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How to Repair Car Keys Car keys may seem small and insignificant, but they are crucial to the functioning of your vehicle. Replacing a traditional key or a modern transponder key can cost upwards of $200. There are many ways to repair your car keys yourself at a fraction of the price. This article will discuss the most frequently encountered car keys problems and their DIY solutions. Dead Key Fob Battery The remote key fobs that are included with cars make it easier than ever before to open the trunk, doors and the tailgate. However, the battery inside the device could die. There are a few tricks you can employ to fix this issue fast. Check to see if the vehicle is in ignition mode. If so the battery on the key fob may be low, but not dead. To test, press the fob's button against the ignition button of the vehicle. If this does not work, the battery is probably in good condition and just requires to be replaced. To replace the battery inside the fob, the case open using a screwdriver. Do not apply too much force as this could cause the fob's case to split. If the fob isn't coming easily, try putting your pry tool in multiple places around the outside of the case. Once the fob is opened take out the mechanical key, and then open the electronic portion of the car. Install the new battery and snap back the shell. If the key fob isn't working after this, there may be a bigger problem with your car's remote start system that requires a professional diagnostic. If this is the case, a trusted mechanic should be able help you. If you require assistance with your car, you can contact roadside assistance. Broken Key Ring There are a few options to do in the event that your key fob won't function because the ring is broken. Examine if you can locate the broken part inside the ignition. If it's still there, remove it without damaging either the ignition lock or the door lock. Contact a locksmith if are having trouble taking the key off. They have special tools to safely remove a damaged key from the ignition. A broken car key can be caused by corrosion on the plastic frame or circuit board. You can clean the circuit board using a cotton swab with ruby alcohol. This will get rid of the corrosion and prevent damage to the contact pads. You can fix a broken ring using a strong nail or wire to close the hole. Superglue can be used to fix the broken key ring. After cleaning the ring with a moist cloth Apply a small amount superglue to each end of the wire or nail. Press the pieces together and let them dry prior to using your vehicle. These DIY solutions might seem appealing, but they're only an interim measure. It is recommended to hire an expert locksmith for repairs that last. They have the tools and expertise to repair a damaged car key quickly and efficiently. They can replace the battery and reprogram your key fob in the event of need. Broken Key Blade Key blades may break because of a lot wear and tear. If this happens, it's time to purchase a new key. This problem isn't nearly as serious as you might think at first. The issue is that the metal blade has snapped away from the case. Spraying lubricant into the keyhole is a solution to fix it. Then, you can use pliers or tweezers to grasp the broken end of the key and pull it. If the key is magnetic, you could also try using a magnet to help pull it out. Use a magnet to help you remove the key, but take care to not break the lock tumbler. If you are unable to get the broken piece from the key, contact an emergency locksmith. They have tools that let them safely remove keys without causing damage. Super glue can be used to fix a snapped lock. Apply a small amount of glue to the edges of the crack and press them together. Wait until the glue is dry before inserting your key into the lock. This method is not very reliable, and you might have to repeat it a few times before it works. Plus the super glue might not be enough strong to keep the key in place. This is more of a temporary solution rather than an option that is permanent. Broken Plastic Loop If your key fob's plastic loop gets damaged it can render the key ineffective. This is a simple fix. As a replacement alternative, you can opt for wire that is thick or a finishing nail. For each end of the wire or nail, drill two holes into the plastic loop. Cut the wire or nail to key width, and place one drop of superglue into each hole. Then, press the wire or nail into the holes to seal them, and then let it dry. Another option is to get a replacement shell from a locksmith that sells them. They can take the programmable part of your key, transfer it to the new shell and cut an entirely new blade for less than a full replacement cost. This isn't the most efficient solution, but it will help you get back on the road once more if your key broken in half. It's not easy to repair if the key blade is inside the ignition, however. You can try using a hair clip or needle extractor tool to remove the damaged part of the ignition, but this is risky if you're not cautious. Get a locksmith equipped with special tools to safely remove broken keys from ignitions. They can also create new keys with the proper cuts for your vehicle's ignition, so it will work properly when it is inserted into the lock. Broken Master Key If a key gets damaged inside the lock, you'll have to try to retrieve it before it's completely destroyed. There are a variety of methods that you can try, such as using lubricants, tools, needle nose pliers and tweezers. These tools can grab a fragment of the key that has been broken and remove it. To begin, spray the interior of your lock with a lubricant such as WD-40 or graphite powder. You can also try the hacksaw blade method, which involves gently sliding the blade along the edge of the broken key, and hooking onto some of the 'teeth'. If you are able to do this, you should be able to remove the broken key from the lock. Another helpful tool is an extractor for keys spiral, which you can find in many hardware stores. automotive key repair is a thin, flexible bar with spiral threads, which can be put into the keyway and then bent to dig into the damaged section of the key. Once it is firmly anchored to the serrations, you can turn the bar into a circle and then pull it up against the damaged section of the key. Before contacting a locksmith, attempt to take out the damaged master key. If you are unable to take the broken piece off it's time to contact a professional locksmith. A locksmith can make you an entirely new key that will be programmed to your car transponder.