How to Repair a Dead Car Key
Extreme heat or cold can cause a vehicle to stop working. Wait a while before replacing it.
It's a real pain when keys to your car fail and they happen at the most inconvenient times! There are a few ways to fix the broken car key that don't require the purchase of a new key.
Dead Key Fob Battery
Modern key fobs allow us to open trunks, doors, and tailgates easily 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 vehicles. These key fobs are powered by a small battery. If the battery dies then the key fob cannot transmit the signal to activate the vehicle. There are a variety of ways to fix a dead car key fob.
First, you must determine if your key fob is dead. If it seems to be dead, you'll require replacing the batteries. You can do it yourself by disconnecting the fob from its clip, or by using a screwdriver with a flat head. Be careful not to apply too much pressure or you may damage the fob. You should also make sure that you're using a correct kind of battery. Some models might require a different type of battery. You can determine what kind of battery your car requires in the owner's manual, or you can go to an Interstate All Battery Center and get a specialist in battery care to assist you.
It is possible to revive a key fob that isn't dead by moving closer to the vehicle. The majority of key fobs utilize RFID (radio frequency identification) that only operates at a short distance. The ignition system needs to be able to detect the signal. You can unlock your vehicle or even start it by moving a couple of inches closer.
Many car manufacturers have backup mechanisms that can be triggered when the battery for the key fob is dead. Ford, for example has a slot that is devoted to the key fob. When inserted correctly the key fob will start the engine of the car. Check your owner's manual for instructions on finding the slot and how to insert the key fob. If you are unable to get your car started 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 in order to start the motor. This chip can be damaged or there may be programming mistakes. If this happens, your key fob won't be able transmit the correct identification code, and your car won't begin. In some instances the problem with a defective transponder key can also be caused by physical damage or wear and tear to the key shell or contact pads.
Often the moment a key fob starts to fail to communicate with the vehicle's immobilizer system, you will see specific warning indicators on your dashboard. These include errors, flashing lights or the key not locking the car. If you observe any of these signs, you should contact your local locksmith right away to repair your key fob or replacement.
It's very easy to damage the ring of your keys by applying too excessive pressure on it, especially when carrying a lot of keys. This can cause the key fob to break in half, which is one of the most frequent causes of car keys breaking. If this happens, try to use super glue to fix the issue by applying a small amount of the glue on both sides of the split and pressing them in a controlled manner. It is important to use a gel-type glue that has a slow drying time to prevent drips or runniness.
If this method doesn't work, it's important to get in touch with an experienced locksmith immediately to prevent further damage to your car. key repairs with the right qualifications can to repair or replace your fob quickly and will ensure that the ignition as well as door locks aren't damaged in the process.
If your key fob gets damaged it can be frustrating and uninviable. But, it's not cause to panic or become annoyed. You can take proactive steps to decrease the chance of your key fob breaking in the future. This includes regular maintenance, key protectors, and keeping a spare. If you do have problems with your key fob, Quicksmith's team Quicksmith is here to assist you!
Broken Key Loop
One of my MK5 keysfobs broke off the tiny key ring at the top, which is where it connects to the keyfob. It's made of soft metal or plastic. I've drilled the hole and wet-sanded the surface to make it stronger. But I'm guessing that's not helping.
I've also tried wrapping the broken part of the ring with clear tape, but it didn't work to be any better. It's a shame, because I use the tiny split rings to keep my keys in the right place.
If the key fob case itself is broken, it's often possible to open up the case and replace the battery (assuming the battery isn't dead). There are online kits available for this, but they usually only offer an interim fix. It is more efficient to take it to a technician who will swap out the battery and reprogram the key fob. Alternately, you may be able to find a replacement case at the home improvement store or locksmith. These cases aren't as costly as the new key fob.