How to Repair a Dead Car Key

Extreme heat or cold can cause the car to stop functioning. Take a moment before replacing it.

If your car keys are damaged it can be a major hassle. And it always occurs at the worst timing! There are several ways you can repair a broken car key that won't require an entirely new one.

Dead Key Fob Battery

Modern key fobs let us to open trunks, doors and tailgates without having to search to find a physical key. Some key fobs even have an inbuilt key that can be used to start cars. The fobs are powered by a small battery. If this battery dies and the key fob stops working, it will not be able to send a signal to be used to start the vehicle. There are several ways to repair a dead car key fob.

First, determine if the key fob is really dead. If it seems to be, you'll need to replace the battery. You can do this yourself by taking the fob off its clip or using a flat-head screwdriver. Do not use too much force or it could cause damage to the fob. Also, make sure that you're using the correct type of battery. Certain models might require a different type of battery. If you're unsure of the kind of battery your car needs the most common place to look is the information in your owner's manual or visit an Interstate All Battery Center to have a battery expert help you.

If the key fob key repair near me actually isn't dead, you may be able to revive it by bringing it closer to your car. The majority of key fobs employ RFID (radio frequency identification) which operates at a short distance. The ignition system needs to be able to recognize the signal. You can unlock your car or even start it if you move a couple of inches closer.

Many car manufacturers have an emergency mechanism that can be triggered when the battery of the key fob is dead. For example, most Ford models have a dedicated slot for the key fob which will activate the engine when it is properly inserted. There are instructions in your owner's guide on how to locate this slot and insert the key repair shop near me fob correctly. If you're not able to get your car started using this method, you should contact roadside assistance.

Broken Key Ring

The internal chip in the key fob communicates to the immobilizer on your car key repair company in order to start the motor. If the chip is 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 damaged transponder may be caused by physical damage to the key shell or wear and tear on the contact pads.

Usually when a key fob begins to struggle with the vehicle's immobilizer system and you notice specific warning indicators on your dashboard. These include errors, flashing lights or the key not locking the vehicle. If you are noticing any of these warnings, contact your local locksmith immediately for key fob repair or replacement.

When you carry many keys, it is easy to break the key ring. This can cause the fob to crack in half. This is one of the main reasons for a broken car key remote repair near me key. 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 apply a gel-type adhesive that has a slow drying time to prevent drips or runniness.

If this method does not work, it's important to call a professional locksmith right away to avoid further damage to your car keys repairs. A locksmith who is certified will be able to repair or repair your key fob swiftly, and they will be able to ensure that the ignition lock as well as the door lock do not get damaged in the process.

When your key fob is damaged it can be a hassle and a nuisance. But, it's not a reason to panic or get frustrated. Instead, you can take proactive steps to decrease the risk of your key fob breaking again in the future, such as regular maintenance by using key repair near me protectors and keeping an extra key. If you do experience problems with your key fob, the team at Quicksmith is available to assist!

Broken Key Loop

One of my MK5 keyfobs is broken off the little key loop at the top of the loop where it joins the keyfob. It's made of plastic or metal that is soft. 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 to wrap the broken ring with clear tape but it didn't look as good. It's really too bad as I use the little rings to keep my keys on the little mini-split ring that holds the bigger split ring for the keyfobs that I have.

If the key fob's case is broken, you can often open it up and replace the battery, if it is not already dead. There are online kits available however they're only an interim solution. It's better to have it repaired by a mechanic. You can also find an updated case at the locksmith or home improvement stores. They're unlikely to cost as much as a new key fob.