17 Signs To Know If You Work With Repair Car Keys

How to Repair Car Keys Car keys may seem tiny and insignificant, however they are vital to the functioning of your vehicle. The cost of replacing an old or modern transponder car keys can range from $200 to upwards of $200. There are ways to fix your car keys yourself at just a fraction of the cost. This article will cover some of the most common car key problems and their DIY solutions. Dead Key Fob Battery The remote key fobs that are included with cars make it simpler than ever before to open the trunk, doors and tailgate. The battery of the device is prone to dying. There are some tricks you can use to solve this problem quickly. Check to see if your car is still in the ignition mode. If it is the battery of the key fob might be low instead of dead. To test this, push the button on the key fob straight against the ignition button. If this works, then the battery is probably in good condition and only requires to be replaced. To replace the battery in the fob, open the case with the screwdriver. Be careful not to apply too much force, as this could cause the fob's case to split. If the fob won't open try prying the tool several times around the outside of case. Open the electronic compartment of your car after you have removed the mechanical key. Then, insert the battery replacement and then snap the shell back together. If the key fob won't work after this, there may be a larger issue with your car's remote start system that requires a professional to diagnose. If this is the case, a trusted mechanic should be able to assist you. You can also call roadside assistance for assistance with your vehicle if needed. Broken Key Ring There are a few options you can do in the event that your key fob won't work because the ring has been broken. The first step is to see if the broken piece is still in the ignition. If it is, you should remove it without damaging the lock on the ignition or door lock. Call a locksmith if you are having difficulty getting rid of the key. They have the right tools to safely remove a damaged or broken key from the ignition. A broken car key can also be the result of corrosion on the plastic frame or circuit board. Clean the board with cotton swab. This will remove corrosion and ensure that the contact pads aren't damaged. You can fix a broken rings by using a thick wire or nail to close the hole. Superglue can be used to repair damaged key rings. After cleaning the ring with a wet cloth apply a small amount of superglue on each end of the nail or wire. Allow the pieces to dry, and then press them in place. These DIY solutions might seem appealing, but they're just an interim measure. For long-term repairs, you'll want to get an experienced locksmith. They have the tools and knowledge to repair a damaged car key quickly and efficiently. They can even replace the battery on the key fob and reprogram it if needed. Broken Key Blade Some key blades can break from a lot of wear and tear. If this happens, it's time to buy a new key. This problem isn't nearly as serious as you might think at first glance. The primary issue is that the blade broke off from the case. Spraying lubricant into the keyhole is a way to repair it. Then you can use pliers tweezers, or a pin to grab the damaged key and take it out. You could also use a magnet if the key is magnetic. Just be careful not to use a magnet on an ignition key because it could cause the tumbler of the lock to break. Call a locksmith immediately if you are unable to take out the damaged part of the key. They have special tools that allow them to safely remove keys without causing 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. But keys repair isn't very reliable and you might have repeat the process several times before it is successful. Super glue may not be able to hold the key in place. This is more of a stopgap measure rather than an option that can last. Broken Plastic Loop If the plastic loop on your key fob is damaged, it can make the key useless. This is a relatively easy fix. You can use wire or a finishing nail to replace it. For each end of the nail or wire make two holes in the plastic loop. Cut the wire or nail into a key width, and then place a small drop of superglue in each hole. Put the nail or wire into the holes to close them and let it dry. Another option is to purchase the replacement shell from a locksmith that sells them. They can transfer the programmable section of your key into the new shell and cut an entirely new blade at only a fraction of the price. This isn't the best option, but it can help you get back on the road again if your key split in half. However, it could be difficult to repair the key blade if it's in the ignition. If you are not careful you can employ a hair clip, or a needle to take the damaged part from the ignition. Call a locksmith with special tools to safely remove broken keys from ignitions. They can also design new keys with the correct cuts for the ignition of your vehicle, so it will work properly when it is inserted into the lock. Broken Master Key You'll have to attempt at regaining the key before it becomes completely destroyed. You can use the tweezers, lubricants and needle nose pliers for grabbing the broken fragment of a key. To begin, spray the inside of your lock with a lubricant such as graphite powder or WD-40. You could also try the hacksaw blade method, which involves gently moving the blade down the edge of the broken key and hooking onto some of the 'teeth' – if you are able to do this you will be able to pull out the broken key from the lock. Another helpful tool is an extractor for keys spiral, that can be found in a variety of hardware stores. It is a thin rod that is flexible and has spiral threads that can be placed in the keyway, and then bent to form the broken part of the key. Once it has caught onto the serrations, you can turn the bar in a circle and then pull it against the broken part of the key. Before calling a locksmith, attempt to take out the damaged master key before calling a locksmith. If you are unable to get the piece out, it's time to call the big guns and get a locksmith to cut you a new key and reprogram it using the transponder in your car.