Blog entry by Clair Plante
How to Repair a Dead Car Key
Extreme heat or cold can sometimes cause the remote control car key repairs to stop functioning. You should wait a while before you decide to replace it.
If your car keys get damaged it's a huge hassle. It always occurs at the worst timing! There are a few ways you can repair broken car keys that don't involve paying for an entirely new one.
Dead Key Fob Battery
Modern key fobs let us to open doors, trunks and tailgates without having to fumble around to find a physical key. Some key fobs even have an inbuilt key that can be used to start cars. These remote key fob repairs fobs are powered by a small battery. If the battery fails and the key fob dies, it can no longer transmit the signal needed to start the vehicle. There are many methods to fix a dead vehicle key fob.
First, you must determine whether the key fob really dead. If it appears to be, you'll have to replace the battery. You can do it yourself by disconnecting the fob from its clip, or by using a flat-head screwdriver. You should not use too much force or you could damage the fob. It's also important to be sure you're replacing the correct type of battery. Certain models might require a different type of battery. If you aren't sure what type your car requires it is possible to find the details in your owner's manual or visit an Interstate All Battery Center to get a professional to assist you.
You may be able to revive the key fob which isn't dead by moving closer to the vehicle. Since most key fobs are RFID (radio-frequency identification) they can only operate for a short time and need to be close enough for the ignition system to detect the signal. If you can move just a few inches closer to your vehicle, it could unlock or even begin to work.
Many automobile manufacturers have a backup system that can be activated when the battery on the key fob is low. Ford, for example has a slot that is dedicated to the key fob. If properly inserted, the key fob will activate the car's engine. Refer to the owner's manual for instructions on finding this slot and how to insert the key fob. If you are unable start your car with this method, make sure to contact roadside assistance for assistance.
Broken Key Ring
The chip inside the key fob is the one that communicates with the car's immobilizer system in order to start the engine. If the chip is damaged or there are programming errors, the key fob isn't able to 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 wear and tear on the contact pads.
You will often see warning indicators on your dashboard if the key fob is having trouble communicating with the immobilizer system of your vehicle. These may include error messages, flashing lights or the key not locking the vehicle. If you observe any of these signs, you should contact your local locksmith right away for key fob repair or replacement.
If you have a lot of keys, it's easy to scratch your key ring. This could cause the key fob to snap in half, which is one of the most common causes of remote car key repair near me keys breaking. You can apply super glue on both sides of the crack and gently press them together to fix the issue. Make sure to use a gel type of glue that dries slowly to prevent drips or runniness.
If this method doesn't work and you are not sure, contact a professional locksmith immediately in order to avoid further damage to your vehicle. A locksmith who is certified will be able to repair car key or repair your key fob swiftly, and they will be able to make sure that the ignition lock as well as the door lock aren't affected during the process.
When your key fob is damaged, it can be a hassle and a nuisance. But, it's not a reason to panic or become annoyed. You can take proactive steps to decrease the possibility of your key fob breaking in the near future. This includes regular maintenance, key protectors and having a spare. If you do experience an issue with your key fob the team at Quicksmith is ready to help!
Broken Key Loop
One of my MK5 keyfobs is broken off the little key loop at the top, where it connects to the keyfob. It's believed to be made of extremely soft plastic or metal. I've punched a hole and then wet-sanded it to strengthen it however, I'm assuming that the issue isn't solved by that.
I've also wrapped the broken car key repair near me part of the ring with clear tape, but it isn't doing any good. It's a shame because I use the little rings to hold my keys on the mini-split ring which holds the larger split ring for the other keyfobs.
If the case of the key fob is damaged, you could usually open it and replace the battery, if it isn't dead. There are online kits for this, but they generally only offer a temporary fix - it might be better to take it to a technician who can swap out the battery and reprogram the key fob. You can also find the new case at an a locksmith or home improvement store. They're not likely to be as expensive as the new key fob.