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How to Repair Car Keys The car keys aren't big and might not seem to be important, but they're essential for the operation of your car. The cost of replacing the traditional or contemporary transponder car key can be upwards to $200. There are many ways to repair your car keys yourself at a fraction of the price. This article will cover the most frequently encountered car keys problems and the DIY solutions. Dead Key Fob Battery Cars come with remote key fobs that makes opening the doors, trunk and tailgate easier than ever. However, the battery inside the device could die. Fortunately, there are some techniques that can be employed to resolve this issue in a pinch. Check to see if your vehicle is in ignition mode. If it is, the battery on the key fob could be drained instead of dead. To test, press the fob's button against the ignition button of the vehicle. If this works, then the battery is probably in good condition and only needs to be changed. To replace the battery inside the fob, open the case with a screwdriver. Be cautious not to apply too much pressure because this could cause the fob to split into two pieces. If the fob isn't opening easily, try putting your pry tool into more than one place on the outside of the case. Once the fob is opened take out the mechanical key and open the electronic section of the car. Then, you can insert the replacement battery and then snap the shell together. If the key fob does not work after this procedure, it could be that there is a larger problem with the remote start system of your vehicle. This will require an expert to identify. A reputable mechanic will be capable of helping you if this is the situation. You can also contact roadside assistance to assist with your vehicle if needed. Broken Key Ring If your key fob won't work because the ring is broken, there are a few things you might try. First, you must check to see if the damaged piece is still inside the ignition. If it is, remove it without damaging the lock on the ignition or door lock. Contact key repair if are having trouble taking the key off. They have tools that can safely remove a broken key from the ignition. A damaged car key could also be caused by corrosion on the plastic frame or circuit board. It is possible to clean the board with rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab. This will remove the corrosion and stop damage to the contact pads. If your key isn't starting because of a broken ring it, you might be able to repair it by using a thick wire or nail to close the hole. Superglue can also be used to repair a damaged ring. First, clean the damaged rings with a damp cloth and then apply a small amount superglue to each end of the wire or nail. Let try what she says and then press them into place. These DIY solutions can seem appealing, but they're only an interim measure. For long-term repairs, it's recommended to hire an expert locksmith. They have the tools and expertise to repair a damaged car key quickly and effectively. They can replace the battery and reprogram the key fob if necessary. Broken Key Blade Some key blades break because of a lot wear and tear. If this happens, it's probably time to purchase a new key. Luckily, this problem isn't as serious as it may appear at first glance. The issue is that the metal blade has separated from the case. Spraying lubricant into the keyhole is one solution to fix it. Then, you can employ pliers or tweezers grab the broken end of the key and pull it. You may also use a magnet if the key is magnetic. Use a magnet to assist you remove the key, but be cautious to not sever the lock tumbler. If you're unable to get the broken piece from the key, contact an expert locksmith immediately. They're equipped with special tools that permit them to safely remove keys without causing further damage. You can also use super glue to repair a snapped key. Apply a small amount of glue to the edges and press them together. Make sure the glue has dried before inserting the key into the lock. This method is not very reliable, and you may have to repeat it several times before it works. Additionally, the super glue may not be enough strong to keep the key in place. This is more of a temporary solution rather than a permanent one. Broken Plastic Loop If the loop of plastic on your key fob breaks it could cause the key to become ineffective. This is a relatively easy fix. For a replacement alternative, you can opt for an extremely thick wire or a finishing nail. For each end of the wire or nail, drill two holes into the plastic loop. Cut the wire or nail into a key width, and then place one drop of superglue in each hole. Put the nail or wire into the holes to seal them and let it dry. Another option is to get an alternative shell from a locksmith that sells them. They can transfer the programmable portion of your key to the new shell and cut an entirely new blade at less than the cost. This isn't the most efficient solution, but it will help you get back on the road again if your key has been cut in half. It can be difficult to fix when the blade of the key is in the ignition however. You can try using hair clips or a needle extractor tool to pull the broken part out of the ignition, but this is risky if you're not careful. Contact a locksmith who has special tools to safely remove damaged keys from ignitions. You can also get an entirely new key made using the correct cuts for the ignition of your vehicle. Broken Master Key If a key breaks inside the lock, you'll have to find it before it's completely destroyed. You can use the tweezers, lubricants and needle nose pliers to grasp the fragment of a broken key. Spray the inside of the lock with WD-40 or a graphite powder. You can also try the hacksaw method, which involves carefully sliding the blade down along the side of the broken key and hooking onto some of the 'teeth'. If you are able to do this you will be able to remove the broken key from the lock. Another tool that is useful is a spiral key extractor that can be found in many hardware stores. It is a thin, flexible bar with spiral threads, which can be inserted into the keyway, and then bent to get into the broken part of the key. Once it has hooked onto the serrations, you can twist it in a circular motion, and lever it against the broken section of the key to take it out. It's worth attempting to remove the master key that is broken before calling a professional locksmith. If you're unable to pull a piece out, you need to call in the big guns to have a locksmith cut you a new key and reprogram it with the transponder in your car.