Ten Repair Car Keys That Really Help You Live Better
How to Repair a Dead Car Key
Sometimes extreme heat or cold can cause a car key to stop functioning properly. Try waiting a little while before spending money to replace it.
If your car keys are damaged it's a huge problem. It always occurs at the worst moment! You can repair a broken key without needing to purchase another one.
Dead Key Fob Batteries
Modern key fobs let us to open doors, trunks and tailgates without having search for a physical key. Certain key fobs come with an inbuilt key that can be used to start our vehicles. However, these devices depend on a small battery that provides power to their remote key repair functions. If the battery fails, then the key fob can no longer transmit the signal to activate the vehicle. There are several methods to fix a dead car key fob.
First, determine if the key fob is really dead. If it appears to be, you'll need to replace the battery. You can do it yourself by taking the fob off its clip, or by using a flat-head screwdriver. Do not apply too much force, or it could cause damage to the fob. You should also make sure that you're using a correct type of battery. Some models might require a different type of battery. You can find out what type of battery your car needs in the owner's manual, or go to an Interstate All Battery Center and have a battery specialist help you.
If the key fob actually isn't dead, you can sometimes revive it by moving closer to your vehicle. The majority of key fobs employ RFID (radio frequency identification) which operates in a limited range. The ignition system needs to be able to detect the signal. If you can move just a few inches closer to your car, it may unlock or even start it.
Many car manufacturers have an emergency mechanism that can be triggered when the key fob battery is dead. For example, most Ford models have a separate slot for the key fob which will start the engine when it is properly inserted. Refer to the owner's manual for details on how to locate the slot and how to insert the key fob. If you are unable to start your car with this method, be sure to get assistance from roadside assistance.
Broken Key Ring
The internal chip inside the key fob is what communicates to the immobilizer of your car to enable the motor. If this chip becomes damaged or if there are programming errors, the key will not be able to transmit the correct identification code and your car key immobiliser repair won't start. In some instances the problem with a defective transponder key can also be caused by physical damage or wear and tear to the key shell or contact pads.
You will often see warning signs on your dashboard if a keyfob has trouble communicating with the immobilizer system of your vehicle. These can include errors messages, a flashing light or the key not locking or unlocking the vehicle. If you observe any of these warnings, call your local locksmith immediately for key fob repair or replacement.
It's easy to damage your key ring by putting too much pressure on it, especially when carrying many keys. This could cause the fob to break in half. This is one of the main reasons for a broken car keys. If this happens, you can try to use super glue to repair it by applying a small amount the glue on both sides of the break and carefully pressing them together. Make sure to use a gel type of glue that drys slowly in order to avoid drips or runniness.
If this method doesn't work and you are not sure, seek out a professional locksmith as soon as possible to avoid further damage to your vehicle. A qualified locksmith will be able to replace or Repair Car keys your key fob in a short time and will also be able ensure that the ignition lock and door lock are not affected by the process.
If your key fob gets damaged it can be frustrating and uninviable. However, it is not an excuse to panic or get frustrated. Instead you can take proactive measures to decrease the risk of your key fob rupturing again in the future, including regular maintenance, using key protectors and keeping a spare key. Quicksmith's staff is on hand to assist you in the event that your key fob fails.
Broken Key Loop
One of my MK5 keyfobs has snapped off the small key loop at the top, where to repair car key remote it connects to the keyfob. Apparently it's made out of very soft metal or plastic. I've drilled the hole and wet-sanded the area to make it stronger. However, I'm sure that's not helping.
I've also tried to wrap the broken part of ring with clear tape but that didn't seem much better. It's a shame because I use the tiny split ring to keep my keys in place.
If the case of the key fob is damaged, you could often remove it and replace the battery if it isn't dead. There are online kits available, but they only provide a temporary solution. It may be quicker to have it repaired by a professional. You can also locate a new case at the locksmith or home improvement stores. They're not as expensive as the new key fob.