How to Repair a Dead Car Key
Extreme cold or extreme heat can sometimes cause the car to stop functioning. Take vehicle key repairs before replacing it.
It's a major pain when the keys to your car break, and it happens at the most difficult times! Repairing a damaged key without needing to purchase another one.
Dead Key Fob Battery
Modern key fobs allow us to open doors, trunks, and tailgates without the need for a physical car key. Some key fobs have an inbuilt key that can be used to start our vehicles. These fobs are powered by a tiny battery. If the battery dies then the key fob cannot transmit the signal needed to turn on the vehicle. There are a variety of ways you can fix the problem and get your car operating again.
First, you must determine if your key fob is actually dead. If it appears dead, you will require replacing the batteries. You can do this yourself by removing the fob from its clip, or using a screwdriver with a flat head. Be cautious not to apply too much pressure or you could damage the fob. It is also important to ensure that you're using the correct kind of battery. Some models might require a different type of battery. Find out the kind of battery your vehicle requires by consulting the owner's manual, or you can visit an Interstate All Battery Center and have a battery specialist help you.
It is possible to revive the key fob that's dead by moving it closer to the car. Since the majority of key fobs use RFID (radio-frequency identification) they only work at a short distance and must be close enough for the ignition system to detect the signal. You can unlock your car or even start it if you move a few inches closer.
Many car makers have backup mechanisms that can be triggered when the battery of the key fob is dead. For instance, many Ford models come with a designated slot for the key fob that will start the engine when it is properly inserted. There are instructions in the owner's manual on how to locate the slot and insert the key fob correctly. If you're not able to get your car started using this method, you should contact roadside assistance.
Broken Key Ring
The key fob's internal chip is the one that communicates with your car's immobilizer system in order to start the engine. If the chip is damaged or if there are programming errors, the key fob will not be able to send the correct identification code, and your car will not start. In certain instances the problem with a defective transponder key may also be caused by physical damage or wear and tear to the key shell or contact pads.
Often when a key fob begins to have trouble communicating with the vehicle's immobilizer system and you notice specific warning indicators on the dashboard. This could include error messages, a flashing light or the key not locking or unlocking the vehicle. If you observe any of these warnings, call your local locksmith immediately to repair your key fob or replacement.
It is very easy to damage your key ring by putting too excessive pressure on it, particularly when carrying many keys. This can cause the key fob to snap in half, which is one of the most frequent causes of car keys breaking. You can use super glue on both sides of the crack and gently press them together to fix the issue. It is important to apply a gel-type adhesive that is slow drying to avoid drips or runniness.
If this method does not work, you need to contact a professional locksmith right away in order to prevent further damage to your car. A locksmith with the right qualifications will be able replace or repair your fob in a short time and ensure that the ignition as well as door locks aren't damaged in the process.
It can be a bit frustrating when your key fob is damaged. It is not a cause for panic or frustration. Instead you can take proactive steps to minimize the chance of your key fob breaking again in the future, such as regular maintenance including key protectors, and keeping an extra key. Quicksmith's team is available to help you if your key fob fails.
Broken Key Loop
One of my MK5 keyfobs has broken off the tiny key ring loop at the top, where it connects to the keyfob. It's made of soft metal or plastic. I've drilled a hole, and then wet-sanded the area to make it stronger, but I suspect the problem isn't helped by this.
I've also tried to wrap the broken the ring using clear tape, but it didn't look as good. It's a shame, because I use the little split ring to keep my keys in place.
If the key fob's case is damaged, you could often open it up and replace the battery if the battery isn't dead. There are online kits to help, but they typically only provide temporary fixes - it is more efficient to bring it to a professional who can swap out the battery and reprogram the key fob. You may also be able to find an alternative case at a home improvement store or locksmith. These cases aren't as costly as a brand new key fob.