The One Repair Car Key Mistake Every Beginner Makes
How to Repair a Dead Car Key Sometimes extreme heat or cold can cause a car key to stop working properly. Take a moment before replacing it. If your car keys get damaged it can be a major hassle. And it always occurs at the most inconvenient time! There are a few ways to fix the broken car key that don't involve paying for a new one. Dead Key Fob Battery Modern key fobs let us to open doors, trunks and tailgates, without having to search to find a physical key. Some key fobs have an inbuilt key that can be used to start our vehicles. The fobs are powered by a small battery. If the battery fails, the key fob will no longer transmit a signal that can be used to start the vehicle. There are several ways to fix a dead vehicle key fob. First, check whether the key fob really dead. If it seems to be dead, you'll need to replace the batteries. You can do this yourself by disconnecting the fob from its clip or using an screwdriver with a flat-head. Do not apply too much force, or it could cause damage to the fob. It's also important to make sure you're replacing the correct type of battery. Most key fobs are three-volt CR2032 batteries, however some models may require something different. If you aren't sure what kind of battery your car needs it is possible to find the information in the owner's manual, or visit an Interstate All Battery Center to have a battery expert help you. If the key fob isn't actually dead, you may be able to revive it by moving it closer to your vehicle. Since the majority of key fobs are RFID (radio-frequency identification) they only work at a limited distance and must be close enough for the ignition system to recognize the signal. You can unlock your car or even start it by moving a couple of inches closer. Many car makers have a backup mechanism that is activated when the key fob battery 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. There are instructions in your owner's guide on how to locate this slot and insert the key fob in the correct way. If you're not able to start your car using this method, contact roadside assistance. Broken Key Ring The chip inside the key fob is the one that communicates with your car's immobilizer system in order to start the engine. If the chip is damaged or there are programming errors, the key will not be able send the correct identification code and your car won't start. In some cases the problem with a defective transponder key can be caused by physical damage or wear and tear to the key shell or contact pads. There are often warning view it now on your dashboard if the key fob is having trouble communicating with the immobilizer system of your vehicle. This could include errors messages, flashing lights or the key not locking or unlocking the vehicle. If you observe any of these warnings, call your local locksmith right away to repair your key fob or replacement. When you carry many keys, it is easy to scratch your key ring. This could cause the key fob to break in half this is one of the most common causes of broken car keys. It is possible to apply super glue on both sides of the crack and gently press them together to fix the issue. 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 isn't working and you are not sure, contact a professional locksmith immediately to prevent 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 are not damaged during the process. If your key fob is damaged it can be a hassle and a nuisance. However, it's not cause to panic or get angry. Instead, you can take proactive measures to reduce the risk of your key fob breaking again in the future. This includes regular maintenance, using key protectors and having a spare key. If you do have a problem with your key fob, the team at Quicksmith is ready to help! Broken Key Loop One of my MK5 keysfobs snapped off the little key ring on the top, which is where it attaches the keyfob. It's made of plastic or metal that is soft. I've made a hole in it, and wet-sanded it to strengthen it however, I'm assuming the problem isn't resolved by this. I've also attempted to wrap the broken part of the ring using clear tape, but it didn't work much better. It's a shame because I use the tiny split rings to keep my keys in the right place. If the case for the key fob itself is broken It's usually possible to open up the case and replace the battery (assuming the battery isn't already dead). There are online kits available for this, however they usually only offer an interim fix. It is more efficient to bring it to a professional who can swap out the battery and reprogram the key fob. You may also be able to find the replacement case at a home improvement store or locksmith. They're unlikely to cost as much as an entirely new key fob.