A Handbook For Key Repairs From Beginning To End

· 6 min read
A Handbook For Key Repairs From Beginning To End

How to Fix Faulty Key Repairs

A broken key fob can cause you to lose your day. Fortunately, fixing the issue is simple with the right tools and steps.

Always make sure to ground yourself prior to attempting any repairs to remove static electricity. It only takes about a minute and is a good habit for working with electronic devices.

Check for any debris underneath the key that is defective. Breadcrumbs and other bits can become stuck under keys, which can prevent the keys from being properly pushed in.

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 you're trying to open the trunk of your vehicle to buy groceries, unlocking your doors to go to a place or even getting your car started and heading off to work, keys for cars can be extremely frustrating when they do not work.

Over time, keys to cars can be subjected to many wear and wear and tear. They may be damaged from being dropped or knocked around and the internal components could wear out to the point where they aren't functioning properly anymore. This is a huge issue since it means you can't use your car without a spare key or your mechanic fix the issue.

Fortunately, most broken keys for cars can be repaired or replaced easily. If your key is just broken in the lock or ignition, you can sometimes remove the remaining portion of the key by using pliers or a coated wire. Additionally, a locksmith could offer you a set of special tools for removal that are designed to slide in alongside the key and then apply a pincer-like grip onto the broken pieces in order to pull them out.

If the car key is broken in half, a quick and inexpensive fix can be to super glue the two pieces back together. This is difficult as you must ensure that the pieces are properly aligned, but the end result can be extremely efficient. It's a good idea to keep a pair of scissors and a roll of tape in case you need to adjust the alignment slightly.

Replace the battery in the car key fob to repair a broken key. This is typically the best option if your car key fob isn't turning on but you don't have the right replacement yet. Depending on the type of vehicle, you can often do this by removing the key fob and opening it up using a screwdriver, or a small tool.

If the issue is severe such as if your key fob isn't functioning or isn't responding it is necessary to replace it. It is possible to do this at the dealer, but an auto locksmith will typically be more affordable. They will visit you and make the necessary repairs or even replace the key fob.

Broken Key Fobs

Like any electronic device, car key fobs can fail. However, they're not that difficult to fix if they cease to function.  central locking key repair 'll need to determine is the cause of the issue.

Most of the time, when the key fob ceases to function, it's because the battery is dead. The simplest and most economical solution is to replace the battery. You can do this at home.

If cleaning the fob isn't working then you can remove it. Your fob has a circuit board inside that houses a variety of "contact pads" for each button that you can press on the fob (lock buttons, trunk buttons, etc). The contact pads are made of rubber and are coated in an electrically conducting film that will eventually fade over time. You can clean your key fob contacts with rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab for removing any corrosion.

You could also try using a pair or tweezers to put the contacts back on your key fob if you suspect that they are damaged or loose. If you decide to do this it is recommended to apply some silicone on the back of your key fob prior inserting the new contacts. Silicone will seal the contacts to keep out water.


A key fob that's not working may be because it was not connected to the vehicle. When you push the key fob button it sends a message to the car that tells it what it's trying to accomplish. If the key fob is not connected, it will no longer recognize the vehicle, and won't 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 pair with your vehicle. They'll have the equipment required to reprogram the fob to make it work again. You'll likely have to pay for the service, but it's much less than purchasing a brand new key fob.

Keys are not responsive

When a key on your keyboard isn't working, it could be a complete nightmare. The first step is to make sure that the key isn't blocked by something physical. Dust, hair and other debris could accumulate over time and hinder the movement of a key or cause interference to its circuitry. 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 make your key work again.

If the key does not work, it's possible there'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 ensure that it is correctly and properly mapped.

You may also want to 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 ensure that they are updated as often as you can.

The key may be broken. There are two circuits that make up each key switch and over time, these circuits be damaged to the point that they cease to register when pressed. If this is the case it is recommended to replace the keyboard because the keyboard will no longer perform as it should.

If you've tried all of these fixes, but the key still isn't responding then it's time to have your laptop or external keyboard examined by an expert. There may be a physical issue with the membrane that covers your keyboard, or it could be because one of the keys has become deficient.

You can test your keys with a keyboard tester. The website will tell you whether the keys are registered correctly or not. If they're not, then it is most likely a software problem. Then, you can begin applying the other fixes to restore full functionality. Alternately, you can use an external keyboard as a temporary solution until the internal keyboard is repaired or replaced.

Keys that aren't working

It's a hassle when keys don't work but they're generally simple to fix. A malfunctioning key can be caused by a piece or dirt under the button, or it may simply not be properly connected to your laptop or keyboard. If you're unsure whether this is the case, start by cleaning the keys and using canned air to remove any dirt or dust.

It is also possible that the key has become misaligned with the lock. This is another 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 changed by turning a manual metal key into the ignition, it's likely that the transponder chip inside has stopped working, and you'll need to have an entirely new key programmed.

Try a key test website in the event that your laptop or external keyboard keys aren't responding. This will allow you to determine if the keyboard malfunctioning or if software is interfering.

Another reason that a single key not performing its expected function is because the switch isn't working correctly. You can check if your keyboard is mechanical by looking underneath the keycap to see whether any debris is stuck. If you discover something you want to remove, make use of canned air to remove it up and then remove the cap. This will allow you to replace the hooks that connect the retainer to the switch, and hopefully restore functionality to your key.

If you have a keyboard key that does not perform the desired function only in one program, it's likely that the keyboard settings of the game have mapped the key to perform a different function. Check the settings for your keyboard and then press the key again to check if it is working. If you're still having problems it's best to purchase a new keyboard. It can be put in place by a professional. This is especially true in case you play a game that requires a lot of typing.