How to Repair a Dead Car Key
Extreme heat or cold can cause a vehicle to stop working. Wait a while before replacing it.
When your car keys break it's a huge hassle. And it always occurs at the worst timing! There are a variety of ways to fix a broken car key that don't require a new one.
Dead Key Fob Batteries
Modern key fobs allow us to open doors, trunks and tailgates, without having to fumble around to find a physical key. Some key fobs even come with an inbuilt key that can be used to start our cars. However, these key fobs depend on a tiny battery that provides power to their remote functions. If the battery is dead then the key fob cannot send a signal to be used to start 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 your key fob is dead. If it seems to be dead, you will need to replace the batteries. You can do this yourself by taking the key fob off its clip or using a small flat head screwdriver to remove it. You should not use too much force or you could damage the fob. Also, make sure that you're using the correct type of battery. The majority of key fobs utilize three-volt CR2032 batteries, however some models may require a different type of battery. You can determine what kind of battery your car needs in the owner's manual, or go to an Interstate All Battery Center and get a specialist in battery care to assist you.
If the key fob isn't dead, you can revive it by bringing it closer to your car. The majority of key fobs utilize RFID (radio frequency identification), which only works at a short range. The ignition system must be able to detect the signal. You can unlock your car or even start it by moving a few inches closer.
Many car manufacturers have backup systems that can be activated when the key fob's battery is low. Ford, for example has a slot that is devoted to the key fob. If it is properly inserted, the key fob will start the engine of the car. Check your owner's manual for information on where to find this slot and how to insert the key fob. If you're unable to start your car using this method, make sure to contact roadside assistance for assistance.
Broken Key Ring
The key fob's internal chip is the one that communicates with the car's immobilizer system in order to start the engine. If car key repair cost becomes damaged or there are programming errors, the key fob will not be able transmit the correct identification code, and your car will not start. A faulty transponder can be caused by physical damage to the key shell or wear and wear and tear on the contact pads.
You will often see warning signs on your dashboard when the key fob is having trouble communicating with the immobilizer system of your vehicle. These include errors flashing lights, or the key is not locking the vehicle. If you are noticing these warnings contact your local locksmith immediately for a replacement key fob or repair.
It's very easy to damage the ring of your keys by applying too excessive pressure on it, especially when carrying many keys. This could cause the key fob to break in half, which is one of the most frequent causes of broken car keys. If this happens, you can try using super glue to repair it by applying a small amount of the glue to both sides of the split and carefully pressing them together. Use a gel-type of glue that drys slowly so that you don't risk drips or runniness.
If this method does not work then you must contact a professional locksmith immediately to prevent further damage to your vehicle. A qualified locksmith can replace or repair your key fob in a short time 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 becomes damaged. It is not a cause for panic or frustration. Instead, you can take proactive measures to decrease the risk of your key fob rupturing again in the future. This includes regular maintenance including key protectors, and having a spare key. If you do encounter problems with your key fob, the team at Quicksmith is available to assist!
Broken Key Loop
One of my MK5 keyfobs has snapped off the small key loop at the top where it attaches to the keyfob. It's made of plastic or soft metal. I've drilled a hole, and wet-sanded it to make it stronger, but I suspect the problem isn't helped by this.
I've also tried wrapping the broken portion of the ring in clear tape, but that doesn't seem to do much good. It's really a shame because I use the rings to keep my keys in place on the little mini-split ring that holds the bigger split rings for the other keyfobs.
If the key fob case itself is broken it is usually possible to remove the case and replace the battery (assuming the battery isn't dead). There are online kits available for this, however they generally only offer temporary fixes - it might be better to bring it to a professional who will swap out the battery and reprogram the key fob. You can also locate a new case at the locksmith or home improvement stores. These cases aren't as costly as the new key fob.