How to Repair a Dead Car Key

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

If your car keys are damaged it's a huge problem. It always occurs at the most inconvenient moment! There are several ways to fix the broken car key that don't involve paying for an entirely new one.

Dead Key Fob Batteries

Modern key fobs let us to open doors, trunks and tailgates without having to fumble around for a key. Some key fobs have a built-in key that can be used to start cars. However, these fobs depend on a tiny battery that is the power source for their remote key repair functions. If the battery is dead then the key fob will not be able to transmit the signal needed to start the vehicle. Luckily, there are several ways to fix a dead key fob and get your car running again.

First, try to find out if your key fob is in fact dead. If it appears to be dead, you'll require replacing the batteries. You can do this yourself by taking the key fob away from its clip or using a small flat-head screwdriver to pry it apart. Be cautious not to apply too much pressure or you could end up damaging the fob. You should also make sure that you're using a correct type of battery. Some models might require a different type of battery. You can determine what kind of battery your car requires in the owner's manual, or go to an Interstate All Battery Center and ask a specialist to assist you.

If the key fob isn't dead, you can revive it by bringing it closer to your vehicle. Since the majority of key fobs use RFID (radio-frequency identification) they only work at a limited distance and must be near enough to allow the ignition system to detect the signal. You can unlock your car, or even start it by moving a few inches nearer.

Many car makers have backup mechanisms that is activated when the battery of the key fob is dead. For example, most Ford models have a separate slot for the key fob that will turn on the engine if inserted correctly. Go through the owner's manual to find information on where to find this slot and how to properly insert the key fob. If you are unable to start your car using this method, you should contact roadside assistance.

Broken Key Ring

The internal chip inside the key fob is what communicates to the immobilizer on your car key button repair to allow it to start the motor. The chip could be damaged or there might be programming errors. If this occurs the key fob won't be able to transmit the correct identification code, and your car key repair company won't start. A faulty transponder can be caused by physical damage to the key shell or wear and tear on the contact pads.

There are a lot of warning indicators on your dashboard if a keyfob has trouble communicating with the immobilizer system of your vehicle. These can include errors messages, a flashing light or the key not locking or unlocking the vehicle. If you see these warnings, contact your local locksmith immediately to request a replacement key fob or repair.

If you carry a lot of keys, it's easy to break your key ring. This can cause the key fob to split in half this is one of the most frequent 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 to both sides of the split and carefully pressing them together. Use a gel-type of glue that drys slowly so that you don't risk drips or runniness.

If this method doesn't work then you must contact a professional locksmith immediately in order to avoid further damage to your vehicle key repairs. A qualified locksmith will be able to repair or repair your key fob swiftly, and they will be able ensure that the ignition lock and door lock are not affected during the process.

It can be very frustrating when your key fob is damaged. It's not cause for anxiety or anger. You can make proactive steps to lessen the chance of your key fob failing in the near future. These include regular maintenance, key protectors and keeping a spare. If you do experience an issue with your key fob the team at Quicksmith is here to assist you!

Broken Key Loop

One of my MK5 keyfobs has broken off the little key loop at the top, where it connects to the keyfob. Apparently it's made out of very soft metal or plastic. I've drilled the hole and wet-sanded the surface to make it stronger. But I suspect that's not helping.

I've also tried to wrap the broken part of ring with clear tape but it didn't look as good. It's a shame because I use the little split ring to keep my keys in place.

If the key fob case itself is broken it is usually possible to remove the case and replace the battery (assuming the battery isn't already dead). There are online kits available, but they only provide a temporary solution. It is more efficient to have it repaired by a professional. You may also be able to locate a replacement case at the home improvement store or locksmith. These cases aren't as expensive as the new key fob.