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How to Repair Car Keys The car keys are tiny and may not be considered important, but they're essential for the operation of your vehicle. The cost of replacing an old or modern transponder car key can range from $200 to upwards of $200. However, there are ways to fix your car keys at home with less than. This article will discuss the most frequently encountered car keys issues and their DIY fixes. Dead Key Fob Batteries Cars are equipped with a remote key fob that allows opening the doors, trunk and tailgate more convenient than ever before. The battery inside this device is prone to dying. However, there are some tricks you can employ to solve this problem in a pinch. First, check if the car is in ignition mode. If it is, then the key fob battery may simply be depleted instead of dead. To test this, press the button on the key fob against the ignition button. If this works, then the battery is probably in good condition and needs to be replaced. To replace the fob battery, begin by prying the case off using the help of a screwdriver or watch-type device. Don't apply too much force since this could cause the fob's case to split. If the fob won't open, try using your pry tool several times around the outside of case. Open the electronic part of your vehicle after you have removed the mechanical key. Insert the new battery and then snap back the shell. If the key fob isn't working after this, there may be a more serious problem with the remote start system that requires a professional diagnosis. If this is the case, a reputable mechanic should be able to assist you. If you need help with your car, you can contact roadside assistance. Broken Key Ring There are a few things that you can do in the event that your key fob won't work because the ring is broken. The first step is to see if the broken piece is still inside the ignition. If it is, you should remove it without damaging the door lock or ignition lock. Call a locksmith if you are having difficulty removing the key. They have tools that allow you to safely remove keys that are damaged from the ignition. A broken car key can also be the result of corrosion on the plastic frame or circuit board. Clean the circuit board using rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab. repair car keys will remove corrosion and ensure that the contact pads don't become damaged. If your key isn't starting because the ring is broken or was damaged, you might be able to fix it with a strong wire or nail to close the hole. Superglue can be used to fix damaged key rings. After cleaning the ring with a wet cloth apply a small amount of superglue to each end of the wire or nail. Allow the pieces to dry, and then press them in place. These DIY solutions may sound appealing, but they are only a temporary solution. It's best to hire an experienced locksmith for long-term repairs. They have the tools and expertise to fix a broken car key quickly and efficiently. They can even replace the battery on the key fob and change it's programming if required. Broken Key Blade Some key blades can break because of a lot wear and tear. If this occurs, you ought to buy a new blade. Fortunately, this issue isn't as serious as it appears at first. The issue is that the metal blade has snapped away from the case. Spraying lubricant into the keyhole is one method to fix the problem. Then, you can use pliers tweezers, or a pin to grab the broken end of the key and pull it out. If the key is magnetic, you can also use a magnet to assist in pulling it out. Just be careful not to use a magnet on an ignition key since it could cause the tumbler in the lock to break. Call a locksmith immediately when you are unable remove the broken part of the key. They're equipped with special tools that can safely remove keys without causing damage. You can also try super glue to fix a snapped key. Apply a small amount glue to the edges of the break and press them together. Make sure the glue has dried before inserting the key into the lock. This method isn't very secure, and you could need to repeat the process several times before it works. Additionally the super glue might not be enough to hold the key together. This is more of a temporary solution than a permanent one. Broken Plastic Loop If the plastic loop on your key fob fails it could cause the key to become ineffective. It's an easy fix. You can make use of wire or a finishing nail as a replacement. For each end of the nail or wire make two holes in the plastic loop. Cut the wire or nail to a key width, then place a drop of superglue on each hole. Press the nail or wire into the holes and allow them to dry. A locksmith who sells replacement shells is another option. They can take out the programmable part of your key, move it to the new shell and cut a new blade for much less than a full replacement cost. It's not the best solution, but it will bring you back on the road in case your key snapped in half. It's not easy to repair if the key blade is inside the ignition, however. If you're not careful you can use a hair clip or a needle to take the damaged part from the ignition. Get a locksmith equipped with special tools to safely remove damaged keys from ignitions. They can also make you new keys with the proper cuts for your vehicle's ignition and ensure it works perfectly when it is put 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 you can use, including using lubricants as well as tools such as needle nose pliers or tweezers to grab a fragment of the key that has been broken and remove it. Spray the inside of your lock with WD-40 or graphite powder. You could also try the hacksaw blade method which involves carefully moving the blade down the edge of the broken key, and hooking onto some of the 'teeth'. If you are able to do this you should be able pull out the broken key from the lock. Another helpful tool is an extractor for keys spiral, that can be found in a wide range of hardware stores. It's a thin and flexible bar with spiral threads which can be inserted into the keyway, and then bent to reach into the broken part of the key. Once it has caught onto the serrations, you can turn the bar into a circle and then pull it up against the broken part of the key. It's worth attempting to remove a master key that's broken prior to calling a professional locksmith. If you can't get an item out, it's time to call in the big guns – have a locksmith make you a brand new key and reprogram it to the transponder of your car.