How to Repair a Dead Car Key

Sometimes extreme cold or heat can cause a car key to not function properly. Try waiting a little while before spending money to replace it.

If your car keys get damaged it's a huge hassle. It always happens at the worst possible moment! There are several ways you can repair a broken car key that don't involve paying for a new one.

Dead Key Fob Battery

Modern key fobs let us to open trunks, doors and tailgates, without having to fumble around for a physical key. Some key fobs even have a built-in key that can be used to start our vehicles. These fobs are powered by a tiny battery. If the battery fails then the key fob will not be able to transmit the signal to activate the vehicle. There are a variety of ways you can fix the problem and get your car running again.

The first step is to determine if the key fob is actually dead. If it appears to be, you'll need to replace the battery. You can do it yourself by taking the fob off its clip, or using a screwdriver with a flat head. You should not apply too much force, or you may damage the fob. Also, make sure that you're using a correct kind of battery. The majority of key fobs utilize three-volt CR2032 batteries, however certain models may require a different type. If you aren't sure what kind of battery your vehicle requires it is possible to find the details in the owner's manual, or visit an Interstate All Battery Center to have a battery expert help you.

It is possible to revive a key fob that isn't dead by moving it closer to the car. Since the majority of key fobs use RFID (radio-frequency identification) they only work at a short distance and must be near enough to allow the ignition system to detect the signal. You can unlock your vehicle or even start it if you move a few inches closer.

Many automobile manufacturers have backup systems that is activated when the battery of the key fob is low. For instance, the majority of Ford models have a separate slot for the key fob that will start the engine when it is properly inserted. 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 the car using this method, you should contact roadside assistance.

Broken Key Ring

The internal chip of the key fob is what communicates to the immobilizer on your car key repair company in order to start the motor. If the chip is damaged or if there are programming errors, the key fob will not be able transmit the correct identification code, and your car key repair 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.

There are often warning indicators on your dashboard when a keyfob has trouble communicating with the immobilizer system of your vehicle. These include errors, flashing lights or the key not locking the vehicle. If you notice these warnings contact your local locksmith immediately for key fob replacement or repair.

It's easy to cause damage to the ring of your keys by applying too much pressure on it, especially when carrying many keys. This can cause the fob to break in half. This is one of the most common causes of a 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. Make use of a gel-type glue that drys slowly in order to avoid 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 professional locksmith can replace or Repair Keys Near me your key fob swiftly and will also be able to make sure that the ignition lock as well as the door lock are not affected during the process.

It can be very frustrating when your key fob becomes damaged. It's not a reason for anxiety or anger. Instead, you can take proactive steps to decrease the risk of your key fob rupturing again in the future, including regular maintenance including key protectors, and having a spare key. Quicksmith's staff is on hand to assist you in the event that your key fob repairs near me fob fails.

Broken Key Loop

One of my MK5 keyfobs is broken off the little key loop at the top where it attaches to the keyfob. It's made of soft metal or plastic. I've drilled the hole and wet-sanded the area to make it more durable. But I'm guessing that's not helping.

I've also tried wrapping the broken ring with clear tape but that didn't seem much better. It's really too bad as I use the ring to hold my keys in place on the mini-split ring that holds the bigger split ring for the keyfobs that I have.

If the key fob's case 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 is more efficient to take it to a mechanic who will replace the battery and reprogram the key fob. You can also find a new case at the locksmith or home improvement stores. These cases aren't as expensive as the new key fob.