How to Repair a Dead Car Key
Sometimes extreme cold or heat can cause a car key to not function properly. It is best to wait a few minutes before replacing it.
It's quite a hassle when keys to your car fail and they happen at the most uncomfortable times! There are a variety of ways you can repair the broken car key that don't involve paying for the purchase of a new key.
Dead Key Fob Battery
Modern key fobs allow us to open trunks, doors and tailgates without having to search for a physical key. auto key repair have a built-in key that can be used to start our vehicles. These key fobs are powered by a small battery. If this battery dies and the key fob stops working, it will no longer transmit a signal that can be used to start the vehicle. There are a variety of ways to fix a dead vehicle key fob.
First, determine whether the key fob actually dead. If it appears to be, then you'll require a replacement battery. You can do it yourself by disconnecting the fob from its clip, or using an screwdriver with a flat-head. Be careful not to put too much pressure on the fob or you could end up damaging the fob. You should also make sure that you're using a correct type of battery. Most key fobs are three-volt CR2032 batteries, however some models may require a different type. You can find out what kind of battery your vehicle requires in the owner's manual, or you can go to an Interstate All Battery Center and get a specialist in battery care to assist you.
If the key fob isn't actually dead, you can revive it by moving it closer to your vehicle. The majority of key fobs utilize RFID (radio frequency identification), which only works within a narrow distance. The ignition system needs to be able to detect the signal. You can unlock your car, or even start it by moving a couple of inches closer.
Many automobile manufacturers have backup systems that is activated when the battery on the key fob is low. For instance, many Ford models have a separate slot for the key fob which will start the engine when inserted correctly. Refer to the owner's manual for details on how to locate this slot and how to properly insert the key fob. If you're unable to start your car using this method, make sure to get assistance from roadside assistance.
Broken Key Ring
The chip inside the key fob is the one that communicates with the car's immobilizer system to start the engine. This chip can be damaged or there may be programming errors. If this happens your key fob will not be able transmit the correct identification code, and your car won't begin. In certain instances the problem with a defective transponder key may be caused by physical damage or wear and tear on the key shell or contact pads.
Often when the key fob begins to fail to communicate with your vehicle's immobilizer system and you notice specific warning signs on the dashboard. This could include error messages, a flashing light or the key not locking or unlocking the vehicle. If you notice these warnings contact your local locksmith immediately for key fob replacement or repair.
It's easy to cause damage to your key ring by putting too much pressure on it, especially when carrying many keys. This can cause the fob to break in half. This is one of the most common causes of a broken car keys. You can use super glue on both sides of the crack and gently press them together to fix the issue. Make sure to use a gel type of glue that is slow drying so that you don't risk drips or runniness.
If this method does not work and you are not sure, contact a professional locksmith right away to prevent further damage to your vehicle. A locksmith who is certified will be able to repair or repair your key fob quickly and will also be able to make sure that the ignition lock and door lock do not get damaged by the process.
It can be very frustrating when your key fob becomes damaged. It's not a reason to be in a state of panic or anger. Instead, you can take proactive measures to decrease the risk of your key fob breaking in the future. This includes regular maintenance, using key protectors and keeping a spare key. Quicksmith's team is available to assist you if your key fob breaks.
Broken Key Loop
One of my MK5 keyfobs has broken off the tiny key ring loop at the top where it attaches to the keyfob. It appears to be made of extremely soft plastic or metal. I've drilled a hole, and then wet-sanded the area to make it stronger but I'm guessing that the issue isn't solved by this.
I've also tried wrapping the broken portion of the ring with clear tape, but that doesn't seem to do much good. It's really too bad because I use the tiny ring to hold my keys in place on the tiny mini-splitring that holds the bigger split ring for the other keyfobs.
If the key fob case is damaged it is usually possible to open up the case and replace the battery (assuming the battery isn't dead). There are online kits for this, however they usually only offer a temporary fix - it may be faster to take it to a mechanic who can swap out the battery and reprogram the key fob. You can also locate a new case at the locksmith or home improvement stores. They are not likely to cost as much as a new key fob.