How to Repair a Dead Car Key
Sometimes extreme cold or heat can cause the car key to not function properly. Try waiting a little while before you spend money to replace it.
It's a major pain when the keys to your car fail and they happen at the most uncomfortable times! There are several ways to repair the broken car key that won't require the purchase of a new key.
Dead Key Fob Batteries
Modern key fobs allow us to open trunks, doors and tailgates, without having to fumble around to find a physical key. Some key fobs even come with a built-in key that can be used to start our cars. The fobs are powered by a tiny battery. If the battery fails and the key fob stops working, it will not be able to transmit a signal that can be used to start the vehicle. There are many ways to fix a dead vehicle key fob.
First, you must find out if your key fob is in fact dead. If it seems to be dead, you will need to replace the batteries. You can do it yourself by taking the fob off its clip, or using a screwdriver with a flat head. Be careful not to put too much pressure on the fob or you may damage the fob. Also, make sure that you're using the correct type of battery. Some models may require a different battery. You can determine what kind of battery your car needs in the owner's manual, or go to an Interstate All Battery Center and get a specialist in battery care to assist you.
It is possible 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 only function for a short time and need to be close enough for the ignition system to detect the signal. If you can move a few inches closer to your car, it may unlock or even begin to work.
Many car manufacturers include backup mechanisms that can be activated when the battery for the key fob is dead. Ford for instance, has a slot that is devoted to the key fob. If properly inserted the key fob will start the engine of the car. You can find instructions in the owner's manual of how to locate the slot and insert the key fob in the correct way. If you are unable to start your car using this method, contact roadside assistance.
Broken Key Ring
The internal chip inside the key fob is what communicates to the immobilizer on your car in order to start the motor. If this chip becomes damaged or if there are programming errors, the key fob isn't able to send the correct identification code and your car won't start. In some cases a malfunctioning transponder key may also be caused by physical damage or wear and tear to the key shell or contact pads.
There are often warning signs on your dashboard when keys are not communicating with the immobilizer system of your vehicle. These may include error messages flashing lights, or the key is not locking the vehicle. If you see these warnings, contact your local locksmith immediately for a replacement key fob or repair.
It is very easy to damage your key ring by putting too much pressure on it, particularly when carrying multiple keys. This could cause the key fob to snap in half this is one of the most common causes of broken car keys. If this happens, you can try using super glue to fix it by applying a small amount the glue on both sides of the break and then gently pressing them together. Use a gel-type of glue that drys slowly so that you don't risk drips or runniness.
If this method isn't working and you are not sure, contact a professional locksmith right away to prevent further damage to your vehicle. A professional locksmith can replace or repair your key fob quickly and will also be able ensure that the ignition lock and door lock do not get damaged by the process.
It can be a bit frustrating when your key fob is damaged. It's not cause for panic or frustration. Instead, you can take proactive measures to reduce the risk of your key fob breaking in the future, such as regular maintenance by using key protectors and keeping a spare key. If you do encounter problems with your key fob the team at Quicksmith is ready to help!
Click At this website 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 metal that is soft. I've punched a hole and then wet-sanded the area to make it stronger but I'm guessing the problem isn't resolved by this.
I've also tried wrapping the broken part of the ring with clear tape, but that didn't seem to be any better. It's really a shame, since I use the little rings to keep my keys on the tiny mini-splitring that holds the bigger split rings for the other keyfobs.
If the case of the key fob is broken, you can often remove it and replace the battery, if it 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 will swap out the battery and reprogram the key fob. You can also locate an updated case at the locksmith or home improvement stores. These cases aren't as costly as an entirely new key fob.