Blog entry by Bonita Bertrand
How to repair key fob Broken Car Keys
If your car key is damaged and you require a solution quickly. You can either wait for the dealership to give you a new key, which is inconvenient, or find other ways to get around, such as using public transportation or asking friends for rides.
You may try a few DIY fixes but only if you have the proper tools. These include needle-nose pliers and penetrating oil.
Damage Assessment
It's frustrating to be about to get in your car and realize that your ignition key is broken. This issue can happen to anyone, and it can be a stressful experience if you're in the rush to get to your destination.
Take a deep breath, and don't get stressed. If you stay calm, you'll be able to make more rational choices and avoid further damage.
Then, you should examine the damaged key to see what remains of the key and how much of the break is inside the lock or ignition cylinder. If the broken part is in the lock you can apply a lubricant, such as WD-40 over the area to loosen it and make it easier to take it off. If the broken piece is located in the ignition, it is necessary to remove it with an instrument that is specifically designed for this purpose, known as an extractor for keys.
If the key car repair is in the key ring, you can try to bend it back into place using pliers. This can be a difficult task, especially if you have a break near the connector. If you are unable to bend it back into place, use a paperclip and pull it straight outward.
If you attempt to force the key in the ignition, it could cause more damage. It may become impossible to remove. If you're unable to remove the broken key, it's recommended to call a professional locksmith or visit your car dealership.
There are many different methods available online to fix a broken car key, but certain of them may make the situation worse. If you try to remove a broken car key with a screwdriver it could push the key deeper into the ignition. It may even harm the lock. To avoid this, you should never insert anything else into the keyhole, unless you use a tool that is designed for removing car keys.
Take out the broken part
Car keys are delicate and even a small impact or excessive use can cause them to break in the ignition. It can be difficult to solve this type of problem without the assistance of an expert. The attempt to repair the broken key yourself may result in more damage. Super glue and other methods are not recommended because they can be hard to remove and might cause further damage to the ignition cylinder.
It's also a dangerous choice to use a magnet to remove the broken key. Magnets can damage the electrical components of the ignition cylinder and make it more difficult to pull the damaged key out. Another mistake that is common can result in a damaged key. This happens when you exert too much force or make sudden movements to turn the key of your car.
If the key fragment is still visible the pliers or tweezers could be used to grab it and remove it. If the key isn't visible and stuck in the ignition, an incredibly small hacksaw or thin-profiled tool can be wedged in order to grab the edge and pull it out.
Another option is to apply penetrating oil to provide lubrication to the keyhole and reduce friction. If you apply the oil and allow it to sit for a couple of minutes, it will make it easier to remove the broken key fragment. If the oil does not work, you can employ the key extractor to take the broken key fragment from the ignition.
If the key is totally broken in the ignition then a locksmith is required to cut a replacement. A locksmith will reassemble the parts and employ the template to make keys that are as like the original as is possible. This ensures that the key works properly and minimizes any risk of misalignment in the lock or ignition. This could cause additional issues, which will require expensive and time-consuming repairs. It is recommended to regularly inspect and replace car keys to avoid them becoming damaged or worn to the point of breaking.
Removing the Broken Blade from the Ignition
You may cause more damage if force the key into the ignition. Instead, search for tools you may have around your house to try and remove it in a safe manner.
Tweezers can be a lifesaver in this situation. They can grasp a damaged piece of car key and help you pull it out. There are also dental picks, which are thin sharp tools that can be useful. You could also try coat hangers made of wire, that is flexible enough to fit inside the lock. You can try tapping the metal against a solid surface to loosen a broken key.
You can also make use of a mini hacksaw, which is available at most hardware stores. It is less brittle than a screwdriver and it can be inserted into the lock to secure the damaged car key piece. This could be enough to take it off without damaging the ignition. You can also try using thin needle-nosed pliers to latch onto the broken car key. If you're considering an instrument like this, make sure to have cotton swabs and acetone handy to remove any glue from the tip of the pliers after you've removed it.
It is not a good idea to use magnets to take out a damaged car key. Magnets aren't designed to be used near the ignition and can cause further damage to the electrical components inside. They can also push the broken pieces of the key deeper into the ignition, making it more difficult to remove them.
Once you've gotten the key off, you should inspect the ignition to see whether there are any visible indications of damage. If you notice cracks or bends, it's best to call a professional locksmith. They can offer key replacement services that don't harm the ignition of your car. They can also offer suggestions on how to prevent further damage. Keep both pieces of the broken car key. This will help them to better understand the original shape, and also create duplicate keys for you.
Getting a New Key
There are a few options you can try when your car key breaks. The most important thing to keep in mind is to not put the broken key in the ignition or lock, since this could cause more damage and lead to more costly repairs in the future. Instead, it is best to contact locksmiths immediately for a professional assistance.
If the plastic top of your key isn't completely broken, you can try wrapping it with clear tape to support it and stop further damage. Another option is to make use of super glue. To do this, clean the broken pieces and apply a small dab of super glue to each. After the glue has dried you can try pressing the pieces together to try again and hopefully get your key to work.
You can also call the dealer to request an alternative key. This can be a good option because it will ensure that you have a perfect match for your car and that the remote key repair is properly linked to the vehicle. It will typically cost more than a locksmith, but might be the quickest and easiest solution to your issue.
A professional locksmith will also provide you with a spare key that can help you if ever have to face an emergency. You can also reduce the possibility of your key breaking in the future by taking care of it, using the key protector and having an emergency plan.
A damaged car key can be painful, particularly when you attempt to start your car but find that it won't turn over. DIY fixes can backfire and cause misalignments which can damage ignition systems and locks. If you put your key in the ignition, it may harm the battery in the keyfob, or cause problems that require costly repairs. For these reasons, it is recommended to seek a professional solution. A skilled locksmith for your car will be able to quickly and effectively resolve the issue without causing damage to your vehicle or causing further issues.