8 Tips To Improve Your Key Repairs Game
How to Fix Faulty Key Repairs
A damaged key fob could make your life miserable. With the right tools and guidelines, it's easy to solve these problems.
Before attempting any repairs, you must always make sure you ground yourself to eliminate static electricity. It only takes a second and is a good practice when working with electronics in general.
Check for any debris that has gotten caught underneath the bad key. Breadcrumbs and other bits of food often become stuck beneath keys, preventing them from pushing in correctly.
Broken Car Keys
It's easy to take car keys for granted until they stop working or break at the most inconvenient time. When you're trying to open the trunk of your vehicle to buy groceries, or unlocking your doors to go to a place or even driving your car and heading off to work, car keys can be very frustrating when they don't work.
Over time, keys to cars can suffer from the effects of wear and tear. Dropping or knocking them could cause damage and the internal components could become worn out to the point where they no longer work. This is a serious issue, as you will be unable to use your vehicle until you have an extra key or your mechanic fixes the issue.
Fortunately, most broken keys to cars can be repaired or replaced easily. If your key is just broken off in the lock or ignition, you may sometimes remove the remaining portion of the key using pliers or a coated wire. A locksmith can also provide you with tools for removal designed to slide along the key and hold the broken pieces with pliers in a similar way.
If the key to your car is broken in half, a quick and inexpensive fix can be to super glue the two pieces back together. It can be difficult to get the pieces aligned properly, but it can yield excellent results. Keep a pair or scissors and a roll of tape in case you want to adjust the alignment.
Another way to temporarily repair damaged car keys is to replace the battery in the key fob. This is generally the best option if your car key fob isn't turning on and you don't have the right replacement. It is possible to do this based on the type and model of your car by taking off the fob, and then opening it using an screwdriver.
If the issue is severe, like if your key fob isn't working or is not responding and you need to replace it. You can do this at the dealer, but an auto locksmith will typically be more affordable. They will come to you and make any necessary repairs or even replace the key fob.
Broken Key Fobs
Like all electronic devices car key fobs are no exception to fail. If they stop working, they're not difficult to fix. You'll first have to determine the cause.
Most of the time when the key fob ceases to function, it's because the battery is dead. The most simple and economical option is to replace the battery. It's possible to 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 has "contact pads" that correspond to every button on the fob. (Lock buttons trunk buttons, lock buttons, etc.) Contact pads feel rubbery and are covered with an electrically conducting film that wears off over time. Utilizing a cotton swab along with some rubbing alcohol, you can scrub the contacts on your key fob to eliminate any corrosion hindering their functioning.
If you suspect that your contacts are loose or broken, you can use a pair tweezers. 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 to consider a non-functioning key fob is that it is no longer linked with the vehicle. When you press the button on a key fob, it transmits a code to the car, which tells it what it is trying to do. If the key fob has been not paired, it will not recognize the car and will not allow you to start the engine.
It's time to contact a locksmith or a dealership technician if you are unable to get the key fob to connect with your car. They will have the equipment needed to reprogram the fob to make it work again. You'll likely be charged a small fee for the service, but it's cheaper than purchasing an entirely new key fob.
Keys that aren't responsive
It can be a nightmare when a key on your computer stops working. First, make sure that the key isn’t blocked by any obstruction. Over time, dust, hair and other particles can build up and interfere with the circuitry of a key. Try gently removing the key and cleaning the area underneath 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 it's an issue with your software. Some keys are mapped to specific actions in games If your key isn't performing as you expect it to, make sure you check your game settings to ensure that the key is correctly mapped.
You could also try reinstalling the keyboard drivers to fix the problem. Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause your keyboard to cease working, so you should always keep them up to date whenever you can.
The key may be broken. Each key switch is comprised of two circuits, and they could wear out over time to the point where they can no longer detect the press. If this happens, the best option is to replace the entire keyboard since it will likely no longer function properly.
If you've tried all of these fixes but the keyboard is still not responding you're probably in need of have your laptop or external keyboard inspected by a professional. There may be a physical issue with the membrane that covers your keyboard, or it could be that one of the keys has become damaged.
To find out, you'll need to test the keys with a keyboard tester website. The website 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. Then, you can begin applying the fixes you have made to restore full functionality. You can also use an external keyboard until your internal keyboard is repaired or replaced.
Keys That Don't Work
It's a hassle when keys stop working, but they are usually easy to repair. Most times keys that malfunction are caused by a piece or dirt beneath the key, or just not being connected properly to the keyboard or laptop. If you're unsure then clean the keys using canned air and blow away any dirt or dust.
The key could be misaligned. It's possible to fix this issue with an expert. However, it's more likely that the key will need to be replaced. If remote key fob repair have an electronic key and it isn't able to be turned with metal keys the transponder chip could have stopped functioning. You'll need to get a new key programmed.
Try a key test website if your laptop or external keyboard keys aren't responding. This will help you determine if your keyboard is malfunctioning or if software is causing problems.
A switch that isn't working correctly can also be the cause for the key not functioning as expected. If you own a mechanical keyboard you can look under the keycap and seeing if there is any debris that has accumulated on it. If you find something, use canned air to clear it, then take off the cap. This will let you replace the hooks that connect the retainer to the switch and hopefully bring back functionality to the 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 perform a different function. Check the settings for your keyboard and then press the key again to see if it's functioning. If not, it's probably best to purchase a brand new keyboard and get it installed by an experienced. This is especially important in the case of games that require a lot of typing.