5 Car Key Repairs Projects For Every Budget Car Key Repairs

You should contact a New York replacement car key service as soon as your car keys become stuck or broken. They have the tools, expertise and experience to get you back on the road quickly.

Most car key issues are easy to spot and fix if you know what to look for. These simple fixes can save you money when you purchase a full key replacement service from the dealership or manufacturer.

Dead Key Fob Battery

If you press the fob of your key on your car to lock or unlock and nothing happens, it's likely that you have a dead cell. Fob batteries have a life span that varies however they typically last three to four years if they are utilized regularly. If you have a spare keyfob to replace, changing the batteries is simple and quick.

A dead key fob is one that requires you to click it multiple times in order to activate it. A functioning fob should require a single click to lock or unlock your vehicle. If you have to click the fob repeatedly it is probably time to replace your battery.

You can buy replacement fob batteries at any auto parts store or on the internet. They will be identified as CR2025 or CR2032. It is possible to pry the battery compartment of your fob by using a small screw. This is usually included with a new battery. Once you have opened the fob, pull out the emergency key and gently pry or push a place along the seam that separates the top and bottom halves of your fob. Take out the old battery and replace it with the new one, snapping the fob back to its original position.

After replacing the battery, ensure that it's in the right orientation with the (+) and (-) sides facing up toward the buttons. Test all remote buttons to make sure they are working correctly.

The battery in your key fob can be an easy DIY fix however, it's important to note that a dead battery can be a result of other issues. If your fob is acting up and a battery change isn't helping, you should take it to a professional mechanic to be looked at. The mechanic can disassemble your fob to see whether there are any broken or stuck buttons that require adjustment. If this is the case, it's more economical to replace the key fob rather than just repair the battery.

Broken Key Fob


The key fob has lots of tech inside. It is responsible for communicating with your car and transmitting the correct signals when you press buttons. If something goes wrong, your car could react in an unexpected way or not at all.

If your key fob appears to have stopped working, the first thing to do is examine the battery. The majority of fobs have lithium CR batteries that are simple to change yourself. You can find replacements at supermarkets, pharmacies, and anyplace else you buy batteries. If you replace the battery and the key fob doesn't function, it might be a good idea to bring it to an expert mechanic for further testing.

Another reason why the key fob you have isn't working is because it's not paired with your vehicle. Each time you press the fob's button, it sends a unique code to your car that informs it whether or not to unlock the doors or start the engine. The fob will stop working in the event that it isn't recognized by your vehicle. You'll have to reprogram it.

You may also notice that the key fob is damaged in some manner. Even something as simple as getting your key fob wet can cause the circuit board to break down and stop functioning properly. If you have a key fob that is not functioning properly it's a sign you'll need a new one. If you're patient and cautious you might be able to repair yours.

Open the housing (the plastic shell) of your key fob. The back of the fob will have an identification number that you'll need to know should you wish to complete this repair yourself. You'll also require some black or clear silicone. Once car key fob repair got the silicone, put the cap that was attached to an old fuse into the hole and apply a little more silicone around it to ensure it's secure. Let the silicone dry for 24 hours prior to reassembling the fob.

Damaged Key Fob for Internal Key

Car keys and fobs are intricate pieces of equipment that rely on the communication between their transmitter and receiver to function properly. The key might not function properly if these parts are damaged or misaligned because of external influences. A trusted mechanic will examine the key to determine if it has communication problems with a special tool. This device will determine whether a transmitter or receiver is out-of-alignment or not communicating properly.

Modern car keys and key fobs have tiny batteries that quickly die out over time. This is especially relevant if you use them often or in extreme conditions. The battery can be changed at home with the help of a few tools. Some fobs use lithium button or coin batteries that you can find at grocery stores, pharmacies as well as some home improvement stores. A quick search on the internet will likely result in a YouTube video or how-to article that will walk you through the steps to replace the battery in your fob.

The most common reason a key fob can cease to function is due damage to the internal components. The most obvious issue is a damaged key fob's case, but other issues can include cracks in the case of the key fob, teeny electronic components not completely attached to the circuit board, or bent or oxidized battery contacts. It's a great idea to remove your key fob and clean it when you spot any of these issues.

It's possible to program a spare key to ensure it can be used with your vehicle. You'll have to take the original fob to an authorised service center to be programmed and reprogrammed for the model you have. While this is expensive to repair but it's generally less expensive than the price of a new key. It could also be taken out of your deductible subject to the terms of the policy of your insurance. Unauthorized service centers can assist you find the right repair of your car key for your specific situation.

Locked Out

The most important thing to do if you're locked out of your car is to stay in a calm state and think about what you could do. You can try some simple ways to gain access to your car without causing damage to it or putting you at risk.

If you can make a mental note of the exact location of your keys. It might be easier to open the door when you know where your keys are. Keep an extra key at the home, or give one to an amiable friend or family member who can come help you.

Another good option is to call roadside assistance, or a reputable locksmith business. These people have the equipment and know-how to unlock your car safely and quickly, without damaging the lock. Additionally, they can replace your car key when it's damaged or lost.

A locksmith can also reprogram your new key to match the specifications of your vehicle. You may have to turn on and off the lights, turn off other electronics or press a few buttons. This is something that you should leave to a professional, since it can be confusing and complicated.

You should also keep track of your VIN (vehicle ID number). It is usually located on the dash panel that is above the steering wheel. You can also find it on a sticker or label inside the glovebox, in the trunk, or on the insurance paperwork. The VIN is a unique code that helps your car recognize your key and block it from being used by someone else's vehicle.

It can be frustrating to find yourself locked out of your vehicle especially in an emergency situation that requires time. If you accidentally cut a key off in the ignition or inside the door, the most important thing to do is to stay calm and avoid panic. You can use a few different methods to to remove the broken key however the most secure alternative is to contact professional assistance.