, it could be due to a larger problem with the remote starting system of your car. This will require a professional to diagnose. A trusted mechanic will be in a position to assist you if this is the situation. You can also call roadside assistance to assist with your vehicle, if you require it. Broken Key Ring If your key fob isn't working because the ring broke, there are a few things you might try. First, you should check to see if your broken piece is still in the ignition. If it's still in there it, remove it without causing damage to the ignition lock or the door lock. Call a locksmith if you are having trouble getting rid of the key. They have specialized tools that allow you to safely remove the damaged key from the ignition. A broken car key can also be caused by corrosion on the plastic frame or circuit board. You can clean the board with cotton swab. This will eliminate corrosion and ensure the contact pads don't get damaged. If your key isn't starting because of a broken ring it, you might be able to fix it by using a thick wire or nail to seal the hole. Superglue can be used to repair a broken key ring. First, clean the damaged rings with a damp cloth and then apply a small amount superglue on each end of the wire or nail. Allow the pieces to dry, and then press them into place. These DIY solutions may seem appealing, but they are only a temporary solution. For long-term repairs, you'll want to get a professional locksmith. They have the expertise and tools to repair the broken key quickly and effectively. They can even replace the battery on your key fob, and reprogram it if needed. Broken Key Blade Some key blades may break due to wear and tear. If this happens, you should probably buy a new one. The issue isn't as serious as you think at first. The problem is that the blade has separated from the case. One solution is to spray the key hole with lubricant. Then, you can use pliers, pins, or tweezers to grab the broken end of the key and remove it. If the key is magnetic, you can also try using a magnetic tool to help pull it out. Be cautious not to use a magnetic tool on an ignition key because it could cause the tumbler of the lock to break. Contact a locksmith immediately when you are unable remove the broken piece of the key. They're equipped with special tools to safely remove keys without causing any further damage. You can also try super glue to fix a snapped key. Apply a small amount of glue to the edges of the crack and press them together. Then, wait until the glue dries before inserting your key into the lock. But this method isn't very reliable and you may have to repeat the process multiple times before it is successful. Additionally, the super glue may not be strong enough to keep the key in place. Therefore, this is more of a temporary measure rather than an option that can last. Broken Plastic Loop If the plastic loop gets damaged it could render the key useless. Fortunately, this is a fairly simple fix. As a replacement alternative, you can use a thick wire or finishing nail. Drill two holes in the damaged loop of plastic for each end of the nail or wire. Cut the wire or nail to the desired width, and place a small drop of superglue into each hole. Then, press the wire or nail into the holes to seal them and let it dry. A locksmith who sells replacement shells is another option. They can transfer the programmable part of your key to the new shell, and cut an entirely new blade at less than the cost. This isn't the best solution, but will allow you to travel again if your key has been cut in half. However, it could be difficult to repair the key blade if it is in the ignition. You could try using a hair clip or needle extractor tool to remove the damaged part of the ignition, but this is risky if you're not careful. Get a locksmith equipped with special tools to safely remove damaged keys from ignitions. They can also design new keys that have the appropriate cuts for your ignition and ensure it works correctly when inserted into the lock. Broken Master Key If a key is broken inside the lock, you'll need to try to retrieve it before it gets completely destroyed. You can employ tweezers, lubricants, and needle nose pliers to grab the fragment of a broken key. To begin, spray the inside of your lock with a lubricant like graphite powder or WD-40. You may also try the hacksaw blade method which involves gently sliding the blade along the side of the broken key and connecting to a few of the 'teeth' – if you succeed in doing this you should be able pull out 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. It's a thin and flexible bar with spiral threads, which can be inserted into the keyway and then bent to reach into the broken part of the key. Once it is hooked to the serrations, it is possible to twist it in a circular direction and lever it against the broken portion of the key to pull it out. It's worth trying to remove a master key that's broken prior to calling an expert locksmith. If you're unable to remove the broken piece, you'll need to contact a professional locksmith. Locksmiths can create you a new key that can be programmed to your car transponder.