How to Repair a Dead Car Key
Extreme cold or extreme heat can cause a car to stop working. Try waiting a little while before spending money to replace it.
It's quite a hassle when keys to your car break and it happens at the most inconvenient times! There are a few ways you can repair a broken car key that won't require a new one.
Dead Key Fob Battery
Modern key fobs let us to open doors, trunks and tailgates without having to fumble around for a key. Certain key fobs come with an integrated key that can be utilized to start our vehicles. However, these devices depend on a tiny battery that is the power source for their remote functions. If the battery is dead and the key fob dies, it cannot transmit the signal needed to start the vehicle. Luckily, there are several ways you can repair a dead key fob and get your car operating again.
The first step is to determine if the key fob is in fact dead. If it appears to be, you'll need to replace the battery. You can do this yourself by disconnecting the fob from its clip, or by using a flat-head screwdriver. You should not apply too much force or it could cause damage to the fob. It's also important to make sure that you replace the correct type of battery. Most key fobs use CR2032 3-Volt batteries, but certain models may require a different type of battery. If you aren't sure what kind of battery your car needs, you can usually find the details in the owner's manual or visit an Interstate All Battery Center to have a battery expert help you.
If the key fob isn't actually dead, you can sometimes revive it by moving closer to your car. The majority of key fobs utilize RFID (radio frequency identification), which only works at a short distance. car keys repairs has to be able detect the signal. You can unlock your car, or even start it by moving a couple of inches closer.
Many car manufacturers include an emergency mechanism that can be activated when the battery for the key fob is dead. For instance, the majority of Ford models have a dedicated slot for the key fob which will activate the engine when properly inserted. Go through the owner's manual to find information on where to find the slot and how to properly insert the key fob. If you're not able to start the car using this method, contact roadside assistance.
Broken Key Ring
The key fob's internal chip is the one that communicates with the vehicle's immobilizer system to begin the engine. If the chip is damaged or if there are programming errors, the key isn't able to send the correct identification code and your car will not start. A damaged transponder may be caused by physical damage to the key shell or wear and wear and tear on the contact pads.
There are a lot of warning indicators on your dashboard when the key fob is having trouble communicating with the immobilizer system of your vehicle. These can include errors messages, flashing lights or the key not locking or unlocking the vehicle. If you observe any of these warnings, call your local locksmith immediately for key fob repair or replacement.
It's easy to cause damage to your key ring by putting too excessive pressure on it, especially when carrying many keys. This can cause the fob to split in half. This is among the main causes of broken car key. If this happens, try to use super glue to fix the issue by applying a small amount of the glue on both sides of the crack and carefully pressing them together. It is essential to use a gel-type glue that has a slow drying time to prevent drips or runniness.
If this method doesn't work, it's important to call a professional locksmith right away in order to prevent further damage to your car. A locksmith who is qualified will be able replace or repair your fob quickly and will ensure that the ignition as well as door locks aren't damaged during the process.
If your key fob gets damaged it can be a hassle and a nuisance. However, it is not a reason to panic or get annoyed. You can take proactive steps to decrease the likelihood of your key fob failing in the future. This includes regular maintenance, key protectors and having a spare. Quicksmith's staff is on hand to assist you if your key fob is damaged.
Broken Key Loop
One of my MK5 keyfobs has snapped off the little key loop at the top, where it connects to the keyfob. It's believed to be made of extremely soft metal or plastic. I've drilled the hole and wet-sanded the area to make it stronger. But I'm guessing that's not helping.
I've also attempted to wrap the broken part of the ring using clear tape, but it didn't look much better. It's a shame because I use the little split ring to keep my keys in place.
If the key fob's case is damaged it is usually possible to open up the case and replace the battery (assuming the battery isn't already dead). There are online kits available for this, however they usually only offer an interim fix. It may be faster to take it to a technician who will swap out the battery and reprogram the key fob. Alternately, you may find the replacement case at a home improvement store or a locksmith. They're not likely to be as expensive as an entirely new key fob.