A StepByStep Guide To Picking The Right Key Repairs
How to Fix Faulty Key Repairs
A faulty key fob can ruin your entire day. With the right tools and guidelines it's easy to solve these issues.
Always ground yourself before attempting repairs to eliminate static electricity. It only takes about a minute and is a good habit when working with electronic devices.
Find any debris that may be under the bad key. Breadcrumbs and other bits may get stuck beneath keys, which can prevent the keys from being properly pushed into.
Broken Car Keys
It's easy to take your car keys for granted until they stop working or break at the worst possible time. If your car keys don't work, it can be frustrating to try to open your trunk to buy groceries, or open your doors to get somewhere, or start your engine in order to get to work.
Over time, keys to cars can be subjected to a lot of wear and tear. A knock or drop can cause damage, and the internal parts could get worn out to the point where they cease to function. This is a serious issue and you'll be unable to use your vehicle until you have an additional key or your mechanic corrects the issue.
Fortunately, most broken keys for cars can be replaced or repaired easily. If the key is damaged inside the lock or ignition you can take out the remaining part of the key by using pliers or coated wire. A locksmith can also provide you with tools for removal that slide along the key and hold the broken pieces in a pincer-like fashion.
If the key to your car is broken in half, a quick and affordable fix is to glue the two pieces back together. It can be a challenge to ensure that the pieces are aligned correctly however it can produce excellent results. Keep a pair of scissors and a roll of tape on hand in case you want to alter the alignment.
Replace the battery in the car key fob to temporarily repair a broken key. If your car's key fob won't turn on and you don't yet have a replacement then this is the ideal solution. You can accomplish this based on the model and type of your car by removing the fob, then opening it with the help of a screwdriver.
If the issue is more severe, such as the key fob is completely unresponsive or doesn't start at all, you'll have to replace it. This is something that you can do at a dealer however it's cheaper to hire an auto locksmith to visit your location and make the necessary repairs or replace the key fob completely.
Broken Key Fobs
Car key fobs aren't impervious to damage, and just like any electronic device they can be susceptible to malfunctions at some point. However, they're not that difficult to fix if they cease to function. The first thing you'll need to do is figure out what's wrong.
The battery is typically the culprit when the keyfob stops working. The simplest and most cost-effective solution is to replace the battery. You can do this at your home.
If changing the battery doesn't work, you can try taking it apart and cleaning it. The circuit board of your fob contains "contact pads" that correspond to each button on the fob. (Lock buttons trunk buttons, lock buttons, etc.) These contact pads have a rubbery feel and are coated with an electricity-conducting film that wears off over time. You can clean your contacts on your key fob using rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab to get rid of any corrosion.
You could also try using a pair or tweezers to re-seat the contacts on your key fob if you suspect that they are damaged or loose. It is best to apply silicone to the back of the key fob prior to you insert the new contacts. Silicone helps seal the contacts and keep out water.
A key fob not working may be because it has been unpaired from the vehicle. When you use a key fob, it sends the car a signal that tells it what you intend to accomplish. If the key fob 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 connect with your vehicle. They'll have the equipment to reprogram the key fob and get it functioning again. It's likely that you'll have to pay a small fee for the service, but it's cheaper than purchasing the new key fob.
Unresponsive Keys
When a key on your keyboard stops working, it can be an absolute nightmare. The first step is to make sure that the key isn't being obstructed by anything physical. Over time, dust, hair and other particles can build up and cause interference to the circuitry of a key. Try gently getting rid of your key and then clean it up by using a rag soaked with ruby alcohol. This is sometimes all you need to do to get your key working again.
If the key does not work, it's a problem with your software. If the key you're using isn't doing what you expect, check the settings of your game to make sure that it's properly mapped.
You may also try reinstalling your keyboard drivers to fix the issue. It is recommended to update your drivers whenever you can to avoid having your keyboard stop working because of corrupted or outdated ones.
Another possibility is that the key is broken. There are two circuits that comprise each key switch, and over time, these circuits be damaged until they no longer register when they are pressed. If this is the case the best solution is to replace the entire keyboard as it's likely to cease to perform as it should.
If you've tried all of these fixes, but the key still isn't responding, it's probably time to have your laptop or external keyboard inspected by an expert. There could be a physical problem with the membrane that covers your keyboard, or it could be that one of the keys has become deficient.
To find out you'll have to test the keys on a keyboard tester website. car key repairs will tell you if the keys are registering correctly or not. If they're not being registered correctly, then it's likely to be a software issue. You can then start applying the other fixes in order to regain full functionality. Alternately, you can consider using an external keyboard to temporarily solve the issue until the internal keyboard can be repaired or replaced.
Keys That Don't Work
Keys that don't work are a huge inconvenience, but they are usually relatively easy to fix. Most times the problem is caused by a piece or dirt under the key or it's simply not properly connected to the laptop or keyboard. If you are unsure, clean the keys with canned air and blow away any dust or dirt.
The key may have become misaligned. It's possible to fix this problem with a professional. However, it is more likely that the key needs to be replaced. If you own an electronic key that can't be turned with metal keys the transponder chip might have stopped working. You'll need a new key to be programmed.
If your external keyboard or laptop keys aren't not registering any action at all, try using the key test site. This will help you determine if your keyboard is malfunctioning or if software is causing interference.
A switch that isn't functioning properly could be the reason for a key not performing as is. If you have mechanical keyboards it is easy to look beneath the keycap to see whether there's any debris stuck to it. If you find something, clean it using canned air, and then remove the keycap. This will let you replace the hooks that connect the retainer to the switch and hopefully bring back functionality to the key.
If you have a keyboard key that fails to perform the expected function only in one program, it's likely that the settings for the game's keyboard have mapped the key to perform a different action. Make sure you check the settings on your keyboard and press the key again to check if it is functioning. If not, it's best to buy a new keyboard and install it by a professional. This is especially true when you're playing games that require lots of typing.