How to Repair a Dead Car Key
Extreme heat or cold can cause a vehicle to stop working. It is best to wait a few minutes before spending money to replace it.
It's a real pain when the keys to your car break and it happens at the most inconvenient times! You can fix a broken key without the need to purchase a new one.
Dead Key Fob Battery
Modern key fobs allow us to unlock doors, trunks and tailgates easily without the need for a physical car key. Certain key fobs come with an integrated key that can be utilized to start our vehicles. However, these devices depend on a tiny battery that powers their remote functions. If this battery dies then the key fob will not be able to transmit a signal that can trigger the vehicle. There are a variety of ways to repair a dead car key fob.
First, determine if the key fob is actually dead. If it seems to be dead, you will need to replace the batteries. You can do this yourself by removing the key fob from its clip or using a small flat-head screwdriver to remove it. It is important not to apply too much force, or you may damage the fob. It's also important to make sure you are replacing the correct battery type. Most key fobs are the CR2032 3-Volt battery, however some models may require a different type of battery. If you're not sure which kind of battery your car needs it is possible to find the details in the owner's manual, or visit an Interstate All Battery Center to get a specialist in battery assistance you.
You may be able to revive the key fob that's dead by moving it closer to the vehicle. Since the majority of key fobs use RFID (radio-frequency identification) they can only operate for a short time and must be within a certain distance for the ignition system to recognize the signal. You can unlock your vehicle or even start it if you move a few inches closer.
Many car manufacturers have a backup system that is activated when the key fob's battery is low. For instance, the majority of Ford models have a dedicated slot for the key fob that will activate the engine when inserted correctly. You can find instructions in the owner's manual on how to locate this slot and insert the key fob correctly. If you're unable to start your car with this method, be sure to get assistance from roadside assistance.
Broken Key Ring
The internal chip inside the key fob communicates to the immobilizer on your car to enable the motor. If the chip is damaged or there are programming mistakes, the key fob will not be able transmit the correct identification code and your car won't start. In some cases, a faulty transponder key may be caused by physical damage or wear and tear to the key shell or contact pads.
There are often warning indicators on your dashboard if keys are not communicating with the immobilizer system of your vehicle. This could include error messages, a flashing light or the key not locking or unlocking the vehicle. If you notice any of these warnings, contact your local locksmith right away to repair your key fob or replacement.
If you have a lot of keys, it is easy to damage the key ring. This can cause the fob to split in half. This is one of the most common causes of a broken car keys. It is possible to apply super glue on both sides of the crack and gently press them together to fix the issue. It is important to make use of a gel-type glue that has a slow drying time to prevent drips or runniness.
If this method doesn't work, you should seek out a professional locksmith as soon as possible in order to avoid further damage to your vehicle. A locksmith with the right qualifications can to repair or replace your fob quickly and will make sure that the ignition and door locks are not damaged in the process.
It can be frustrating when your key fob becomes damaged. But, it's not a reason to panic or become angry. You can take proactive steps to decrease the possibility of your key fob failing in the near future. These include regular maintenance, key protectors, and keeping a spare. Quicksmith's staff is on hand to help you if your key fob breaks.
Broken Key Loop
One of my MK5 keyfobs has broken off the little key ring loop at the top, where it connects to the keyfob. It's made of plastic or soft metal. I've made a hole, then wet-sanded the area to make it stronger. However, I'm sure that's not helping.
I've also wrapped the broken part of the ring with clear tape, but it does not seem to do any good. It's a shame because I use the little split rings to keep my keys in the right place.
If the key fob case is damaged, 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 might be better to take it to a technician who will replace the battery and reprogram the key fob. You can also find the new case at a locksmith or home improvement stores. They're not as expensive as an entirely new key fob.