How to Repair a Dead Car Key
Extreme heat or cold can sometimes cause a car to stop working. It is best to wait a few minutes before you spend money to replace it.
It's quite a hassle when keys to your car fail and they happen at the most inconvenient times! You can repair a broken key without having to buy another 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. Certain key fobs come with an inbuilt key that can be used to start our vehicles. However, these key fobs are dependent on a small battery that powers their remote functions. If this battery dies then the key fob will not be able to emit a signal that could be used to start the vehicle. Fortunately, there are many ways to fix a dead key fob and get your car running again.
First, you must determine whether the key fob really dead. If it seems to be, then you'll require a replacement battery. You can do this yourself by taking the key fob away from its clip or using a small flat head screwdriver to break it. Be cautious not to put too much pressure on the fob or you may end up damaging the fob. It is also important to ensure that you're using the right type of battery. Most key fobs use CR2032 3-Volt batteries, but certain models may require something different. If you're unsure of the kind of battery your vehicle requires, you can usually find the information in your owner's manual or visit an Interstate All Battery Center to get a professional to assist you.
You can sometimes revive the key fob that's dead by moving closer to the vehicle. Since most key fobs are RFID (radio-frequency identification) they only work at a limited distance and need to be near enough to allow the ignition system to be able to recognize the signal. If you can move a few inches closer to your car, it might unlock or even begin to work.
Many car manufacturers include backup mechanisms that can be activated when the key fob battery is dead. For instance, many Ford models come with a designated slot for the key fob that will turn on the engine if inserted correctly. Refer to the owner's manual for information on where to find this slot and how to insert the key fob. If you're unable to start the 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. If the chip is damaged or there are programming errors, the key fob will not be able to send the correct identification code and your car won't start. In some instances, a faulty transponder key could also be caused by physical damage or wear and tear on the key shell or contact pads.
Usually when a key fob starts to have trouble communicating with the vehicle's immobilizer system there will be specific warning signs on the dashboard. These could include error messages, flashing lights or the key not locking or unlocking the vehicle. If you notice these warnings contact your local locksmith immediately for key fob replacement or repair.
Learn Additional Here is very easy to cause damage to the ring of your keys by applying too much pressure on it, particularly when carrying a lot of keys. This could cause the fob to crack in half. This is one of the main causes of broken car key. You can apply super glue on both sides of the crack and gently press them together to fix the problem. It is crucial to apply a gel-type adhesive that is slow drying to avoid drips or runniness.
If this method doesn't work, it's important to get in touch with an experienced locksmith immediately in order to prevent any further damage to your vehicle. A locksmith with the right qualifications will be able to repair or replace your fob quickly and will make sure that the ignition and door locks do not get damaged in the process.
It can be a bit frustrating when your key fob gets damaged. It is not a cause for anxiety or anger. You can take proactive steps to decrease the possibility of your key fob failing in the future. These include regular maintenance, key protectors and having a spare. If you do experience a problem with your key fob Quicksmith's team Quicksmith is available to assist!
Broken Key Loop
One of my MK5 keysfobs broke off the small key ring that is at the top, where it attaches the keyfob. It's made of plastic or soft metal. I've made a hole, then wet-sanded the area to make it more durable. But I suspect that's not helping.
I've also attempted to wrap the broken part of ring with clear tape but that didn't seem much better. It's a shame, because I rely on the small split rings to keep my keys in the right place.
If the key fob case is damaged It's usually possible to open up the case and replace the battery (assuming the battery isn't already dead). There are key repair to help, but they generally only offer an interim fix. It may be faster to bring it to a professional who will swap out the battery and reprogram the key fob. You may also be able to find an alternative case at an home improvement store or locksmith. They're not likely to be as expensive as a new key fob.