How to Fix Faulty Key Repairs
A faulty key fob can ruin your entire day. With the right tools and instructions, it's easy to fix these issues.
Always ensure that you ground yourself prior to beginning repairs to eliminate static electricity. It takes only a second and is a good practice when working with electronics in general.
Check for any debris that has gotten caught beneath the key you are trying to replace. Breadcrumbs and other bits often become stuck beneath keys, which prevents them from pushing in correctly.
Broken Car Keys
Car keys are easy to take for granted, until they fail or stop working at the most inconvenient times. If your car keys do not work, it could be a nightmare to open your trunk to get groceries, unlock your doors to go somewhere, or start your engine to get to work.
Over time, keys for cars can become worn out. They may be damaged due to being thrown around or dropped and the internal components can wear out to the point that they're no longer functioning as they should. This is a huge issue since it means you aren't able to drive unless you have an extra key or your mechanic fix the issue.
Most broken car keys are easily repaired or replaced. If the key has been damaged inside the lock or ignition you can remove the remaining piece of the key with pliers or coated wire. Locksmiths can also provide you with tools for removal that slide along the key and grasp the broken pieces with pliers in a similar way.
If the car key has been broken in half, a simple and affordable fix is to super glue the two pieces back together. This is difficult as you must ensure that the pieces are aligned, but the result can be very effective. It is a good idea to keep a pair of scissors and a roll tape handy just in case you need to adjust the alignment to a degree.
Another option to repair temporarily the car key that is damaged is to replace the battery inside the key fob. This is typically the best option in case your car key fob isn't turning on, but you don't have the right replacement. It is possible to do this based on the type and model of your vehicle by taking out the fob and then opening it with the help of a screwdriver.
If the issue is serious, like if your key fob isn't working or isn't responding and you need to replace it. This is something that you can do at a dealer however, it's generally more affordable to call an auto locksmith to come to your location and make the necessary repairs or replace the key fob entirely.
Broken Key Fobs
Car key fobs aren't durable, and like all electronic devices they can be susceptible to malfunctions at some time. Fortunately, they're not all that difficult to fix if they stop working. You'll first need to determine the cause.
The battery is usually the reason why the keyfob ceases to function. The simplest and most economical option is to replace the battery. You can do this at your home.
If cleaning the fob isn't working then you can disassemble it. The circuit board of your fob contains "contact pads" that correspond to each button on the fob. (Lock buttons, trunk buttons etc.) These contact pads are rubber-like and are coated with an electrically conducting film that begins to wear off over time. With a cotton swab, and some rubbing alcohol, you can clean the contacts on your key fob to get rid of any corrosion that may be hindering their function.
You could also try a pair or tweezers to replace the contacts on your key fob if you suspect they are broken or loose. If you do this, however it is a good idea to use some silicone on the back of your key fob prior inserting the new contacts. Silicone will help to seal the contacts and keep water out.
A key fob not working may be because it is not paired with the vehicle. When you press the key fob button it transmits a code to the car, which tells it what it's trying to accomplish. If car remote key repair near me is not paired, it will not recognize the car and will not allow you to start the engine.
It's time to call an locksmith or dealership technician if you can't get the key fob to pair with your car. They will have the equipment needed to reprogram the fob and make it work. It's likely that you'll have to pay for the service but it's cheaper than purchasing a brand new key fob.
Keys are not responsive
If a key on your keyboard ceases to function, it can be a complete nightmare. First, make sure that the key isn’t blocked by anything. Hair, dust and other particles can build up over time and block the movement of a key or disrupt its circuitry. Try gently removing the key and clean the area beneath it with a rag and ruby alcohol. Sometimes, it's all it takes to make your key work again.
If the key still doesn't work, it's possible that it's a problem with your software. Some keys are mapped to specific actions in games If your key isn't performing as you'd expect it to, check your game settings to make sure that the key is properly assigned to a specific action.
You could also try reinstalling the keyboard drivers to fix the issue. It is recommended to upgrade your drivers as often as you can to ensure that your keyboard doesn't stop functioning because of corrupted or outdated drivers.
Another possibility is that the key is simply damaged. Every key switch is comprised of two circuits, and they could wear out over time to the point where they can no longer register the press. If this is the situation it is recommended to replace the keyboard because the keyboard will not function properly.
If you've tried all these fixes, but the key does not respond 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 because one of the keys has become defective.
To find out you'll have to test the keys using a keyboard tester website. The website will let you know whether the keys are registered correctly or not. If they are, then it is most likely to be a software issue. The remaining fixes can be applied to restore full functionality. You could also consider using an external keyboard for a temporary solution until the internal keyboard is repaired or replaced.
Keys that don't work
Keys that aren't working can be a huge problem, but fortunately, they are usually relatively simple to repair. Most times the problem is caused by a piece of grime underneath the key or just not being connected properly to the keyboard or laptop. If you're not sure if this is the case, start by cleaning the keys and then using canned air to remove dust and dirt.
The key could have become misaligned. This is a different issue which can be resolved with an expert, but it is more likely to require replacement of the key. If you own an electronic key that can't be turned with a metal key the transponder chip could have stopped functioning. You'll need a new key to be programmed.
Try using a key testing website if your laptop or external keyboard keys aren't responding. This can help you find out if there is any issues with the software or the keyboard itself.
Another reason for one key not performing its function is that the switch isn't functioning properly. If you have a mechanical keyboard you can check this by looking under the keycap and seeing whether there's any debris that has accumulated on it. If you find anything, wash it away with canned air and then take off the cap. This will allow you to replace the hooks that connect the retainer and the switch, and hopefully restore functionality to your key.
If a particular key on your keyboard only fails to perform its expected function in one program, it's likely that the key has been assigned to another action via the game's keyboard settings. Examine the settings on your keyboard and try pressing the key once more to see whether it's functioning properly. If not, it's best to buy a new keyboard and get it installed by a professional. This is especially true if you play a game that requires a lot of typing.