car keys repairs near me keys may appear tiny and insignificant, however they are essential to the operation of your vehicle. The cost of replacing an old or contemporary transponder car key can be upwards to $200.
However, there are ways to fix your car keys at home for only a fraction of the cost. This article will go over some of the most frequent car keys issues and their DIY solutions.
Dead Key Fob Battery
Cars are equipped with a remote key fob which makes opening doors, trunk and tailgate more convenient than ever before. However, the battery inside the device can fail. There are a few tricks you can use to solve this issue quickly.
First, check if the car is in ignition mode. If it is, the key fob's battery might be low instead of dead. To test this, push the button on the key fob against the ignition button. If this works, then the battery is likely fine and needs to be replaced.
To replace the battery in the fob, you need to open the case using an screwdriver. Be careful not to put too much pressure on the fob since this could cause the fob to split into two pieces. If the fob doesn't open Try using your pry tool more than once around the outside of the case.
Open the electronic compartment of your car key repair service once you have removed the mechanical key. Insert the new battery and snap back the shell. If the key fob doesn't work after this, there may be a more serious problem with the remote start system that requires a professional to diagnose. If this is the case, a reliable mechanic should be able help you. If you need help with your car or vehicle, you can get roadside assistance.
Broken Key Ring
If your key fob isn't working because the ring is broken there are a few options you might try. Check to see if you can locate the broken piece in the ignition. If it's still inside the ignition, take it out without causing damage to the ignition lock or the door lock. Call a locksmith if you are having difficulty taking the key off. They have special tools that are able to safely remove keys that are damaged from the ignition.
A broken car key can also be the result of corrosion of the plastic frame or circuit board. You can clean the circuit board by using a cotton swab with ruby alcohol. This will remove corrosion and ensure the contact pads don't get damaged.
If your key won't start because the ring broke or was damaged, you might be able to fix it by using a thick wire or nail to plug the hole. Superglue can also be used to repair a damaged ring. After cleaning the ring with a wet cloth, apply a small amount superglue to each end of the nail or wire. Let the pieces dry and then press them in place. These DIY solutions may seem appealing, but they're just a stopgap measure. It's best to hire an experienced locksmith for long-term repairs. They have the knowledge and tools to repair damaged keys quickly and effectively. They can even replace the battery on your key fob key repair, and reprogram it if needed.
Broken Key Blade
Some key blades might break due to wear and tear. If this occurs, you must buy a new blade. The issue isn't as serious as you think at first. The primary problem is that the metal blade has snapped away from the case.
Spraying lubricant into the keyhole is one solution to fix the problem. Then you can use pliers, pins, or tweezers to grasp the damaged key and remove it. If the key is magnetic, you can also try using a magnetic tool to help pull it out. Be careful not to use a magnet on an ignition key since it could cause the lock tumbler to break.
Contact a locksmith right away when you are unable remove the broken piece of the key. They have special tools to safely remove keys without causing any further damage.
Super glue can be used to fix a snapped lock. Apply a small amount glue to the edges of the crack and press them together. After that, wait until the glue is dry before you insert your key into the lock. This method is not very reliable, and you might have to repeat it a few times before it does the trick. Super glue may not be able to hold the key in place. This is more of a temporary solution rather than a permanent solution.
Broken Plastic Loop
If your key fob's plastic loop breaks off it could render the key ineffective. This is a simple fix. As a replacement, you can use wire that is thick or a finishing nail. For each end of the wire or nail you need to drill two holes into the loop of plastic. Cut the wire or nail to the desired width, and place a small drop of superglue into each hole. Apply the nail or wire into the holes and allow them to dry.
Another option is to get an alternative shell from a locksmith that sells them. They can take the programmable part of your key, transfer it to the new shell and cut a new blade for much less than a full replacement cost.
It's not the ideal solution, but it'll bring you back on the road in case your key broke in half. It's not easy to repair when the blade of the key is inside the ignition, however. If you're not cautious, you can make use of a hair clip or a needle to remove the damaged part from the ignition. Contact a locksmith who has special tools to safely remove damaged keys from ignitions. You can also get a new key that is made using appropriate cuts for the ignition of your car.
Broken Master Key
You'll need to try at regaining the key before it becomes completely destroyed. You can make use of tweezers, lubricants, and needle nose pliers to grab the fragments of a damaged key.
Spray the inside of your lock with WD-40 or graphite powder. You may also try the hacksaw blade method, that involves carefully sliding the blade along the side of the broken key and connecting to a few of the 'teeth'. If you succeed in doing this you should be able to pull out the broken key from the lock.
Many hardware stores carry the spiral key extraction tool. This tool is a thin rod with spiral threads that can be inserted into the keyway and then bent to form the broken part of the key. Once it has gotten caught on the serrations, you can turn the bar into a circle and then pull it up against the broken part of the key.
Before contacting a locksmith try to remove the broken master key. If you're not able to get rid of the broken piece, you'll need to call in the professionals. A locksmith can make you a new key that will be programmed using your car transponder.