How to Fix Faulty Key Repairs
A damaged key fob can throw off your whole day. Luckily, repairing these issues is easy with the right tools and steps.
Always make sure to ground yourself prior to attempting any repairs to eliminate static electricity. It takes only a few seconds and is a good habit for working with electronic devices.
Find any debris that may be under the bad key. Breadcrumbs and other bits often get stuck under keys, preventing them from pushing in correctly.
Broken Car Keys
It's easy to take car keys for granted until they stop working or break at the worst possible time. When you're trying to open the trunk of your vehicle to buy groceries, or unlocking your doors to go out or even driving your car and heading off to work, car keys can be a nightmare when they do not work.
Over time, keys for automobiles may wear out. The impact of knocking or dropping them could cause damage and the internal components may wear out to the point that they no longer work. This is a serious problem that will mean you'll be unable use your vehicle unless you have an additional key or your mechanic corrects the issue.
Most broken car keys are easily repaired or replaced. If your key has been broken off within your lock or ignition, you may sometimes remove the remaining portion of the key using pliers or a coated wire. Alternatively, a locksmith can provide you with the necessary tools for removal that are designed to slide into the key and apply a pincer-like grip on the broken pieces to safely pull them out.
If the car key has been broken in half, a quick and inexpensive fix can be to super glue the two pieces back together. This is a little difficult as you must make sure that the pieces are aligned, but the end result can be very effective. Keep a pair of scissors and a roll of tape at hand in case you need to adjust the alignment.
Another option to repair temporarily the car key that is damaged is to replace the battery in the key fob. This is usually the best option in case your car key fob isn't turning on and you don't have the right replacement yet. It is possible to do this based on the type and model of your car by removing the fob and then opening it with a screwdriver.
If the problem is more serious, such as the key fob is totally inactive or does not turn on at all, you'll require replacement. You can do this at the dealer, but an auto locksmith will typically be more affordable. They will visit you and make the needed repairs or even replace the key fob.
Broken Key Fobs
As with all electronic devices car key fobs are no exception to malfunction. When they stop working they are not difficult to fix. The first thing you'll need to determine is the cause of the issue.
The majority of the time, when the key fob ceases to function, it's because the battery is dead. Replacing the battery is the simplest and cheapest solution, and it's something you can do at home.
If changing the battery does not work, try taking it apart and cleaning it. The circuit board of your fob has "contact pads" that correspond to every button on the fob. (Lock buttons trunk buttons, lock buttons, etc.) These contact pads are rubber-like and coated in an electricity conducting film that begins to fade over time. You can clean your key fob contacts with rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab for removing any corrosion.
You can also try using a pair of tweezers re-seat the contacts on your key fob in case you suspect they are broken or loose. It is recommended to apply silicone to the back of the key fob prior to you insert the new contacts. Silicone will help to seal the contacts and keep water out.
Another reason for a malfunctioning key fob is that it is no longer paired with the vehicle. When you press the button on a key fob, it sends a message to the car that informs it what it's trying to do. If the key fob is un-paired it will no longer recognize the vehicle and will not allow you to start your engine.
If you can't get your key fob back to be paired to your vehicle, it's likely to contact a locksmith or dealer technician. They'll have the equipment to reprogram the key fob and get it functioning again. You'll likely be charged a small fee for the service, but it's less expensive than buying an entirely new key fob.
Keys are not responsive
It can be a nightmare when a key on your computer fails to function. First, make sure that the key isn’t blocked by any obstruction. Over time dust, hair and other particles can build up and interfere with the circuitry of the key. Try gently getting rid of your key and then cleaning underneath it using a rag that has been soaked in rubbing alcohol. This is sometimes all that's required to get your key back in working order.
If the key still doesn't work, there's a problem with your software. Certain keys are linked to specific actions in games, so if your key isn't performing as you'd like it to, check your game settings to make sure that the key is properly mapped.
It is also possible to reinstall the drivers for your keyboard to resolve the problem. It is recommended to update your drivers whenever you can to ensure that your keyboard doesn't stop working due to outdated or corrupted drivers.
The key might be damaged. There are two circuits that comprise each key switch and over time, these circuits get worn out until they are no longer able to detect when the key is pressed. If this is the case it is recommended to replace the keyboard since the keyboard will no longer function properly.
If you've tried these solutions but the keyboard isn't responding then it's time to have an expert examine your laptop or external keyboard. There may be a physical issue with the membrane that covers your keyboard or it could be that one of the keys has become deficient.
To determine this you'll need to test the keys using the keyboard tester website. The website will tell you whether the keys are registered correctly during the test If they do, it's most likely due to a software problem. The remaining fixes can be applied to restore full functionality. You could also use an external keyboard until your internal keyboard is repaired or replaced.
Keys That Don't Work
It's a pain when keys don't work but they're generally simple to fix. A malfunctioning key can be caused by a piece of dirt under the button, or it may simply not be connected properly to your keyboard or laptop. If you're not sure whether this is the case, start by cleaning the keys and using canned air to remove dust and dirt.
The key could be unbalanced. It's possible to fix this issue with a professional. However, it is more likely that the key will need to be replaced. If you have an electronic key and it cannot be turned using metal keys the transponder chip might have stopped functioning. It is necessary to have a new key to be programmed.
If your laptop keyboard or external keyboard keys aren't not registering any action at all, try using a key testing website. car key repair near me can help you find out if there's any issues with the software or the keyboard itself.
Another reason for a single key not performing its expected function is that the switch isn't working correctly. You can test if your keyboard is mechanical by looking under the keycap to see whether there is any debris stuck. If you find anything, clean it out with canned air and then remove the keycap. This will let you replace the hooks which connect the retainer and the switch and, hopefully, restore functionality to your key.
If a key on your keyboard only doesn't perform its intended function in a particular program, it's most likely that the key has been assigned to a different action by the game's keyboard settings. Check the keyboard's settings and press the key again to determine whether it's functioning properly. If it's not, it's best to buy a new keyboard and get it installed by an experienced. This is especially true in the case of games that require the use of a lot of keyboards.