How to Repair a Dead Car Key
Extreme cold or extreme heat can cause the car to stop functioning. It is best to wait a few minutes before replacing it.
If your car keys get damaged it can be a major hassle. It occurs at the worst time! There are a few ways to fix the broken car key that don't require an entirely new one.
Dead Key Fob Batteries
Modern key fobs let us to open doors, trunks and tailgates without having search for a key. Some key fobs even come with an inbuilt key that can be used to start our vehicles. The fobs are powered by a small battery. If this battery dies and the key fob stops working, it will not be able to transmit a signal that can trigger the vehicle. There are several ways to fix a dead vehicle key fob.
First, you must determine the condition of the key fob to determine if it's really dead. If it appears to be dead, you'll have 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 pry it apart. Do not apply too much force, or you may damage the fob. It's also important to make sure you're replacing the correct battery type. Most key fobs are three-volt CR2032 batteries, however some models may require something different. You can find out what type of battery your car requires by consulting the owner's manual, or you can go to an Interstate All Battery Center and have a battery specialist help you.
auto key repair is possible to revive the key fob that's dead by moving closer to the car. Since the majority of key fobs are RFID (radio-frequency identification) they only function at a limited distance and must be within a certain distance for the ignition system to detect the signal. You can unlock your car or even start it if you move couple of inches closer.
Many car manufacturers have an emergency mechanism that is activated when the battery for the key fob is dead. Ford for instance has a slot that is devoted to the key fob. If it is properly inserted, the key fob will activate the car's engine. Check your owner's manual for 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 internal chip of the key fob is what communicates to the immobilizer of your car in order to start the motor. The chip could be damaged or there might be programming mistakes. If this occurs the key fob won't be able to send the correct identification code, and your car won't begin. In some instances, a faulty transponder key could also be caused by physical damage or wear and tear to the key shell or contact pads.
You will often see warning indicators on your dashboard when the key fob is having trouble communicating with the immobilizer system of your vehicle. These could include errors messages, a flashing light or the key not locking or unlocking the vehicle. If you observe any of these warnings, call your local locksmith right away to repair your key fob or replacement.
When you carry many keys, it is easy to damage the key ring. This can cause the key fob to break in half this is one of the most common causes of broken car keys. You can apply super glue on both sides of the crack and gently press them together to fix the problem. Make sure to use a gel type of glue that drys slowly to prevent drips or runniness.
If this method does not work, it's important to get in touch with an experienced locksmith immediately to avoid any further damage to your vehicle. A locksmith who is certified will be able to replace or repair your key fob in a short time and will be able to make sure that the ignition lock and door lock aren't affected during the process.
It can be a bit frustrating when your key fob gets damaged. It's not a reason for anxiety or anger. You can make proactive steps to lessen the possibility of your key fob failing in the near future. This includes regular maintenance, key protectors and having a spare. If you do experience problems with your key fob Quicksmith's team Quicksmith is available to assist!
Broken Key Loop
One of my MK5 keysfobs broke off the little key ring on the top, which is where it joins the keyfob. It's made of plastic or soft metal. I've drilled a hole, and wet-sanded it to make it stronger however, I'm assuming the problem isn't helped by this.
I've also tried wrapping the broken part of the ring using clear tape, but it didn't look much better. It's really a shame, since I use the rings to keep my keys on the tiny mini-splitring that holds the larger split rings for the other keyfobs.
If the key fob case itself is broken, it's often possible to remove the case and replace the battery (assuming the battery isn't already dead). There are online kits available however they are only an interim solution. It is more efficient to have it repaired by a mechanic. You can also find the new case at an a locksmith or home improvement stores. They are not likely to cost as much as the new key fob.