How to Fix Faulty Key Repairs

A broken key fob can ruin your day. Luckily, repairing the issue is simple with the right tools and procedures.

Before you begin any repairs, you must always make sure you ground yourself to eliminate static electricity. It takes only a second, and is good practice when working with electronics in general.

Find any debris that may be under the bad key. Breadcrumbs and other pieces of debris often get stuck underneath keys, which prevents them from advancing properly.

Broken Car Keys

Car keys are something we overlook until they fail or stop working at the most difficult times. If you're trying to open the trunk of your car for groceries, opening your doors to go somewhere, or driving your car and heading off to work - car remote key repair shop near me keys can be a nightmare when they don't work.

Over time, car keys can be subject to many wear and tear. They may be damaged from being dropped or thrown around and the internal components can wear out to the point that they aren't functioning properly anymore. This is a serious issue, as you will be unable to operate your vehicle until you have an extra key or your mechanic can fix the issue.

Fortunately, most broken car keys can be replaced or repaired easily. If the key is damaged inside the lock or ignition you can take out the remaining portion of the key using pliers or coated wire. Locksmiths can also provide you with special removal tools designed to slide along the key and grip the broken pieces in a pincer-like fashion.

If the car key is broken in half, an easy and affordable fix is to super glue the two pieces back together. It can be a challenge to get the pieces aligned properly but it can result in great results. Keep a pair of scissors and a roll tape on hand in case you want to alter the alignment.

Another way to temporarily repair damaged car keys is to replace the battery in the key fob. This is usually the best option if your car key fob isn't turning on and you don't have the right replacement yet. You can accomplish this based on the model and type of your vehicle by taking out the fob, then opening it using an screwdriver.

If the problem is serious or if the key fob isn't working or isn't responding and you need to replace it. This is something you can get at a dealership however, it's generally more affordable to call an auto locksmith to come to your home and make the required repairs or replace the key fob completely.

Broken Key Fobs

Like any electronic device keys for cars can fail. When they stop working they are not difficult to fix. The first thing you'll have to do is figure out what the issue is.

Most of the time when the key fob stops working, it's because the battery is dead. Removing the battery is the easiest and cheapest solution, and is something you can do at home.

If cleaning the fob is not working you can disassemble it. The circuit board of your fob has "contact pads" that correspond to each button on the fob. (Lock buttons trunk buttons, lock buttons, etc.) These contact pads have a rubbery feeling and are coated with an electricity-conducting film that wears off with time. Using a cotton swab and some rubbing alcohol, you can wash the contacts of your key fob to remove any corrosion hindering their functioning.

You could also try using a pair or tweezers to re-seat the contacts on your key fob in case you think they're broken or loose. It is recommended to apply silicone to the back of the key fob before you insert the new contacts. Silicone will seal the contacts to keep out water.

A key fob not working could be because it has been unpaired from the vehicle. When you press a key fob button, it sends a message to the car that tells it what it is trying to do. If the key fob is not paired, it will not recognize the car and not allow you to start the engine.

It's time to contact a locksmith or a dealership technician if it's impossible to get the key fob to connect with your vehicle. They'll have the equipment to reprogram the key fob and make it functional again. It's likely that you'll have to pay a small fee for the service, but it's much less expensive than buying a new key fob.

Unresponsive Keys

When the keyboard key isn't working, it could be an absolute nightmare. The first step is to make sure that the key isn't blocked by anything physical. Over time dust, hair and other particles can build up and disrupt the circuitry of keys. Try gently taking your key off and clean it up by using a rag soaked with rubbing alcohol. Sometimes, this is all it takes to get your key functioning again.

If the key does not work, it's possible that it's an issue with your software. Some keys are mapped to specific actions in games and if your key isn't working as you'd expect it to, check your game settings to confirm that the key is properly assigned to a specific action.

You could also try reinstalling the drivers for your keyboard to resolve the issue. You should always update your drivers whenever possible to ensure that your keyboard does not stop working due to outdated or corrupted drivers.

Another possibility is that the key is damaged. Every key switch is comprised of two circuits, and they could wear out over time until the point that they no longer detect the press. If this happens the best choice is to replace the entire keyboard as it will likely no longer perform as it should.

If you've tried all of these fixes and the keyboard is still not responding, it's probably time to have your laptop or external keyboard examined by an expert. There may be a physical issue with the membrane that covers your keyboard or it could be because one of the keys has become deficient.

To find out, you'll need to test the keys using a keyboard tester website. The site will inform you whether or not the keys register correctly during the test, and if they do, it's likely to be due to a software problem. Then, you can begin applying the other fixes to restore full functionality. You could also consider using an external keyboard to temporarily solve the issue until the internal keyboard is repaired or replaced.

Keys That Don't Work

Keys that don't function are an enormous problem, but fortunately, they're usually fairly easy to fix. Most times keys that malfunction are caused by a piece of grime beneath the key, or just not being connected properly to the laptop or keyboard. If you're unsure whether this is the case, begin by cleaning the keys and using canned air to eliminate dust and dirt.

The key could be unbalanced. This is another problem that can be solved by a professional, though it is more likely to require replacement of the key. If you own an electronic key that can't be turned with metal keys, the transponder chip may have stopped functioning. You'll need to get a new key that is programmed.

If your laptop keyboard or external keyboard keys seem to not be recording any actions at all, try using the key test site. This can help you figure out if there is any issues with the software or the keyboard itself.

A switch that isn't functioning correctly can also be the reason for keys not working as is. You can test if your keyboard is mechanical by looking underneath the cap to see whether any debris is stuck. If you discover something, use canned air to clear it up and then remove the keycap. This will allow you to replace the hooks that connect the retainer to the switch and, hopefully, restore functionality to your key.

If a key on your keyboard isn't performing the intended function in only one program, it is likely that the settings for the game's keyboard have mapped the key to a different action. Check the settings for your keyboard and then press the key again to see if it's working. If you're having issues, it is best to purchase an entirely new keyboard. It can be put in place by a professional. This is especially true if you play a game that requires a lot of typing.