How to Fix Faulty Key Repairs
A malfunctioning key fob could ruin your entire day. With the right tools and guidelines it's easy to solve these problems.
Before attempting any repairs, make sure you ground yourself to remove static electricity. It takes only a second and is a good idea when working with electronics in general.
Check for car key repair service underneath the bad key. Breadcrumbs and other bits of food often become stuck beneath keys, which prevents them from pushing in correctly.
Broken Car Keys
Car keys are easy to overlook until they fail or stop working at the most difficult times. If you're trying to open the trunk of your car to get groceries, opening your doors to go to a place, or driving your car and heading off to work - car keys can be a nightmare when they don't work.
Over time, keys for automobiles can wear out. They may be damaged from being thrown around or dropped, and the internal components may wear down until they aren't functioning properly anymore. This is a serious problem and you'll be unable to use your vehicle until you have an extra key or your mechanic fixes the issue.
The majority of car keys that are damaged can be easily repaired or replaced. If your key is just broken within your lock or ignition, you can sometimes remove the remaining piece of the key using pliers or a wire coated with. A locksmith can also provide you with tools for removal designed to 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 inexpensive fix can be to glue the two pieces back together. It can be difficult to ensure that the pieces are aligned correctly however it can produce amazing results. Keep a pair of scissors and a roll of tape in case you need to alter the alignment.
Another method to fix temporarily damaged car keys is to replace the battery inside the key fob. If your car's key fob isn't turning on and you don't have an alternative then this is the ideal solution. It is possible to do this based on the model and type of your vehicle by taking out the fob, then opening it with a screwdriver.
If the problem is serious or if the key fob isn't working or is unresponsive, you'll need 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 perform 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 issues at some time. If they stop working, they are not difficult to fix. The first thing to do is figure out the cause of the issue.
Most of the time when the key fob ceases to function, it's because the battery is dead. The replacement of the battery is the most simple and cheapest solution, and it's something you can do at home.
If cleaning the fob isn't working then you can take it apart. The circuit board of your fob contains "contact pads" that correspond to every button on the fob. (Lock buttons trunk buttons, lock buttons, etc.) The contact pads are made of rubber and coated in an electricity conducting film that will eventually wear off as time passes. Using a cotton swab and some rubbing alcohol, you can wash the contacts on your key fob to get rid of any corrosion stopping them from functioning.
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 recommended to apply silicone to the back of the key fob prior to you insert the new contacts. Silicone will seal the contacts to keep out water.
Another reason for a malfunctioning key fob is that it has become un-paired with the vehicle. When you hit a key fob it sends the car a message that communicates to it what you are trying to do. If the key fob is not paired it will not recognize the vehicle, and it won't allow you to start your engine.
It's time to contact an locksmith or dealership technician if you can't get the key fob to connect with your car. They'll have the tools needed to reprogram the fob to get it working again. It's likely that you'll have to pay a small amount for the service, but it's cheaper than purchasing the new key fob.
Keys are not responsive
It can be a nightmare when a key on your computer ceases to function. The first step is to ensure that the key isn't blocked by something physical. Hair, dust and other debris could build up over time and hinder a key's movement or interfere with its circuitry. Try gently taking your key off and cleaning underneath it by using a rag soaked with ruby alcohol. Sometimes, this is all that's needed to get your key working again.
If the key doesn't work, there's a problem with your software. Certain keys are linked to specific actions in games, so if your key isn't working as you'd like it to, make sure you check your game settings to make sure that the key is correctly associated with the game.
You may also try reinstalling your keyboard drivers to fix the issue. Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause your keyboard to stop functioning, so it is important to always keep them up to date whenever possible.
The key may be broken. There are two circuits in each key switch and as time passes, they be damaged to the point where they are no longer able to detect when pressed. If this happens it is recommended to replace the keyboard because the keyboard won't function properly.
If you've tried all of these fixes and the key still isn't responding you're probably in need of get your laptop or external keyboard examined by a professional. It could be that the membrane covering the keyboard is damaged or one of the keys is malfunctioning.
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 during a test If they do, it's most likely due to a software issue. You can then start applying the remaining fixes in order to regain full functionality. You could also use an external keyboard until the internal keyboard is repaired or replaced.
Keys that aren't working
It's frustrating when keys don't work, but they are usually easy to fix. A malfunctioning key can be caused by a piece or dirt under the button, or it could be due to the fact that it cannot be connected properly to your laptop or keyboard. If you're not sure then clean the keys using canned air and blow out any dirt or dust.
The key could be unbalanced. This is a different issue that can be fixed with a professional, though it is more likely to require replacement of the key. If your car key is electronic and can't be turned by turning a metal key manually into the ignition, it's likely the transponder chip inside has stopped working and you'll have to get a new one programmed.
Try a key testing website if your keyboard on your laptop or externally aren't responding. This can help you figure out if there is any issues with the software or the keyboard itself.
Another reason why one key not performing its intended function is because the switch isn't functioning properly. You can check whether your keyboard is mechanical by looking underneath the keycap to see if any debris is stuck. If you spot something, clean it by using canned air. Then remove the keycap. This will allow you to replace the hooks which connect the retainer and switch, and hopefully restore functionality to your key.
If a particular key on your keyboard only doesn't perform its intended function in one application, it's likely that the key has been assigned to another action via the game's keyboard settings. Check the keyboard settings and press the key once more to see if it's functioning. If not, it's probably better to purchase a new keyboard and install it by a professional. This is particularly true if you play a game that requires a lot of typing.