How to Repair a Dead Car Key
Extreme cold or extreme heat can sometimes cause a car to stop working. Wait a while before replacing it.
It's a major pain when your car keys break and it happens at the most difficult times! There are several ways to fix the broken car key that don't require the purchase of a new key.
Dead Key Fob Battery
Modern key fobs let us to open trunks, doors and tailgates without having to fumble around for a physical key. Some key fobs have an inbuilt key that can be used to start cars. The fobs are powered by a small battery. If the battery dies then the key fob can no longer transmit the signal to activate the vehicle. There are a variety of methods to fix a dead car key fob.
First, try to find out if your key fob is in fact dead. If it appears to be, you'll require a replacement battery. You can do this yourself by removing the key fob from its clip or using a small flat-head screwdriver to pry it apart. Be careful not to put too much pressure on the fob or you could end up damaging the fob. You should also make sure that you're using the correct type of battery. Most key fobs use the CR2032 3-Volt battery, however some models may require something different. If you aren't sure what kind of battery your car needs the most common place to look is the information in your owner's manual or visit an Interstate All Battery Center to get a professional to assist you.
If the key fob isn't dead, you may be able to revive it by bringing it closer to your vehicle. Since most key fobs are RFID (radio-frequency identification) they only function at a limited distance and must be close enough for the ignition system to recognize the signal. You can unlock your car, or even start it by moving a couple of inches closer.
Many car makers have a backup mechanism that can be triggered when the key fob battery is dead. Ford, for example has a slot that is devoted to the key fob. If it is properly inserted the key fob can be used to start the engine of the car. You can find the instructions in the owner's manual on how to locate the slot and insert the key fob in the correct way. If you're not able to start the car using this method, you should contact roadside assistance.
Broken Key Ring
The chip inside the key fob is the one that communicates with the car's immobilizer system to start the engine. If this chip becomes damaged or if there are programming errors, the key fob will not be able to send the correct identification code and your car won't start. In some cases, a faulty transponder key may also be caused by physical damage or wear and tear on the key shell or contact pads.
There are a lot of warning indicators on your dashboard if a keyfob has trouble communicating with the immobilizer system of your vehicle. This could include error messages, flashing lights 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.
It's very easy to cause damage to the ring of your keys by applying too excessive pressure on it, particularly when carrying many keys. This can cause the key fob to split in half this is one of the most common causes of broken car keys. If this happens, attempt to use super glue to fix it by applying a small amount of the glue on both sides of the break and then gently pressing them together. Make use of a gel-type glue that is slow drying in order to avoid drips or runniness.
If this method does not work, it is important to contact a professional locksmith right away to prevent any further damage to your vehicle. A professional locksmith will be able to repair or repair your key fob swiftly and will also be able ensure that the ignition lock as well as the door lock aren't affected by the process.
It can be frustrating when your key fob gets damaged. It's not cause for anxiety or anger. Instead, you can take proactive steps to minimize the chance of your key fob rupturing again in the future. This includes regular maintenance by using key protectors and having an extra key. If you do encounter problems with your key fob, Quicksmith's team Quicksmith is available to assist!
Broken Key Loop
One of my MK5 keysfobs fell off the little key ring on the top, where it connects to the keyfob. car key repair service 's made of plastic or soft metal. I've drilled a hole, and wet-sanded it to make it stronger, but I suspect the problem isn't helped by this.
I've also attempted to wrap the broken part of the ring using clear tape, but it didn't work as good. It's really too bad because I use the rings to hold my keys in place on the tiny mini-splitring that holds the larger split ring for the keyfobs that I have.
If the case of the key fob is broken, you can usually open it and replace the battery if it isn't dead. There are online kits available for this, however they typically only provide an interim fix. It might be better to bring it to a professional who will replace the battery and reprogram the key fob. You may also be able to locate the replacement case at an home improvement store or a locksmith. They are not likely to cost as much as an entirely new key fob.