How to Repair a Dead Car Key

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

It's a major pain when keys to your car fail and they happen at the most difficult times! There are a few ways you can repair broken car keys that won't require the purchase of a new key.

Dead key repair shop near me Fob Battery

Modern key fobs allow us to open doors, trunks, and tailgates easily without the need to search for a key in the car. Some key fobs have an inbuilt key that can be used to start cars. 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 to activate the vehicle. Fortunately, there are many ways you can repair a dead key fob and get your car operating again.

First, determine if the key fob is actually dead. If it appears to be, then you'll have to replace the battery. You can do this yourself by taking the key fob away from its clip or using a small flat-head screwdriver to remove it. Be cautious not to apply too much pressure or you could end up damaging the fob. Also, make sure that you're using the right kind of battery. Most key fobs are the CR2032 3-Volt battery, however some models may require a different type of battery. If you're not sure which kind of battery your car needs the most common place to look is the details in the owner's manual or visit an Interstate All Battery Center to get a specialist in battery assistance you.

You may be able to revive the key fob that's dead by moving closer to the vehicle. Since the majority of key fobs are RFID (radio-frequency identification) they only function at a short distance and need to be near enough to allow the ignition system to be able to recognize the signal. If you are able to move just a few inches closer to your vehicle, it could unlock or even start.

Many automobile manufacturers have a backup system that can be activated when the battery on the key fob is low. For instance, the majority of Ford models have a separate slot for the key fob that will activate the engine when properly inserted. Refer to the owner's manual for information on where to find the slot and how to insert the key fob. If you're unable to start your car using this method, make 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 there are programming errors, the key fob isn't able to transmit the correct identification code, and your car won't start. A damaged transponder may be caused by physical damage to the key shell or wear and tear on the contact pads.

Usually the moment a key fob starts to have trouble communicating with the vehicle's immobilizer system, you will see specific warning indicators on the dashboard. These could include error messages, a flashing light or the key not locking or unlocking the vehicle. If you are noticing any of these signs, you should contact your local locksmith immediately for key fob repair or replacement.

It's very easy to cause damage to your key ring by putting too much pressure on it, particularly when carrying many keys. This can cause the key fob to break in half and is among the most frequent causes of broken car keys. You can apply super glue on both sides of the crack and gently press them together to fix the problem. It is crucial to apply a gel-type adhesive that dries slowly to prevent drips or runniness.

If this method does not work, it is important to contact an experienced locksmith immediately to prevent further damage to your car. A qualified locksmith will be able to repair or repair car key remote your key fob quickly, and they will be able to ensure that the ignition lock as well as the door lock are not affected in the process.

It can be very frustrating when your key fob becomes damaged. However, it's not a reason to panic or be annoyed. You can take proactive steps to decrease the possibility of your key fob breaking in the future. These include regular maintenance, key protectors and keeping a spare. Quicksmith's team is ready to help you if your key fob breaks.

Broken Key Loop

One of my MK5 keyfobs has broken off the tiny key loop at the top where it attaches to the keyfob. It's made of soft metal or plastic. I've made a hole, then wet-sanded the area to make it more durable. However, I'm sure that's not helping.

I've also wrapped the broken part of the ring in clear tape, but it doesn't seem to do much good. It's really too bad because I use the little rings to keep my keys in place on the tiny mini-splitring that holds the larger split ring for the other keyfobs.

If the case for the key fob 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 for this, car key fob repair but they usually only offer temporary fixes - it is more efficient to take it to a mechanic who will replace the battery and reprogram the key fob. You can also find an updated case at a locksmith or home improvement store. They're not likely to be as costly as the new key fob.