How to Repair Car Keys
Car keys may appear tiny and insignificant, however they are crucial to the functioning of your vehicle. Replacing an old key or a modern transponder key can cost upwards of $200.
However, there are ways to fix your car keys at home with less than. This article will discuss the most frequent car keys issues and their DIY fixes.
Dead Key Fob Battery
Cars come with a remote key fob which makes opening doors, trunk and tailgate easier than ever before. The battery of the device is prone to dying. There are, however, a few techniques that can be employed to fix this issue in an emergency.
First, make sure that the car is still in ignition mode. If it is, then the key fob battery may be drained instead of dead. To test, press the button on the fob against the ignition button of the vehicle. If this works, then the battery is probably in good condition and only needs to be replaced.
To replace the battery in the fob, open the case with a screwdriver. Don't apply too much force as this could cause the fob's case split. If the fob doesn't seem to be coming open easily, try wedge your pry tool into several places around the outside of the case.
After the fob has been opened then remove the mechanical key and open the electronic part of the car. Install the new battery and snap back the shell. If the key fob doesn't work after this, there could be a larger 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 call roadside assistance for help with your vehicle if needed.
Broken Key Ring
There are a few options to do in the event that your key fob won't work because the ring has been broken. First, you must check to see if the damaged piece is still in the ignition. If it's still inside, remove it without causing damage to the ignition lock or the door lock. If you are having trouble getting it out, contact a locksmith for assistance. They have special tools that are able to safely remove the damaged key from the ignition.
A damaged car key could be caused by corrosion of the plastic frame or circuit board. You can clean the circuit board by using a cotton swab soaked in rubbing alcohol. This will get rid of the corrosion and prevent damage to the contact pads.
TheKeyLab can fix a broken ring using a strong wire or nail to seal the hole. Superglue can also be used to fix a broken ring. After cleaning the ring using a damp cloth apply a small amount of superglue to each end of the wire or nail. Allow the pieces to dry, and then press them together. These DIY solutions may appear appealing, but they're just an interim measure. For long-term repairs, you'll want to work with an experienced locksmith. They have the experience and tools to repair a broken key quickly and effectively. They can replace the battery and reprogram the key fob if necessary.
Broken Key Blade
Some key blades can break because of a lot wear and tear. If this occurs, you ought to buy a new blade. Fortunately, this issue isn't as bad as it appears at first glance. The main problem is that the blade has broken off from the case.
Spraying lubricant into the keyhole is a way to fix the problem. You can then use pliers or tweezers to grab the broken end of the key and pull it. If the key is magnetic, you can also use a magnet to assist in pulling it out. Be careful not to use a magnetic tool on an ignition key because it could cause the lock tumbler to break.
Call a locksmith immediately if you are unable to remove the broken part of the key. They have tools that allow them to safely remove keys without causing further damage.
Super glue can be used to fix the snapped lock. Apply a small amount of glue to the edges and press them together. Make sure the glue has dried before inserting the key into the lock. This method isn't very secure, and you could have to repeat it a few times before it is successful. Plus, the super glue may not be enough to keep the key in place. Therefore, this is more of a temporary measure rather than a permanent solution.
Broken Plastic Loop
If the plastic loop on your key fob is damaged it can render the key ineffective. It's a fairly simple fix. You can use thick wire or a nail for finishing to replace it. For each end of the wire or nail you need to drill two holes into the plastic loop. Cut the nail or wire to a key width, then put a drop of superglue in each hole. Press the wire or nail into the holes to seal them and allow it to dry.
A locksmith who sells replacement shells is a different option. They can transfer the programmable section of your key into the new shell and cut a brand new blade for only a fraction of the price.
It's not the best solution, but it will bring you back on the road if your key broke in half. It can be difficult to fix when the blade of the key is inside the ignition, however. You can try using a hair clip or a needle extractor tool to pull the broken piece of the ignition, but it's risky if not careful. Contact a locksmith who has special tools to safely remove damaged keys from ignitions. You can also get an entirely new key made using the correct cuts to fit the ignition of your car.
Broken Master Key
You'll need to try to retrieve the key before it becomes completely destroyed. There are a variety of methods you can employ, such as using lubricants, tools, needle nose pliers and tweezers. These tools can pick up a piece of the key that has been broken and remove it.
Spray the inside of your lock with WD-40 or graphite powder. You could 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 remove the broken key from the lock.
Another helpful tool is an extractor for keys spiral, which you can find in many hardware stores. It's a thin and flexible bar with spiral threads that can be inserted into the keyway and bent to get into the damaged section of the key. Once it is firmly anchored to the serrations, you can turn the bar in a circle and then pull it up against the broken part of the key.
It's worth attempting to remove the master key that is broken before calling an expert locksmith. If you are unable to get an item out, it's time to call in the big guns - have a locksmith cut you a new key and reprogram it using your car's transponder.