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 you spend money to replace it.
It's a real pain when the keys to your car break, and it happens at the most inconvenient times! There are a few ways to repair broken car keys that don't require a new one.
Dead Key Fob Batteries
Modern key fobs let us to open trunks, doors and tailgates, without having to fumble around for a physical key. Some key fobs even come with a built-in key that can be used to start our cars. These key fobs are powered by a small battery. If the battery fails and the key fob stops working, it will no longer emit a signal that could be used to start the vehicle. There are several methods to repair a dead car key fob.
First, try to determine if the key fob is dead. If it appears dead, you'll need to replace the batteries. You can do this yourself by removing the fob from its clip, or by using a screwdriver with a flat head. Be cautious not to put too much pressure on the fob or you could damage the fob. It is also important to ensure that you're using a correct type of battery. Certain models may require a different battery. If you're not sure which kind of battery your vehicle requires the most common place to look is the information in your owner's manual or visit an Interstate All Battery Center to get a specialist in battery assistance you.
It is possible to revive the key fob which isn't dead by moving it closer to the car. Most key fobs use RFID (radio frequency identification), which only works at a short range. The ignition system needs to be able to recognize the signal. You can unlock your vehicle or even start it if you move few inches nearer.
Many car manufacturers have a backup system that can be activated if the battery on the key fob is low. Ford for instance has a slot which is dedicated to the key fob. If it is properly inserted the key fob will activate the car's engine. Check your owner's manual for information on where to find the slot and how to properly insert the key fob. If you are unable to start the car using this method, contact roadside assistance.
Broken Key Ring
The internal chip inside the key fob is what communicates to your car's immobilizer to enable the motor. If the chip is damaged or if there are programming errors, the key isn't able to send the correct identification code and your car won't start. In certain instances, a faulty transponder key can also be caused by physical damage or wear and tear on the key shell or contact pads.
Often, when a key fob begins to fail to communicate with your vehicle's immobilizer system there will be specific warning indicators on your dashboard. remote key repairs could include errors messages, a flashing light or the key not locking or unlocking the vehicle. If you are noticing any of these signs, you should contact your local locksmith immediately for key fob repair or replacement.
If you carry a lot of keys, it's easy to damage your key ring. This could cause the fob to split in half. This is among the most common causes of a broken car key. If this happens, you can attempt to use super glue to repair it by applying a small amount of the glue to both sides of the crack and carefully pressing them together. It is crucial 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 and you are not sure, contact a professional locksmith right away to avoid further damage to your vehicle. A professional locksmith will be able to replace or repair your key fob quickly and will also be able to make sure that the ignition lock and door lock aren't affected by the process.
It can be frustrating when your key fob is damaged. However, it is not cause to panic or get annoyed. Instead you can take proactive steps to reduce the risk of your key fob breaking in the future, including regular maintenance by using key protectors and having a spare key. If you do encounter an issue with your key fob, the team at Quicksmith is available to assist!
Broken Key Loop
One of my MK5 keyfobs has snapped off the tiny key loop on top where it attaches to the keyfob. It's made of plastic or soft metal. I've made a hole in it, and wet-sanded it to make it stronger however, I'm assuming that the issue isn't solved by this.
I've also tried wrapping the broken part of the ring using clear tape, but that didn't seem to be any better. It's really a shame, since I use the tiny ring to hold my keys in place on the little mini-split ring that holds the larger split ring for the other keyfobs.
If the case of the key fob is damaged, you can often open it up and replace the battery if the battery isn't dead. There are online kits to help, but they generally only offer a temporary fix - it may be faster to take it to a mechanic who can swap out the battery and reprogram the key fob. You can also locate the new case at an a locksmith or home improvement store. They are not likely to be as expensive as a new key fob.