How to Repair a Dead Car Key
Extreme cold or heat can sometimes cause the car to stop functioning. It is best to wait a few minutes before replacing it.
It's a real pain when keys to your car break and it happens at the most difficult times! Repairing a damaged key without having to buy another one.
Dead Key Fob Battery
Modern key fobs allow us to open doors, trunks, and tailgates without the need for a car key. Some key fobs even have an inbuilt key that can be used to start our cars. However, these devices depend on a small battery that powers their remote functions. If the battery is dead and the key fob dies, it will not be able to transmit the signal needed to start the vehicle. Luckily, there are several ways you can repair the problem and get your car functioning again.
The first step is to determine if the key fob is dead. If it appears to be, you'll have to replace the battery. You can do it yourself by taking the fob off its clip, or using an screwdriver with a flat-head. Be cautious not to apply too much pressure or you may damage the fob. It is also essential to make sure that you replace the correct type of battery. Certain models might require a different type of battery. You can find out what kind of battery your car needs in the owner's manual, or you can visit an Interstate All Battery Center and get a specialist in battery care to assist you.
You can sometimes revive a key fob that isn't dead by moving it closer to the vehicle. The majority of key fobs employ RFID (radio frequency identification) which operates within a narrow range. The ignition system needs to be able detect the signal. If you can move a few inches closer to your vehicle, it could unlock or even begin to work.
Many car manufacturers have a backup system that can be activated when the battery on the key fob is low. For instance, many Ford models come with a designated slot for the key fob which will start the engine when properly inserted. You can find instructions in your owner's guide on how to locate this slot and insert the key fob in the correct way. If you are unable to start your car using this method, make sure to get assistance from roadside assistance.
Broken Key Ring
The chip inside the key fob is what communicates with your vehicle's immobilizer system to begin the engine. This chip can be damaged or there might be programming mistakes. If this happens your key fob will not be able to transmit the correct identification code and your car won't begin. A faulty transponder can be caused by physical damage to the key shell, or wear and tear on the contact pads.
Usually the moment a key fob begins to have trouble communicating with your vehicle's immobilizer system, you will see specific warning indicators on the dashboard. These could include error messages, a flashing light or the key not locking or unlocking the vehicle. If you see 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, particularly when carrying multiple keys. This can cause the key fob to split in half, which is one of the most common causes of broken car keys. If this happens, attempt to use super glue to repair it by applying a small amount of the glue to both sides of the crack and carefully pressing them together. Use company website -type of glue that drys slowly in order to avoid drips or runniness.
If this method does not work, it is important to call a professional locksmith as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your car. A qualified locksmith will be able to repair or repair your key fob swiftly and will be able to ensure that the ignition lock as well as the door lock aren't affected in the process.
It can be very frustrating when your key fob gets damaged. However, it's not cause to panic or be frustrated. Instead, you can take proactive steps to reduce the risk of your key fob breaking again in the future, including regular maintenance including key protectors, and keeping an extra key. Quicksmith's team is available to help you if your key fob is damaged.
Broken Key Loop
One of my MK5 keyfobs has snapped off the small key loop on top, where it connects to the keyfob. It appears to be made of very soft plastic or metal. I've drilled a hole, and wet-sanded it to make it stronger however, I'm assuming the problem isn't helped by that.
I've also tried wrapping the broken ring with clear tape but it didn't work much better. It's a shame because I rely on the small split ring to keep my keys in place.
If the key fob's case is damaged, you could usually open it and replace the battery if it is not already dead. There are online kits to help, but they typically only provide an interim fix. It might be better to take it to a mechanic who will swap out the battery and reprogram the key fob. You may also be able to find a replacement case at an home improvement store or a locksmith. They're not likely to be as costly as the new key fob.