The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Repair Car Keys
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Car keys may appear tiny and insignificant, but they are crucial to the operation of your vehicle. The cost of replacing a traditional or modern transponder car keys can be upwards to $200.
There are methods to repair your car keys at home with only a fraction of the cost. This article will go over some of the most common car keys issues and their DIY solutions.
Dead key lock repair near me Fob Battery
Cars come with remote key fobs that allows opening the doors and trunk easier than ever. However, the battery inside this device can die. Fortunately, there are some techniques that can be employed to fix this issue in the event of a need.
Check to see if your car is still in the ignition mode. If it is, the key fob battery may be drained instead of dead. To test, press the button on the fob against the ignition button on the vehicle. If this works, then the battery is probably fine and needs to be replaced.
To replace the fob battery, first pry open the case with an instrument like a screwdriver, or watch-type tool. Don't apply too much force as this may cause the fob's case to split. If the fob isn't opening try prying the tool several times around the outside of case.
After the fob has been opened take out the mechanical key and then open the electronic section of the car. Insert the new battery and then snap back the shell. If the key fob doesn't work after this procedure, there could be a larger issue with your car's remote start system that requires a professional diagnostic. If this is the case, a trusted mechanic should be able to help you. You can also reach out to roadside assistance for assistance with your vehicle if needed.
Broken Key Ring
There are a few options that you can do in the event that your key fob won't work because the ring has been broken. Check to see if you can locate the broken piece inside the ignition. If it's still there, remove it without causing damage to the ignition lock or the door lock. If you're having difficulty taking it off, call a locksmith for help. They have the right tools to safely remove a damaged key from the ignition.
A broken car key can also be the result of 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 eliminate corrosion and ensure that the contact pads don't become damaged.
If your key won't start because the ring broke, you may be able to repair it using a sturdy wire or nail to seal the hole. Superglue can be used to repair the broken key ring. First, clean the broken ring with a damp towel and then apply a small amount superglue to the ends of the nail or wire. Let the pieces dry and then press them in place. These DIY solutions may appear appealing, but they're only temporary solutions. For long-term repairs, you'll want to get an experienced locksmith. They have the expertise 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 from a lot of wear and tear. If this occurs, you ought to buy a new blade. This problem isn't nearly as serious as you might believe at first. The main problem is that the metal blade broke off from the case.
Spraying lubricant into the keyhole is one method to fix it. You can then make use of pliers or tweezers grasp the broken end of the key and pull it. You may also use a magnet if the key is magnetic. Use a magnet to help you remove the key, but take care to not sever the lock tumbler.
If you're not able to remove the broken piece of the key, call a locksmith right away. They have special tools that permit them to safely remove keys without causing damage.
You can also apply super glue to fix a snapped key. Apply a small amount glue to the edges of the crack and press them together. Wait until the glue has dried before inserting the key into the lock. This method isn't reliable and you may have to repeat the process a few times before it is successful. In addition the super glue may not be enough to keep the key in place. Therefore, this is more of a temporary measure rather than an option that can last.
Broken Plastic Loop
If your key fob's plastic loop breaks off, it can make the key ineffective. Fortunately, this is a fairly simple fix. You can make use of wire or a finishing nail to replace it. For each end of the wire or nail make two holes in the plastic loop. Cut the wire or nail into a key width, and place tiny drops of superglue in each hole. Press the wire or nail into the holes to seal them and allow it to dry.
Another option is to get an alternative shell from a locksmith that sells them. They can take the programmable part of your key, transfer it to the new shell, and cut the new blade for less than a full replacement cost.
This is not the best option, but it can help you get back on the road once more if your key split in half. It can be difficult to repair 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, however this is risky if you're not cautious. Call a locksmith with special tools to safely remove broken keys from ignitions. They can also create new keys with the proper 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 gets damaged inside the lock, you'll need to try to retrieve it before it's completely destroyed. There are a variety of methods you can employ, such as using lubricants as well as tools such as needle nose pliers and tweezers to take a small piece of the damaged key and remove it.
To start, spray the inside of your lock with a lubricant like WD-40 or graphite powder. You may also try the hacksaw blade method which involves carefully sliding the blade along the edge of the broken key and attaching it to the 'teeth'. If you are able to do this, you should be able to remove the broken key from the lock.
Many hardware stores sell a spiral key extraction tool. This tool is a thin rod that is flexible and has spiral threads that can be inserted in the keyway, and then bent to the broken portion of the key. Once it is firmly anchored to the serrations, you can twist the bar into a circle and pull it against the broken part of the key.
It's worth trying to get rid of the master key that is broken before calling an expert locksmith. If you're not able to get rid of the broken piece then you'll have to contact a professional locksmith. A locksmith can give you a new key that will be programmed using the transponder in your car.