Tips For a Broken Car Key Repair
It can be very frustrating when a broken key gets into the ignition. To avoid further damage don't force the key.
Get professional help as quickly as you can. A locksmith can take out the broken piece with no further damage. In the meantime, find another method to travel like taking the bus or requesting the ride from your friend.
Assessing the Damage
A damaged car key can be a real nuisance. It can hinder you from getting where you need to go, cause you to lose time and money and could even result in expensive repairs to your vehicle. It's important to remember some of the best practices for fixing keys that have become damaged so that you can solve the issue quickly.
Do not attempt to remove the broken key by yourself. This can worsen the situation and cause damage to your ignition cylinder or lock. Modern locksmiths have the equipment to extract a damaged car key without causing further damage.
The reason could be wear, damage or simply mishandling, there are many reasons for your car key to break. A common reason is that the key becomes worn out and isn't able to fit into the ignition or the ignition. This could be due to regular use or being exposed to extreme weather conditions.
Another reason why your car key may break is because there are blockages in the keyway or cylinder. This could be due dirt or debris that has accumulated over the years and caused damage to the grooves of your key. If you have an electronic key with modern functions, the issue can also be caused by problems with the battery or the way your car connects to the keys.
Call a locksmith immediately if your car key breaks inside the door lock or ignition. It's best not to damage the car by trying to force the key out.
If you decide to try to repair your car key on your own using super glue, do not try it. This is likely to break after a few uses and won't be as effective as the appropriate tool that locksmiths use. Use a long wire or nail to seal the loop that has broken. If you can you can drill a hole on each end of the wire or nail to the width of the key and then apply glue in both holes. Let it dry before using the key for the second time.
Removing the Broken Part
It is possible to get the broken car key from a door lock but it requires careful precision to prevent further damage. A good set of needle-nosepliers and penetrating oils can help you in this. A jigsaw with teeth pointing downwards can be used to latch to the broken piece inside the lock, then take it out at an angle. Avoid twisting the piece since this could cause it to break off completely or cause damage to the ignition cylinder.
If the car key is broken out of the lock you'll need to call an expert locksmith or go to the dealership to get a replacement. If the damaged piece is big enough to be grasped with pliers, it may be possible. Avoid turning the key using screwdrivers or pliers because you could cause the key to break or cause damage to the lock or ignition.
If you want to make a permanent fix, you can try using super glue to repair the broken plastic loop on your key. Make sure to make use of a gel-type glue and not just a runny one, and allow it to dry before putting the key into the lock. This method is not recommended, as a mistake could cause misalignments that could cause damage to the lock and the ignition system.
Another alternative is to use a thick wire or finishing nail to act as a temporary car key loop replacement. Use a drill to make two holes in the key's broken loop of plastic for each end of the wire or nail. Apply a small amount super glue to each hole after cutting the wire or nail to the same length as the key. Then, you can slide the wire or nail through the holes and close up the damaged plastic loop on your car key.
Keep both pieces of the damaged car key. This will allow professional locksmiths to create an exact copy. This will reduce the risk of problems with the new key, which will save you time and money in the long in the long.
How do I obtain an additional key
Sometimes car keys break in a way that makes it impossible to start the vehicle. This happens when you use too much pressure when turning the key and it snaps in the ignition. This can occur if you use your key fob to open the door, and it gets stuck. If this happens, you'll need to call a locksmith or dealership to get help.
A damaged key in the ignition could be a major hassle since you won't be able to drive your car until it's repaired. This is because the key is used to switch the car off and on as well as to open doors and activate other functions. There are repair car key can take to fix a broken key in your ignition before it becomes more serious.
The first step is to remove the broken part of your key with pliers. If you're lucky your car key might be broken at the top of the lock, and be easy to remove from the lock. If the key broke in the bottom of the lock, you will encounter more difficulty in removing it on your own and will require the use of specialized tools. Those tools are flat and narrow and have small hooks at the end that are able to latch on the key's piece and then pull it out. You may also consider using a lubricant such as powder or liquid to loosen the key and make it easier to remove.
You can also call a mobile locksmith who will come and replace your broken keys. This service is often cheaper than visiting a dealership and can also save your time. They can also make you keys that match the existing key of your vehicle which is crucial for newer vehicles with programmed chips.
In the end, you may try reattaching the two parts of your key with super glue. This is a risky choice, but it might work. Just be careful not to cause the key to become stuck again in the lock or ignition.
Programming the New Key
Depending on the type of key you own It may not be possible to reprogram it yourself. Only a dealer or locksmith can do this as it protects the car's security system from unauthorised access. This is a necessary measure to prevent people from using different keys to start your car and be able to steal it. However, it makes the process more complicated particularly if you have to replace the fob.
If you're in a hurry it's easy to apply too much pressure when turning the key to unlock or lock your car. The key could break or snag inside the lock if you use too much force. It could also mean that the key is stuck in the ignition, blocking you from starting your vehicle. This can be a hassle and cause a disruption to your schedule. There are solutions to this issue before it gets out of control.
In some cases you can take a broken key fragment from the lock using simple tools you may already have at home. Tweezers work well for small fragments, and pliers are great for prying out the key. You can also make use of the key extractor, which is a special tool that is often available at auto parts stores. You could also try spraying the lock with lubricant to assist in the extraction process.
Keep both pieces of the keys that are damaged. This will help the locksmith create a more precise copy, which can accelerate the process of replacing it. This can also help you get back on the roads faster. If you don't have spare working keys or keys, you can request the dealership to start your vehicle with a new key and then use it to program your new one.
You can purchase another key and then insert it in the ignition to program the car's computer. After a few seconds, switch the key to "on" position, but do not actually start the engine. Then, switch to the new key and leave. The process could last anywhere from a few minutes up to several hours. You'll need a method to travel around until the process is complete. You can use public transportation or get your friends to drive you.