How to Fix Faulty Key Repairs
A damaged key fob could make your life miserable. With the right tools and guidelines it's simple to solve these problems.
Always ground yourself before attempting repairs to eliminate static electricity. It takes only several seconds and is a good way to practice when working with electronic devices.
Look for any debris caught underneath the bad key. Breadcrumbs and other pieces of debris often become stuck beneath keys, preventing them from pushing in correctly.
Broken Car Keys
It's easy to take your car keys for granted until they stop working or break at the worst possible time. When your car keys don't work, it could be a nightmare to open your trunk to buy groceries, open your doors to get to a place, or start your engine to go to work.
Over time, keys for cars can become worn out. They can be damaged by being thrown around or dropped, and the internal components may wear down to the point where they're no longer functioning as they should. This is a serious issue, as you will be unable to operate your vehicle unless you have an additional key or your mechanic fixes the issue.
The majority of car keys that are damaged can be easily repaired or replaced. If the key has been damaged inside the lock or ignition you can take out the remaining part of the key using pliers or coated wire. A locksmith can also provide you with tools for removal designed to slide across the key and grip the broken pieces with pliers in a similar way.
Super glue can be used to repair a broken car key. It's a quick and simple fix. It can be a challenge to ensure that the pieces are aligned correctly but it can result in excellent results. Keep a pair of scissors and a roll of tape at hand in case you want to alter the alignment.
Replace the battery in your car key fob in order to repair a damaged key. If your car's key fob isn't turning on and you don't have an alternative then this is the ideal solution. You can accomplish this based on the type and model of your car by taking off the fob, and then opening it with a screwdriver.
If the problem is more severe like if your key fob is completely unresponsive or doesn't switch on at all, you will require replacement. You can do this at the dealership, but an auto locksmith will usually be more affordable. They will come to you and make the necessary repairs or even replace the key fob.
Broken Key Fobs
Car key fobs aren't indestructible, and like any electronic device they can be susceptible to issues at some point. Fortunately, they're not that difficult to repair when they do cease to function. You'll first have to determine the cause.
The majority of the time, when a key fob stops working it's because the battery is dead. The replacement of the battery is the easiest and cheapest solution, and you can do at home.
If cleaning the fob isn't working you can disassemble it. The circuit board on your fob has "contact pads" that correspond to every button on the fob. (Lock buttons, trunk buttons etc.) key repairs have a rubbery feeling and are covered with an electrically conducting film that wears off with time. Using a cotton swab and some rubbing alcohol, you can wash the contacts on your key fob to eliminate any corrosion that could be hindering their function.
If you suspect that the contacts are damaged or loose You can try using the tweezers in a pair. If you do this, however it is recommended to apply some silicone on the back of your key fob prior to inserting the new contacts. Silicone can help seal the contacts and keep water out.
Another reason for a malfunctioning key fob is that it has become un-paired with the vehicle. When you press a key fob button, it sends a message to the car that informs it what it's trying to do. If the key fob is disconnected, it won't be able to recognize the car and will not allow you to start the engine.
It's time to contact an locksmith or dealership technician if you can't get the key fob to pair with your car. They'll have the tools needed to reprogram the fob to make it work. You'll likely have to pay for the service, but it's much less than buying a brand new key fob.
Unresponsive Keys
If a key on your keyboard isn't working, it could be an absolute nightmare. The first step is to ensure that the key isn't being blocked by anything physical. Hair, dust and other particles can build up over time and block the movement of a key or disrupt its circuitry. Try gently getting rid of your key and then cleaning it with a rag soaked in ruby alcohol. Sometimes, this is all it takes to get your key functioning again.
If the key does not work after trying these methods it could be a software problem. Some keys are mapped to specific actions in games and if your key isn't performing as you'd like it to, check your game settings to confirm that the key is properly associated with the game.
You can also try reinstalling the drivers for your keyboard to fix the problem. Always update your drivers whenever possible to avoid having your keyboard stop functioning due to outdated or corrupted ones.
The key might be damaged. Every key switch is composed of two circuits, and they can wear out in time to the point where they can no longer register the press. If this happens the best choice is to replace the entire keyboard as it's likely to cease to function properly.
If you've tried all these solutions but the keyboard isn't responding, it's time to have an expert examine your laptop or external keyboard. It could be that the membrane that covers your keyboard is damaged, or one of the keys are defective.
To determine this you'll have to test the keys on a keyboard tester site. The website will inform you if the keys are registering correctly or not. If they're registered correctly, then it is most likely to be a software issue. The other fixes can be applied to restore full functionality. You could also use an external keyboard until the internal keyboard is repaired or replaced.
Keys that aren't working
Keys that don't function are a huge pain, but fortunately, they're usually fairly simple to repair. A malfunctioning key could be caused by a small piece of dirt under the button, or it may simply not be connected properly to your laptop or keyboard. If you're unsure, clean the keys with canned air and blow out any dirt or dust.
It's also possible that the key is misaligned with the lock. It is possible to fix this issue by hiring a professional. However, it is more likely that the key needs to be replaced. If you have an electronic key that cannot be turned using metal keys the transponder chip might have stopped working. It is necessary to have a new key to be programmed.
If your laptop keyboard or external keyboard keys seem to not be recording any actions at all, try using the key test site. This can help you find out if there's any problems with software or the keyboard itself.
A switch that isn't functioning correctly can also be the cause of the key not functioning as expected. You can determine whether your keyboard is mechanical by looking under the keycap to determine whether there is any debris stuck. If you find anything that is not there, use canned air to clean it and then remove the cap. This will allow you to replace the hooks which connect the retainer to the switch and hopefully restore function to your key.
If a key on your keyboard only doesn't perform its intended function in a particular program, it's most likely that the key is mapped to another action through the game's keyboard settings. Check the keyboard's settings and then try pressing the key again to determine if it's working properly. If you're having issues it's best to purchase an entirely new keyboard. It can be put in place by professionals. This is especially true if you play a game that requires a lot of typing.