Don't Buy Into These “Trends” About Repair Car Keys
How to Repair Car Keys Car keys may appear small and insignificant, but they are crucial to the operation of your vehicle. Replacing a traditional key or a transponder key that is modern can cost upwards of $200. There are ways to fix your car keys yourself for less than the cost. This article will go over some of the most frequent car key problems and the DIY solutions. Dead Key Fob Batteries The remote key fobs that are included with cars make it simpler than ever before to open the trunk, doors and tailgate. The battery in this device is susceptible to dying. Fortunately, there are a few techniques that can be employed to solve this problem in the event of a need. First, make sure that the car is in ignition mode. If so the battery of the key fob could be low rather than dead. To test, press the button on the fob against the ignition button of the vehicle. If it does not work, the battery is probably in good condition and only has to be replaced. To replace the battery within the fob, open the case with the screwdriver. Don't apply too much force as this could cause the fob's case split. If the fob isn't opening, try using your pry tool several times around the outside of the case. After the fob has been opened then remove the mechanical key and then open the electronic portion of the car. Insert the new battery and snap it back into the shell. If the key fob won't work after this, there may be a more serious problem with your car's remote start system that requires a professional to diagnose. If this is the case, a reliable mechanic should be able to help you. You can also contact roadside assistance to assist with your vehicle in case you need it. Broken Key Ring There are a few things to do if your key fob doesn't function 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 getting it out, contact a locksmith for help. They have tools that allow you to safely remove the damaged key from the ignition. Another reason for the car key breaking is the corrosion of the circuit board or frame. Clean the board with the help of rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab. This will eliminate corrosion and ensure the contact pads don't get damaged. Repair a damaged rings by using a thick nail or wire to close the hole. Superglue can be used to repair a broken key ring. After cleaning the ring using a damp cloth Apply a small amount superglue on each end of the wire or nail. Apply the glue to the ring and let them dry prior to using your car. These DIY solutions may sound appealing, but they're only temporary solutions. For long-term repairs, it's best to hire a professional locksmith. They have the tools and expertise to fix a broken car key quickly and efficiently. They can replace the battery and reprogram your key fob in the event of need. Broken Key Blade Some key blades may break due to wear and tear. If this happens, it's time to purchase a new key. This problem isn't nearly as serious as you think at first. The main issue is that the metal blade has broken off from the case. One solution is to spray the key hole with a fluid that lubricates the key hole. Then, you can employ pliers or tweezers grab the broken end of the key and pull it. You may also make use of a magnet if the key is magnetic. Use a magnet to assist you remove the key, but be careful to not sever the lock tumbler. Call a locksmith immediately if you are unable to remove the broken part of the key. They have the right tools to safely extract keys without causing further damage. You can also use super glue to repair a snapped key. Apply a small amount of glue to the edges and press them together. Make sure the glue is dry before inserting the key into the lock. However, this method isn't secure and you may need repeat the process several times before it is successful. Plus the super glue might not be enough strong to hold the key together. This is more of a temporary solution than a permanent one. Broken Plastic Loop If your key fob's plastic loop breaks off, it can make the key ineffective. This is a relatively easy fix. To replace car key repair company , you can use an extremely thick wire or a finishing nail. Drill two holes into the damaged loop of plastic for each end of the nail or wire. Cut the wire or nail to key width, and place a small drop of superglue into each hole. Press the wire or nail into the holes to close them and allow it to dry. Another option is to purchase the replacement shell from a locksmith who sells them. They can remove the programmable component of your key, transfer it to the new shell and cut the new blade for less than the full replacement cost. This isn't the best solution, but it will help you get back on the road again if your key has split in half. It's not easy to repair when the key blade is inside the ignition, however. If sneak a peek here are not careful, you can use a hair clip or a needle to remove the damaged part from the ignition. The best option is to contact an expert locksmith who has tools for safely removing damaged keys from the ignition. They can also make you new keys with the correct cuts for the ignition of your vehicle to ensure that it functions properly when it is inserted into the lock. Broken Master Key If a key is broken inside the lock, you'll have to find it before it is completely destroyed. There are a few techniques you can employ, such as using lubricants as well as tools such as needle nose pliers or tweezers to take a small piece of the broken key and then remove it. Spray the inside of the lock with WD-40 or a graphite powder. You could also try the hacksaw blade method which involves carefully sliding the blade down 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 take the broken key from the lock. Another useful tool is a spiral key extractor, that can be found in a wide range of hardware stores. It is a thin, flexible bar with spiral threads, which can be put into the keyway, and then bent to get into the damaged section of the key. Once it has caught onto the serrations you can twist the bar into a circle and pull it against the broken part of the key. Before contacting a locksmith, try to get rid of the broken master key before calling a locksmith. If you are unable to get rid of the broken piece then you'll have to call in the professionals. Locksmiths can create you an entirely new key that will be programmed to the transponder in your car.