Ten Common Misconceptions About Repair Car Key That Don't Always Hold

How to Repair a Dead Car Key Sometimes extreme heat or cold can cause the car key to stop working properly. You should wait a while before spending money to replace it. It's a real pain when the keys to your car fail and they happen at the most inconvenient times! 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 allow us to unlock doors, trunks and tailgates without the need to search for a key in the car. Certain key fobs come with an inbuilt key that can be used to start our vehicles. However, these key fobs are dependent on a small battery that is the power source for their remote functions. If the battery is dead then the key fob cannot transmit the signal needed to start the vehicle. There are several ways to fix a dead vehicle key fob. First, you must find out if your key fob is actually dead. If it seems to be, then you'll require a replacement battery. You can do this yourself by taking the key fob off its clip or using a small flat-head screwdriver to break it. Be careful not to apply too much pressure or you may end up damaging the fob. It is also essential to make sure you are replacing the correct type of battery. key repairs might require a different type of battery. You can find out what kind of battery your vehicle needs in the owner's manual, or you can go to an Interstate All Battery Center and ask a specialist to assist you. If the key fob actually isn't dead, you can revive it by moving it closer to your vehicle. Since the majority of key fobs use RFID (radio-frequency identification) they can only operate for a short time and must be near enough to allow the ignition system to be able to recognize the signal. If you can move a few inches closer to your car, it may unlock or even begin to work. Many car manufacturers have backup mechanisms that can be activated when the battery of the key fob is dead. For instance, the majority of Ford models have a separate slot for the key fob which will start the engine when inserted correctly. 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 to start your car using this method, you should contact roadside assistance. Broken Key Ring The internal chip in the key fob is what transmits to the immobilizer of your car in order to start the motor. If this chip becomes damaged or there are programming errors, the key will not be able transmit the correct identification code and your car will not start. A faulty transponder can be caused by physical damage to the key shell or wear and tear on the contact pads. Usually when the key fob begins to have trouble communicating with the immobilizer system of your vehicle there will be specific warning indicators on your dashboard. These can include error messages, flashing lights or the key not locking or unlocking the vehicle. If you notice any of these warnings, call your local locksmith right away to repair your key fob or replacement. It's easy to damage your key ring when you put too excessive pressure on it, particularly when carrying multiple keys. This can cause the key fob to break in half, which is one of the most common causes of car keys breaking. If this happens, you can attempt to use super glue to repair it by applying a small amount the glue to both sides of the break and then gently pressing them together. Use a gel-type of glue that dries slowly to prevent drips or runniness. If this method isn't working and you are not sure, seek out a professional locksmith as soon as possible to avoid further damage to your vehicle. A locksmith who is qualified will be able to repair or replace your fob swiftly and ensure that the ignition as well as door locks do not get damaged in the process. It can be frustrating when your key fob gets damaged. But, it's not a reason to panic or become annoyed. You can take proactive steps to reduce the likelihood of your key fob breaking in the near future. These include regular maintenance, key protectors, and keeping an extra. Quicksmith's staff is on hand to help you if your key fob breaks. Broken Key Loop One of my MK5 keyfobs is broken off the small key loop on top, where it connects to the keyfob. Apparently it's made out of very soft plastic or metal. I've done a hole in the wall and then wet-sanded the surface to make it stronger. But I'm guessing that's not helping. I've also tried wrapping the broken the ring with clear tape, but it didn't look to be any better. It's a shame, because I rely on the small split rings to keep my keys in the right place. If key fob repairs is broken, you can usually open it and replace the battery, if it isn't dead. Online kits are available however they're only a temporary solution. It is more efficient to get it fixed by a professional. You can also find an updated case at an a locksmith or home improvement stores. They are not likely to cost as much as the new key fob.