Marisa McKeddie

How to Repair a Dead Car Key

Extreme heat or cold can cause a vehicle to stop working. It is best to wait a few minutes before replacing it.

It's a major pain when the keys to your car key repairs fail and they happen at the most uncomfortable times! There are several ways to repair broken car keys that don't require the purchase of a new key.

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 utilized to start our vehicles. However, these key fobs are dependent on a small battery that provides power to their remote key repairs functions. If the battery fails, the key fob will no longer send a signal to activate the vehicle. Luckily, there are several ways you can fix a dead key fob and get your car running again.

First, you must determine if the key fob is actually dead. If it appears to be dead, you'll have to replace the batteries. You can do it yourself by removing the fob from its clip or using a flat-head screwdriver. Do not apply too much force or it could cause damage to the fob. It's also important to be sure you're replacing the correct type of battery. Certain models may require a different battery. Find out the type of battery your car requires in the owner's manual, or you can visit an Interstate All Battery Center and have a battery specialist help you.

If the key fob isn't actually dead, you can revive it by moving closer to your car keys repairs. Since the majority of key fobs use RFID (radio-frequency identification) they can only operate at a short distance and must be near enough to allow the ignition system to recognize the signal. If you move a few inches closer to your car, it might unlock or even start it.

Many mobile car key repair manufacturers have a backup mechanism that can be activated when the battery of the key fob is dead. Ford, for example has a slot which is dedicated to the key fob. If properly inserted the key fob can be used to start the engine of the car. Check your owner's manual for details on how to locate the slot and how to insert the key fob. If you are unable to start your car remote key repair using this method, contact roadside assistance.

Broken Key Ring

The chip in the key fob is the one that communicates with your vehicle's immobilizer system to begin the engine. If this chip becomes damaged or if there are programming errors, the key will not be able to transmit the correct identification code and your car will not 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.

You will often see warning signs on your dashboard when a keyfob has trouble communicating with the immobilizer system of your vehicle. These could include errors messages, a flashing light or the key not locking or unlocking the vehicle. If you notice any of these signs, you should contact your local locksmith immediately to repair Car key your key fob or replacement.

If you have a lot of keys, it is easy to break your key ring. This can cause the fob to split in half. This is one of the most common causes of a broken car keys. If this happens, you can attempt to use super glue to fix it by applying a small amount of the glue to both sides of the split and pressing them in a controlled manner. It is important to make use of a gel-type glue that has a slow drying time to prevent drips or runniness.

If this method doesn't work then you must contact a professional locksmith immediately in order to avoid further damage to your vehicle. A locksmith who is qualified can repair or replace your fob quickly and will ensure that the ignition as well as door locks do not get damaged in the process.

When your key fob is damaged it can be frustrating and inconvenient. It's not cause to be in a state of panic or anger. Instead, you can take proactive steps to minimize the chance of your key fob breaking again in the future, including regular maintenance by using key protectors and keeping an extra key. If you do experience problems with your key fob the team at Quicksmith is here to assist you!

Broken Key Loop

One of my MK5 keysfobs fell off the little key ring that is at the top, which is where it attaches the keyfob. Apparently it's made out of very soft metal or plastic. I've punched a hole and wet-sanded it to strengthen it but I'm guessing the problem isn't resolved by this.

I've also wrapped the broken portion of the ring with clear tape, but that does not seem to do any good. It's really too bad, since I use the little rings to keep my keys in place on the tiny mini-splitring which holds the larger split ring for the keyfobs that I have.

If the key fob's case is damaged, it's often possible to remove the case and replace the battery (assuming the battery isn't already dead). Online kits are available, but they only provide a temporary solution. It is more efficient to get it fixed by a professional. You can also find the new case at an a locksmith or home improvement store. They're unlikely to be as expensive as an entirely new key fob.