15 Lessons Your Boss Wants You To Know About Repair Car Keys You Knew About Repair Car Keys How to Repair Car Keys

The car keys are tiny and may not be considered important, but they're vital for the proper operation of your vehicle. Replacing a traditional or a modern transponder key could cost as much as $200.

There are methods to repair your car keys at home for only a fraction of the cost. This article will discuss the most common car keys issues and the DIY solutions to fix them.

Dead Key Fob Batteries

The remote key fobs that come with cars make it simpler than ever before to open the trunk, doors and the tailgate. The battery inside this device is susceptible to dying. Fortunately, there are key repairs that can be used to fix this issue in a pinch.

First, make sure that the car is in ignition mode. If it is, then the key fob battery may be drained instead of dead. To test this, press the button on the fob against the ignition button on the vehicle. If it works, the battery is probably fine and only needs to be replaced.

To replace the battery within the fob, open the case using a screwdriver. Be careful not to put too much pressure on the fob since this could cause the fob to split into two pieces. If the fob doesn't open try prying the tool more than once around the outside of the case.

Open the electronic portion of your car once you have removed the mechanical key. Install the new battery and snap back the shell. If your key fob still does not work after this, it could be due to a larger problem with the remote starting system of your car. This will require an expert to determine the cause. A reputable mechanic will be capable of helping you in this situation. You can also reach out to roadside assistance to assist with your vehicle if needed.

Broken Key Ring

There are a few steps that 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 broken piece is still in the ignition. If it is, remove it without damaging the lock on the ignition or door lock. If you're having difficulty taking it off, call a locksmith for help. They have tools that can safely remove a broken key from the ignition.

Another reason for the car key breaking is the corrosion of the circuit board or frame. You can clean the circuit board by using a cotton swab with rubbing alcohol. This will get rid of the corrosion and protect to the contact pads.

If your key won't start because the ring is broken or was damaged, you might be able to fix it by using a thick wire or nail to close the hole. Superglue can be used to fix damaged key rings. First, clean the broken ring with a damp towel and then apply a small amount superglue on each end of the wire or nail. Let the pieces dry and then press them together. These DIY solutions might appear appealing, but they're just temporary solutions. For long-term repairs, you'll want to hire a professional locksmith. They have the knowledge and tools to repair the broken key quickly and efficiently. They can replace the battery and reprogram your key fob if necessary.


Broken Key Blade

Some key blades might break due to wear and tear. If this happens, it's time to buy a new key. Luckily, this problem isn't as severe as it may appear at first. The primary issue is that the blade snapped off the case.

Spraying lubricant into the keyhole is one solution to fix the problem. Then you can use pliers, pins, or tweezers to grasp the end of the broken key and remove it. You may also use a magnet if the key is magnetic. Use a magnet to help you remove the key, but be careful to not damage the tumbler of the lock.

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

You can also apply super glue to fix a broken key. Apply a small amount of glue to the edges and press them together. After that, wait until the glue has dried before you insert your key into the lock. But this method isn't very reliable and you might have to repeat the process multiple times before it works. Plus, the super glue may not be strong enough to keep the key in place. So, this is more of a stopgap measure rather than a permanent solution.

Broken Plastic Loop

If the loop of plastic on your key fob breaks it could cause the key to become ineffective. Luckily, this is a fairly easy fix. You can use wire or a finishing nail as a replacement. Make 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 then place a drop of superglue in each hole. Then, press key fob repairs or nail into the holes to close them and let it dry.

Another option is to get an alternative shell from a locksmith who sells them. They can transfer the programmable part of your key into the new shell and cut an entirely new blade at only a fraction of the price.

It's not the most ideal solution, but it will help you get back on the road in case your key snapped in half. It's difficult to repair when the blade of the key is in the ignition however. If you're not cautious you could use a hair clip or needle to remove the broken part from the ignition. The best choice is to call a locksmith who has special tools to safely remove broken keys from the ignition. They can also create a new key with the appropriate cuts for your ignition and ensure it works perfectly when it is put into the lock.

Broken Master Key

If a key gets damaged inside the lock, you'll need to try to retrieve it before it's completely destroyed. You can use lubricants, tweezers, and needle nose pliers to grasp the broken fragment of a key.

To begin, spray the inside of your lock with a lubricant, such as graphite powder or WD-40. You can also employ the hacksaw blade technique by sliding the blade along the side of a damaged key and grasping onto a few of its 'teeth.' If you are successful then you should be in a position to cut the damaged key.

Another tool that is useful is a spiral key extractor, that is available in many hardware stores. This has a thin flexible bar with spiral threads which can be inserted into the keyway and bent to reach into the broken part of the key. Once it is firmly anchored to the serrations you can twist the bar around and then pull it up against the damaged section of the key.

Before contacting a locksmith, try to remove the broken master key. If you're unable to take the broken piece off it's time to contact a professional locksmith. Locksmiths can create you a new key that can be programmed with your car transponder.