How to Repair a Dead Car Key
Extreme cold or heat can cause a vehicle to stop working. It is best to wait a few minutes before replacing it.
It's a real pain when keys to your car fail and they happen at the most inconvenient times! There are several ways to repair a broken car key that won't require 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 key. Some key fobs have a built in key that can be used to start our vehicles. The fobs are powered by a tiny battery. If the battery dies, then the key fob cannot transmit the signal needed to start the vehicle. Fortunately, there are many ways you can fix a dead key fob and get your car functioning again.
First, check the condition of the key fob to determine if it's really dead. If it appears dead, you'll need to replace the batteries. You can do this yourself by removing the key fob from its clip or using a small flat-head screwdriver to break it. Do not use too much force or you could damage the fob. You should also make sure that you're using a correct type of battery. Some models might require a different type of battery. If you're unsure of the kind of battery your car needs it is possible to find 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 which isn't dead by moving it closer to the car. Since the majority of key fobs are RFID (radio-frequency identification) they only work for a short time and must be within a certain distance for the ignition system to detect the signal. If you can move just a few inches closer to your car, it may unlock or even begin to work.
Many car makers have an emergency mechanism that can be triggered when the battery of the key fob is dead. Ford, for example, has a slot that is devoted to the key fob. If properly inserted, the key fob will activate the engine of the car. There are instructions in your owner's guide on how to locate this slot and insert the key fob correctly. If you are unable start your car with this method, make sure to contact roadside assistance for assistance.
Broken Key Ring
The chip in the key fob is the one that communicates with the car's immobilizer system in order to start the engine. The chip could be damaged or there may be programming errors. If this occurs, your key fob won't be able transmit the correct identification code and your car won't start. A damaged transponder may be caused by physical damage to the key shell or wear and wear on the contact pads.
Usually when the key fob begins to fail to communicate with your vehicle's immobilizer system and you notice specific warning signs on the dashboard. These can include errors messages, a flashing light or the key not locking or unlocking the vehicle. If you observe any of these signs, you should contact your local locksmith immediately to repair your key fob or replacement.
It's very easy to damage the ring of your keys by applying too excessive pressure on it, particularly when carrying many keys. This can cause the key fob to snap in half and is among the most frequent causes of car keys breaking. If this happens, try to use super glue to fix it by applying a small amount of the glue on both sides of the crack and pressing them in a controlled manner. Make sure to use a gel type of glue that dries slowly to prevent drips or runniness.
If this method doesn't work, you should contact a professional locksmith immediately in order to avoid further damage to your vehicle. A qualified locksmith will be able to replace or repair your key fob in a short time and will be able to ensure that the ignition lock and door lock do not get damaged during the process.
When your key fob is damaged it can be frustrating and uninviable. However, it is not an excuse to panic or be angry. Instead, key repair near me can take proactive measures to decrease the risk of your key fob rupturing again in the future, including regular maintenance, using key protectors and having an extra key. If you do have a problem with your key fob, Quicksmith's team Quicksmith is here to assist you!
Broken Key Loop
One of my MK5 keysfobs snapped off the small key ring that is at the top, where it attaches the keyfob. It appears to be made of extremely soft plastic or metal. I've drilled the hole and wet-sanded the area to make it stronger. But I suspect that's not helping.
I've also tried wrapping the broken portion of the ring with clear tape, but that isn't doing any good. It's a shame because I rely on the small split rings to keep my keys in the right place.
If the key fob's case itself is broken, it's often possible to remove 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 is more efficient to bring it to a professional who will replace the battery and reprogram the key fob. You can also find the new case at a locksmith or home improvement stores. They're not likely to be as expensive as an entirely new key fob.