How to Repair a Dead Car Key

Extreme cold or heat can sometimes cause a car to stop working. It is best to wait a few minutes before replacing it.

It's a real pain when keys to your car fail and they happen at the most uncomfortable times! You can fix a broken key without needing to purchase a new one.

Dead Key Fob Battery

Modern key fobs let us to open trunks, doors and tailgates, without having to fumble around for a key repair shop near me. Some key fobs have a built in key that can be used to start our vehicles. However, these fobs are dependent on a small battery that is the power source for their remote functions. If the battery dies then the key fob cannot transmit the signal needed to turn on the vehicle. Luckily, there are several ways you can repair a dead key fob and get your car running again.

First, determine the condition of the key fob to determine if it's actually dead. If it appears dead, you will require replacing the batteries. You can do it yourself by taking the fob off 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's also important to make sure you are replacing the correct battery type. The majority of key fobs utilize CR2032 3-Volt batteries, but some models may require something different. Find out the type of battery your car requires in the owner's manual, or go to an Interstate All Battery Center and get a specialist in battery care to assist you.

If the key fob isn't dead, you can revive it by moving closer to your car. Since the majority of key fobs are RFID (radio-frequency identification) they only work at a limited distance and must be within a certain distance for the ignition system to detect the signal. You can unlock your car or even start it if you move a couple of inches closer.

Many automobile manufacturers have a backup system that can be activated when the battery of the key fob is low. Ford, for example has a slot which is devoted to the key fob. If properly inserted, the key fob will activate the car's engine. Check your owner's manual for information on where to find this slot and how to properly insert the key fob. If you are unable to get your car started using this method, you should contact roadside assistance.

Broken Key Ring

The internal chip of the key fob is what communicates to the immobilizer on your car to allow it to start the motor. The chip could be damaged or there may be programming errors. If this happens the key fob won't be able transmit the correct identification code and your car won't begin. In some cases, a faulty transponder key can also be caused by physical damage or wear and tear to the key shell or contact pads.

Often when the key fob begins to fail to communicate with the vehicle's immobilizer system and you notice specific warning indicators on the dashboard. These include errors flashing lights, or the key not locking the car key fob repair service. If you notice any of these warnings, contact your local locksmith immediately to repair your key fob or replacement.

If you have a lot of keys, it is easy to break your key ring. This could cause the fob to split in half. This is one of the most common causes of a broken car keys. If this happens, attempt to use super glue to fix it by applying a small amount of the glue on both sides of the split and pressing them in a controlled manner. Use a gel-type of glue that dries slowly so that you don't risk drips or runniness.

If this method doesn't work and you are not sure, contact a professional locksmith right away to prevent further damage to your vehicle. A locksmith who is qualified will be able replace or repair your fob quickly and will ensure that the ignition as well as door locks are not damaged during the process.

When your key fob is damaged it can be a hassle and a nuisance. It's not cause for anxiety or anger. Instead, you can take proactive measures to minimize the chance of your key fob rupturing again in the future, such as regular maintenance including key protectors, and keeping an extra key fob repair service. If you do have an issue with your key fob the team at Quicksmith is available to assist!

Broken Key Loop

One of my MK5 keyfobs has broken off the small key loop at the top of the loop where it joins the keyfob. It's made of plastic or dtc metal that is soft. I've punched a hole and wet-sanded it to strengthen it however, I'm assuming the problem isn't helped by this.

I've also wrapped the broken part of the ring in clear tape, but it isn't doing any good. It's really a shame as I use the tiny rings to hold my keys in place on the mini-split ring that holds the bigger split rings for the other keyfobs.

If the key fob's case is damaged, you could often remove it and replace the battery if it isn't already dead. Online kits are available however they're only an interim solution. It's better to get it fixed by a professional. You can also purchase the new case at the locksmith or home improvement stores. They're not likely to be as expensive as a new key fob.