How to Repair a Dead Car Key
Extreme heat or cold can sometimes cause a car to stop working. You should wait a while before you spend money to replace it.
When your car keys break it can be a major problem. It always occurs at the worst time! You can repair a broken key without needing to purchase a new one.
Dead Key Fob Batteries
Modern key fobs allow us to unlock doors, trunks and tailgates with ease without the need for a physical car key. Some key fobs have an integrated key that can be utilized to start our vehicles. The fobs are powered by a small battery. If the battery fails, the key fob cannot send a signal to activate the vehicle. Luckily, there are several ways to fix a dead key fob and get your car running again.
First, car keys repairs must determine the condition of the key fob to determine if it's really dead. If it appears to be dead, you will have to replace the batteries. You can do it yourself by removing the fob from its clip, or by using a flat-head screwdriver. Do not apply too much force or you could damage the fob. Also, make sure that you're using a correct kind of battery. The majority of key fobs utilize the CR2032 3-Volt battery, however some models may require a different type of battery. You can determine what kind of battery your vehicle requires in the owner's manual, or go to an Interstate All Battery Center and ask a specialist to assist you.
You can sometimes revive a key fob that isn't dead by moving it closer to the vehicle. Since the majority of key fobs are RFID (radio-frequency identification) they only function at a limited distance and need to be close enough for the ignition system to be able to recognize the signal. If you move just a few inches closer to your vehicle, it could unlock or even start it.
Many car manufacturers have backup systems that can be activated when the battery of the key fob is low. Ford, for example, has a slot that is dedicated to the key fob. If it is properly inserted, the key fob can be used to start the car's engine. You can find instructions in the owner's manual of how to locate this slot and insert the key fob in the correct way. If you are unable start your car using this method, be sure to contact roadside assistance for assistance.
Broken Key Ring
The chip inside the key fob is the one that communicates with the vehicle's immobilizer system to begin the engine. The chip could be damaged or there may be programming mistakes. If this happens, your key fob won't be able to send the correct identification code and your car won't start. In some instances, a faulty transponder key can also be caused by physical damage or wear and tear to the key shell or contact pads.
Usually when a key fob starts to struggle with your vehicle's immobilizer system, you will see specific warning indicators on your dashboard. This could include error messages, flashing lights or the key not locking or unlocking the vehicle. If you are noticing any of these warnings, contact your local locksmith immediately to repair your key fob or replacement.
It's easy to cause damage to the ring of your keys by applying too much pressure on it, especially when carrying many keys. This can cause the fob to crack in half. This is one of the most common causes of a broken car key. It is possible to apply super glue on both sides of the crack and gently press them together to repair the issue. Make sure to use a gel type of glue that is slow drying to prevent drips or runniness.
If this method does not work, you should contact a professional locksmith right away to avoid further damage to your vehicle. A locksmith who is certified can to repair or replace your fob quickly and will ensure that the ignition and door locks are not damaged in the process.
It can be very frustrating when your key fob gets damaged. It is not a cause for panic or frustration. Instead you can take proactive steps to decrease the risk of your key fob breaking in the future, including regular maintenance, using key protectors and keeping an extra key. If you do experience an issue with your key fob, Quicksmith's team Quicksmith is here to assist you!
Broken Key Loop
One of my MK5 keysfobs snapped off the little key ring that is at the top, where it connects to the keyfob. Apparently it's made out of very soft plastic or metal. I've punched a hole and then wet-sanded it to make it stronger, but I suspect the problem isn't helped by that.
I've also tried wrapping the broken portion of the ring with clear tape, but that doesn't seem to do much good. It's really too bad as I use the tiny ring to hold my keys on the little mini-split ring that holds the bigger split ring for the keyfobs that I have.
If the key fob's case itself is broken It's usually possible to open up the case and replace the battery (assuming the battery isn't already dead). There are online kits available, but they only provide an interim solution. It's better to get it fixed by a mechanic. You can also find an updated case at a locksmith or home improvement store. They are not likely to be as costly as an entirely new key fob.