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How to Repair Car Keys Car keys may appear tiny and insignificant, however they are essential for the proper operation of your vehicle. The cost of replacing the traditional or modern transponder car key can be upwards to $200. There are methods to fix your car keys at home for less than. This article will address the most common car keys issues and their DIY fixes. Dead Key Fob Batteries Cars are equipped with a remote key fob which makes opening doors, trunk and tailgate more convenient than ever before. The battery in this device is susceptible to dying. There are a few tricks you can use to resolve this issue quickly. Check to see if your car is still in the ignition mode. If so, the key fob's battery may be low, but not dead. To test this, press the button on the fob against the ignition button on the vehicle. If this works, then the battery is probably fine and only needs to be replaced. To replace the battery inside the fob, you need to open the case with a screwdriver. Be careful not to apply too much pressure as this could cause the fob to split apart. If the fob doesn't open Try using your pry tool several times around the outside of the case. Open the electronic part of your vehicle after you have removed the mechanical key. Insert the new battery and snap back the shell. If the key fob isn't working after this, there may be a more serious issue with your car's remote start system that requires a professional diagnostic. If this is the case, a trusted mechanic should be able to assist you. If you require assistance with your vehicle and you need help, you can call roadside assistance. Broken Key Ring There are a few options to do in the event that your key fob won't work because the ring is broken. Check to see if you can find the broken piece in the ignition. If it's still there it, remove it without damaging either the ignition lock or the door lock. If you are having trouble getting it out, contact an expert locksmith. They have tools that can safely remove keys that are damaged from the ignition. Another common cause of a broken car key is the corrosion of the circuit board or frame. You can clean the circuit board by using a cotton swab soaked in ruby alcohol. This will eliminate corrosion and ensure the contact pads aren't damaged. If your key won't start because the ring broke it, you might be able to fix it by using a thick wire or nail to seal the hole. Superglue can be used to fix the broken key ring. After cleaning the ring with a wet cloth Apply a small amount superglue on each end of the nail or wire. Press the pieces together and let them dry prior to using your vehicle. These DIY solutions might seem appealing, but they are only a temporary solution. It is best to employ an expert locksmith for repairs that last. They have the expertise and tools to repair damaged keys quickly and effectively. They can replace the battery and reprogram the key fob, if needed. Broken Key Blade Key blades can break due to wear and tear. If this happens, it's probably time to purchase a new key. The issue isn't as serious as you might think at first glance. The problem is that the metal blade has broken off from the case. One method to fix this is spraying the key hole with a fluid that lubricates the key hole. Then, you can use pliers tweezers, or a pin to grasp the damaged key and pull it out. If the key is magnetic, you can also try using a magnetic tool to assist in pulling it out. Be cautious not to use a magnetic tool on an ignition key because it could cause the tumbler in the lock to break. Contact a locksmith immediately if you are unable to take out the damaged part of the key. They have tools that permit them to safely remove keys without causing damage. Super glue can be used to fix the snapped lock. Apply a small amount of glue to the edges and press them in. After that, wait until the glue is dry before you insert your key into the lock. But this method isn't very reliable and you may have repeat the process several times before it's successful. Super glue might not be able to hold the key in place. Therefore, this is more of a stopgap measure rather than an option that can last. Broken Plastic Loop If the plastic loop breaks off, it can make the key ineffective. It's a fairly simple fix. To replace it, you can use an extremely thick wire or a finishing nail. Make two holes in the plastic loop that is broken for each end of the nail or wire. Cut the wire or nail into a key width, then place tiny drops of superglue into each hole. Apply the nail or wire into the holes and let them dry. A locksmith who sells replacement shells is an alternative option. They can take out the programmable portion of your key, move it to the new shell, and cut an entirely new blade for less than a complete replacement cost. This isn't the most efficient solution, but it will help you get back on the road once more if your key split in half. It's difficult to repair when the blade of the key is inside the ignition, however. If car key repair cost are not careful you could employ a hair clip, or needle to remove the damaged part from the ignition. Call a locksmith with special tools to safely remove damaged keys from ignitions. They can also design new keys with the proper cuts for your vehicle's ignition to ensure that it functions properly when it is inserted into the lock. Broken Master Key You'll need to in vain to recover the key before it is completely destroyed. There are several methods you can use, including using lubricants and tools like needle nose pliers and tweezers to take a small piece of the damaged key and then remove it. Spray the inside of your lock with WD-40 or a graphite powder. You can also try the hacksaw blade method, which involves sliding the blade along the side of a broken key and grasping onto a few of its 'teeth.' If you are successful you will be in a position to take the broken key out. Another helpful tool is an extractor for keys spiral, which you can find in a wide range of hardware stores. It's a thin and flexible bar with spiral threads, which can be put into the keyway and then bent to reach into the damaged section of the key. Once it is firmly anchored to the serrations, you can turn the bar around and then pull it up against the broken section of the key. Before calling a locksmith, try to get rid of the broken master key before calling a locksmith. If you can't get the piece out, you need to call in the big guns – let a locksmith make you a brand new key and reprogram it with the transponder of your car.