How to Repair a Dead Car Key
Sometimes extreme heat or cold can cause a car key to stop functioning properly. It is best to wait a few minutes before replacing it.
It's quite a hassle when your car keys break and it happens at the most uncomfortable times! There are a variety of 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 with ease without the need for a key in the car. Some key fobs even come with an inbuilt key that can be used to start our cars. These key fobs are powered by a tiny battery. If the battery is dead and the key fob stops working, it will not be able to emit a signal that could activate the vehicle. There are several methods to fix a dead vehicle key fob.
First, try to determine if your key fob is in fact dead. If it appears to be, then you'll have to replace the battery. You can do this yourself by taking the key fob off its clip or using a small flat head screwdriver to break it. Be careful not to apply too much pressure or you may cause damage to the fob. It is also essential to make sure that you replace the correct battery type. Most key fobs are CR2032 3-Volt batteries, but certain models may require a different type of battery. You can determine what kind of battery your car needs in the owner's manual, or you can go to an Interstate All Battery Center and have a battery specialist help you.
If the key fob isn't dead, you can revive it by moving closer to your vehicle. Since the majority of key fobs are RFID (radio-frequency identification) they only work for a short time and need to be close enough for the ignition system to recognize the signal. If you can move a few inches closer your vehicle, it could unlock or even start.
Many car manufacturers have backup systems that is activated when the battery on the key fob is low. For instance, the majority of Ford models have a separate slot for the key fob which will activate the engine when it is properly inserted. You can find instructions in your owner's guide on how to locate this slot and insert the key fob correctly. If you're not able to start your car by using this method, call roadside assistance.
Broken Key Ring
The chip inside the key fob is the one that communicates with your vehicle's immobilizer system to begin the engine. This chip can be damaged or there might be programming errors. If this occurs your key fob will not be able to send the correct identification code and your car won't start. A damaged transponder may be caused by physical damage to the key shell or wear and wear and tear on the contact pads.
Usually, when a key fob starts to struggle with the vehicle's immobilizer system there will be specific warning signs on the dashboard. This could be warnings about errors flashing lights, or the key not locking the vehicle. If you notice these warnings contact your local locksmith immediately for a replacement key fob or repair.
It's very easy to damage your key ring by putting too much pressure on it, especially when carrying a lot of keys. This can cause the key fob to split in half and is among the most common causes of car keys breaking. You can apply super glue on both sides of the crack and gently press them together to repair the issue. It is important to make use of a gel-type glue that dries slowly to prevent drips or runniness.
If this method does not work and you are not sure, contact a professional locksmith immediately in order to avoid further damage to your vehicle. A qualified locksmith will be able to replace or repair your key fob swiftly, and they will be able ensure that the ignition lock as well as the door lock do not get damaged during the process.
It can be frustrating when your key fob is damaged. It is not a cause for panic or frustration. Instead you can take proactive measures to reduce the risk of your key fob breaking in the future, such as regular maintenance, using key protectors and keeping an extra key. If you do experience problems with your key fob, Quicksmith's team Quicksmith is here to assist you!
key fob repair of my MK5 keyfobs is broken off the tiny key ring loop at the top, where it connects to the keyfob. It appears to be made of extremely soft plastic or metal. I've done a hole in the wall and then wet-sanded it to make it stronger. But I suspect that's not helping.
I've also attempted to wrap the broken part of the ring with clear tape, but it didn't look to be any better. It's really a shame as I use the tiny ring to hold my keys on the tiny mini-splitring that holds the larger split rings 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 is not already dead. Online kits are available however they're only a temporary solution. It is more efficient to get it fixed by a mechanic. You may also find a replacement case at a home improvement store or locksmith. These cases aren't as costly as the new key fob.