How to Repair a Dead Car Key

Extreme heat or cold can cause the car to stop functioning. You should wait a while before spending money to replace it.

When your car keys break, it's a real trouble. It occurs at the worst time! There are a few ways to repair car keys broken car keys that won't require a new one.

Dead Key Fob Battery

Modern key fobs allow us to open trunks, doors and tailgates without having to fumble around to find a physical key. Some key fobs have an inbuilt key that can be used to start our vehicles. However, these fobs depend on a small battery that provides power to their remote functions. If the battery dies then the key fob can no longer transmit the signal needed to turn on the vehicle. There are a variety of methods to fix a dead car key fob.

First, you must determine if your key fob is dead. If it appears to be, then you'll have to replace the battery. You can do this yourself by disconnecting the fob from its clip, or by using a flat-head screwdriver. You should not use too much force or you could damage the fob. It's also important to be sure you are replacing the correct type of battery. Certain models might require a different type of battery. Find out the kind of battery your vehicle requires in the owner's manual, or visit an Interstate All Battery Center and have a battery specialist help you.

You can sometimes revive the key fob that's dead by moving it closer to the car. The majority of key fobs employ RFID (radio frequency identification), which only works in a limited range. The ignition system has to be able to recognize the signal. If you move a few inches closer your vehicle, it could unlock or even start it.

Many car key remote repair makers have an emergency mechanism that can be triggered when the battery for the key fob is dead. Ford for instance has a slot that is devoted to the key fob. If it is properly inserted, the key fob will start the engine of the car. You can find the 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, be sure to contact roadside assistance for assistance.

Broken Key Ring

The internal chip inside the key fob is what transmits to the immobilizer of your car in order to start the motor. If the chip is damaged or if there are programming errors, the key will not be able to send the correct identification code, and your car won't start. 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 a key fob starts to have trouble communicating with your vehicle's immobilizer system and you notice specific warning indicators on your dashboard. These include error messages flashing lights, or the key is not locking the vehicle. If you observe any of these warnings, call your local locksmith immediately for key fob repair or replacement.

It's easy to damage your key ring by putting too much pressure on it, especially when carrying many keys. This can cause the key fob to split in half and is among the most frequent causes of car keys breaking. It is possible to apply super glue on both sides of the crack and gently press them together to fix the issue. Make use of a gel-type glue that drys slowly in order to avoid drips or runniness.

If this method does not work, it's important to get in touch with a professional locksmith right away to prevent further damage to your car. A locksmith who is qualified can repair key or replace your fob in a short time and ensure that the ignition and door locks aren't damaged during the process.

It can be a bit frustrating when your key fob becomes 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, including regular maintenance including key protectors, and having a spare key. If you do experience problems with your key fob, Quicksmith's team Quicksmith is ready to help!

Broken Key Loop

One of my MK5 keysfobs fell off the tiny key ring that is at the top, which is where it joins the keyfob. It's made of plastic or metal that is soft. I've drilled the hole and wet-sanded it to make it stronger. But I suspect that's not helping.

I've also tried wrapping the broken part of the ring using clear tape, but it didn't look to be any better. It's really too bad as I use the tiny ring to hold my keys on the tiny mini-splitring that holds the bigger split ring for the other keyfobs.

If the case of the key fob is damaged, you could often remove it and replace the battery, if it isn't already dead. There are online kits available to help, but they generally only offer an interim fix. It is more efficient to bring it to a professional who can swap out the battery and reprogram the key fob. You may also be able to find a replacement case at an home improvement store or a locksmith. These cases aren't as costly as a brand new key fob.