How To Outsmart Your Boss With Repair Car Keys

How to Repair Car Keys The car keys are small and may not be considered important, but they're essential for the proper operation of your vehicle. The cost of replacing the traditional or contemporary transponder car key could be as high as $200. There are many ways to repair your car keys yourself at just a fraction of the cost. This article will go over some of the most common car keys problems and their DIY solutions. Dead Key Fob Batteries The remote key fobs that are included with cars make it simpler than ever before to open the trunk, doors and the tailgate. The battery inside this device is susceptible to dying. There are a few tricks you can employ to fix this problem quickly. Check to see if your vehicle is still in ignition mode. If it is, then the battery of the key fob may be drained instead of dead. To test this, press the button on the fob against the ignition button of the vehicle. If this does not work, the battery is probably in good condition and requires to be replaced. To replace the fob battery, begin by prying the case open using an instrument like a screwdriver, or watch-type tool. Don't apply too much force as this could cause the fob's casing to split. If the fob isn't coming open easily, try wedge your pry tool into several places around the outside of the case. Open the electronic compartment of your car once you have removed the mechanical key. Install the new battery and then snap back the shell. If repair key fob isn't working after this, there may be a bigger problem with your car's remote start system that requires a professional diagnostic. If this is the case, a reliable mechanic should be able assist you. If you need help with your car, you can contact roadside assistance. Broken Key Ring If your key fob isn't functioning because the ring is broken there are a few options you can try. Check to see if you can locate the broken part inside the ignition. If it's still in there, remove it without damaging either the ignition lock or the door lock. Call a locksmith if you are having trouble removing the key. They have the right tools to safely remove a broken key from the ignition. Another reason for the car key breaking is corrosion on the circuit board or frame. You can clean the circuit board using a cotton swab soaked in ruby alcohol. This will remove any corrosion and ensure the contact pads aren't damaged. Repair a damaged ring using a strong wire or nail to seal the hole. Superglue can also be used to fix a broken ring. After cleaning the ring with a wet cloth, apply a small amount superglue to each end of the wire or nail. Allow the pieces to dry, and then press them in place. These DIY solutions can appear appealing, but they're only an interim measure. It is best to employ an expert locksmith for repairs that last. They have the tools and know-how to fix a broken car key quickly and effectively. They can replace the battery and reprogram your key fob if necessary. Broken Key Blade Some key blades can break due to a lot of wear and tear. If this occurs, you ought to purchase a new one. This problem isn't nearly as serious as you think at first glance. The main issue is that the metal blade has snapped away from the case. Spraying lubricant into the keyhole is one solution to repair it. Then, you can use pliers, pins, or tweezers to grab the damaged key and remove it. You may also employ a magnet in the event that the key is magnetic. Be careful not to use a magnetic tool on an ignition key because it could cause the tumbler of the lock to break. Contact a locksmith right away if you are unable to take out the damaged part of the key. They're equipped with special tools that let them safely remove keys without causing further damage. You can also apply super glue to fix a broken key. Apply a small amount to the edges and press them in. Make sure the glue has dried before inserting the key into the lock. This method isn't very reliable, and you might have to repeat it a few times before it works. Super glue might not be able to hold the key in place. So, this is more of a temporary measure than an option that can last. Broken Plastic Loop If your key fob's plastic loop is damaged it could render the key ineffective. This is a simple fix. You can use thick 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 to the desired width, and place a small drop of superglue in each hole. Then, press the wire or nail into the holes and allow them to dry. A locksmith who sells replacement shells is another option. They can transfer the programmable part of your key into the new shell and cut a brand new blade for less than the cost. It's not the most ideal solution, but it'll help you get back on the road in case your key snapped in half. It's not easy to repair when the key blade is in the ignition, however. You can try using hair clips or needle extractor tool to pull the broken part of the ignition, but it's risky if not cautious. Contact a locksmith who has special tools to safely remove damaged keys from ignitions. You can also have an entirely new key made using the correct cuts to fit the ignition of your car. Broken Master Key If a key is broken inside the lock, you'll need to try to retrieve it before it's completely destroyed. You can employ tweezers, lubricants, and needle nose pliers to grasp the broken fragment of a key. To start, spray the inside of your lock with a lubricant like graphite powder or WD-40. You could also try the hacksaw blade method that involves carefully sliding the blade along the edge of the broken key, and hooking onto some of the teeth – if you succeed in doing this you should be able remove the broken key from the lock. Many hardware stores sell tools for key extraction that spiral. It's a thin and flexible bar with spiral threads, which can be inserted into the keyway and then bent to reach into the damaged section of the key. Once it has been snagged onto the serrations, it is possible to twist it in a circular direction and lever it against the broken section of the key to take it out. Before calling a locksmith, try to get rid of the broken master key before calling a locksmith. If you're not able to take the broken piece off it's time to call in the professionals. Locksmiths can create you a new key that will be programmed with your car transponder.