How to Repair a Dead Car Key
Sometimes extreme cold or heat can cause the car key to stop working properly. It is best to wait a few minutes before you spend money to replace it.
If your car keys are damaged it can be a major hassle. It always occurs at the most inconvenient timing! There are several ways you can repair a broken car key that don't involve paying for an entirely new one.
Dead Key Fob Battery
Modern key fobs let us to open doors, trunks and tailgates without having fumble around for a physical key. Certain key fobs come with an integrated key that can be used to start our vehicles. However, these devices depend on a small battery that is the power source for their remote functions. If the battery dies and the key fob dies, it cannot transmit the signal needed to start the vehicle. There are a variety of ways to fix the problem and get your car operating again.
First, determine the condition of the key fob to determine if it's really dead. If it appears dead, you will have to replace the batteries. You can do this yourself by disconnecting the fob from its clip, or by using a screwdriver with a flat head. Be cautious not to put too much pressure on the fob or you could damage the fob. It's also important to make sure you are replacing the correct battery type. Certain models may require a different battery. If you aren't sure what type your car requires, you can usually find the information in your owner's manual or visit an Interstate All Battery Center to have a battery expert help you.
You may be able to revive the key fob which isn't dead by moving it closer to the vehicle. The majority of key fobs utilize RFID (radio frequency identification), which only works at a short distance. The ignition system must be able to recognize the signal. You can unlock your car, or even start it if you move couple of inches closer.
Many automobile manufacturers have backup systems that is activated when the battery of the key fob is low. Ford for instance, has a slot that is devoted to the key fob. If it is properly inserted the key fob can be used to start the car's engine. You can find the instructions in the owner's manual on how to locate this slot and insert the key fob in the correct way. If you're not able to start your car by using this method, call roadside assistance.
Broken Key Ring
The internal chip inside the key fob is what transmits to the immobilizer of your car to allow it to start the motor. This chip can be damaged or there might be programming mistakes. If this occurs, your key fob won't be able to transmit the correct identification code, and your car won't begin. In some instances a malfunctioning transponder key can be caused by physical damage or wear and tear on the key shell or contact pads.
Usually when the key fob begins to struggle with your vehicle's immobilizer system, you will see specific warning indicators on the dashboard. This could be warnings about errors, flashing lights or the key is not locking the vehicle. If remote key repairs 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 excessive pressure on it, particularly when carrying many keys. This could cause the key fob to split in half, which is one of the most common causes of broken car keys. If this happens, you can try to use super glue to fix the issue by applying a small amount 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 is slow drying to avoid drips or runniness.
If this method isn't working, 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 repair or replace your fob quickly and will ensure that the ignition and door locks are not damaged in the process.
It can be a bit frustrating when your key fob is damaged. It's not a reason for anxiety or anger. You can take proactive steps to decrease the possibility of your key fob failing in the future. This includes regular maintenance, key protectors, and keeping a spare. Quicksmith's staff is on hand to assist you in the event that your key fob is damaged.
Broken Key Loop
One of my MK5 keysfobs broke off the small key ring at the top, which is where it connects to the keyfob. It's believed to be made of very soft metal or plastic. I've drilled the hole and wet-sanded the area 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 that does not seem to do any good. It's really a shame as I use the ring to hold my keys in place on the tiny mini-splitring which holds the larger split ring for the keyfobs that I have.
If the key fob's case itself is broken it is usually possible to remove the case and replace the battery (assuming the battery isn't dead). There are online kits available for this, however they typically only provide a temporary fix - it may be faster to take it to a mechanic who will replace the battery and reprogram the key fob. You may also be able to find the replacement case at a home improvement store or locksmith. These cases aren't as costly as the new key fob.