Five Things You've Never Learned About Repair Car Key
How to Repair a Dead Car Key
Sometimes extreme cold or heat can cause a car key to stop working properly. It is best to wait a few minutes before replacing it.
It's quite a hassle when your car keys break and it happens at the most inconvenient times! There are several ways to fix 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 doors, trunks and tailgates without having to search to find a physical key. Certain key fobs come with an inbuilt key that can be utilized to start our vehicles. However, these key fobs depend on a tiny battery that powers their remote functions. If this battery dies, the key fob cannot send a signal to activate the vehicle. There are a variety of ways to repair a dead key fob and get your car operating again.
First, you must determine if the key fob is in fact dead. If it seems to be, then you'll need to replace the battery. You can do this yourself by removing the key fob from its clip or using a small flat-head screwdriver to pry it apart. Be cautious not to put too much pressure on the fob or you could damage the fob. It is also important to ensure that you're using a correct kind of battery. Some models might require a different type of battery. If car key repairs near me of the kind of battery your vehicle requires the most common place to look is the details in the owner's manual, or visit an Interstate All Battery Center to get a professional to assist you.
You can sometimes revive the key fob that's dead by moving it closer to the car. The majority of key fobs utilize RFID (radio frequency identification) which operates within a narrow range. The ignition system must be able detect the signal. You can unlock your car or even start it by moving a few inches closer.
Many car makers have backup mechanisms that is activated when the battery of the key fob is dead. Ford for instance, has a slot that is dedicated to the key fob. If properly inserted, the key fob will activate the engine of the car. Refer to the owner's manual for instructions on finding the slot and how to insert the key fob. If you're unable to start your car using this method, you should contact roadside assistance.
Broken Key Ring
The internal chip in the key fob is what transmits to the immobilizer on your car to allow it to start the motor. This chip can be damaged or there might be programming mistakes. If this happens the key fob won't be able to send the correct identification code, and your car won't start. In some instances the problem with a defective transponder key can also be caused by physical damage or wear and tear to the key shell or contact pads.
There are often warning signs on your dashboard if the key fob is having trouble communicating with the immobilizer system of your vehicle. These can include error messages, flashing lights or the key not locking or unlocking the vehicle. If you see these warnings, contact your local locksmith immediately for a replacement key fob or repair.
If you carry a lot of keys, it is easy to damage your key ring. This could cause the fob to split in half. This is one of the most common causes of a broken car keys. If this happens, you can try using super glue to fix it by applying a small amount the glue on both sides of the break and carefully pressing them together. Make sure to use a gel type of glue that drys slowly in order to avoid drips or runniness.
If this method does not work then you must seek out a professional locksmith as soon as possible to avoid further damage to your vehicle. A locksmith with the right qualifications will be able repair or replace your fob swiftly and ensure that the ignition and door locks are not damaged during the process.
It can be very frustrating when your key fob becomes damaged. It's not a reason for anxiety or anger. Instead, you can take proactive measures to decrease the risk of your key fob rupturing again in the future, including regular maintenance, using key protectors and keeping a spare key. If you do have a problem with your key fob, Quicksmith's team Quicksmith is available to assist!
Broken Key Loop
One of my MK5 keyfobs is broken off the little key loop on top where it attaches to the keyfob. It's believed to be made of very soft metal or plastic. I've punched a hole and then wet-sanded the area to make it stronger but I'm guessing the problem isn't resolved by this.
I've also attempted to wrap the broken the ring using clear tape, but it didn't work as good. It's a shame, since I use the ring to hold my keys on the little mini-split ring that holds the larger split ring for the keyfobs that I have.
If the key fob case is damaged, it's often possible to open up the case and replace the battery (assuming the battery isn't already dead). There are online kits for this, however they typically only provide a temporary fix - it may be faster to bring it to a professional who can swap out the battery and reprogram the key fob. You may also find the replacement case at the home improvement store or a locksmith. These cases aren't as costly as an entirely new key fob.