How to Fix Faulty Key Repairs
A damaged key fob could make your life miserable. Luckily, fixing problems like this is easy to fix with the right tools and procedures.
Before attempting any repairs, always make sure you ground yourself to eliminate static electricity. It takes only a second and is a good idea when working with electronics generally.
Check for any debris that has gotten caught under the key that is damaged. Breadcrumbs and other debris can get stuck under keys, preventing them from being properly pushed in.
Broken Car Keys
It's easy to take car keys for granted until they stop working or break at the worst possible time. If your car keys don't work, it can be a hassle to open your trunk to buy groceries, open your doors to go to a place, or start your engine to go to work.
Over time, car keys can be subject to many wear and wear and tear. They can be damaged by being dropped or thrown around and the internal components may wear down until they aren't functioning properly anymore. This is a serious issue and you'll be unable to operate your vehicle until you have an additional key or your mechanic fixes the issue.
Fortunately, the majority of damaged keys for cars can be replaced or repaired easily. If the key is damaged inside the lock or ignition you can remove the remaining piece of the key with pliers or coated wire. Additionally, a locksmith could offer you a set of special tools designed to slide into the key and then apply a pincer-like grip on the broken pieces to safely remove them.
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 a challenge to align the pieces correctly however it can produce excellent results. Keep a pair of scissors and a roll of tape on hand in case you want to adjust the alignment.
Another way to temporarily repair damaged car keys is to replace the battery on the key fob. If your car key fob isn't turning on and you don't have a replacement, this is the best solution. Depending on the model of vehicle, you could occasionally do this by taking off 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 working or is unresponsive, you'll need to replace it. You can do this at the dealership, however an auto locksmith will usually be cheaper. They will come to you and make the necessary repairs or even replace the key fob.
Broken Key Fobs
Car key fobs are not indestructible, and like any electronic device, they are prone to problems at some time. Fortunately, they're not that difficult to repair when they stop working. The first thing you'll have to determine is the cause of the issue.
The battery is often the reason why the keyfob stops working. Removing the battery is the most simple and least expensive solution, and is something you can do at home.
If replacing the battery doesn't work, try disassembling it and cleaning it. The circuit board on the fob is comprised of "contact pads" that correspond to each button on the fob. (Lock buttons trunk buttons, lock buttons, etc.) The contact pads have a rubbery feeling and are covered with an electrically conducting film which wears off over time. With a cotton swab, and some rubbing alcohol, you can scrub the contacts in your key fob to eliminate any corrosion hindering their functioning.
You could also try a pair of tweezers to re-seat the contacts on your key fob in case you think they're broken or loose. It is recommended to apply silicone to the back of the key fob before you insert the new contacts. Silicone will seal the contacts to keep out water.
A key fob not working could be due to the fact that it has been unpaired from the vehicle. When you use a key fob, it sends the car a message that informs it of what you are trying to do. If the key fob is unpaired, it won't recognize the car and not allow you to start the engine.
If you're unable to get your key fob to pair to your vehicle, it's likely to call in an auto locksmith or dealership technician. They'll have the tools to reprogram the key fob and make it work again. You'll likely have to pay for the service, but it will be much cheaper than buying a brand new key fob.
Keys are not responsive
If a key on your keyboard isn't working, it could be a nightmare. First, make sure that the key isn’t blocked by any obstruction. Dust, hair and other particles can accumulate over time and obstruct a key's movement or interfere with its circuitry. Try gently getting rid of your key and then cleaning underneath it by using a rag soaked with rubbing alcohol. Sometimes, car keys repair is all you need to do to get your key working again.
If the key does not work after trying all these options, it could be a software problem. If your key doesn't do what you expect, make sure to check the settings of your game to make sure that it's correctly and properly mapped.
You may also try reinstalling your keyboard drivers to fix the issue. Drivers that are outdated or damaged can cause your keyboard to cease working, so you should always keep them updated whenever possible.
Another possibility is that the key may be damaged. Every key switch is composed of two circuits, and they could wear out in time to the point where they can no longer register the press. If this is the case the best solution is to replace the entire keyboard, as it will likely no longer work properly.
If you've tried these solutions but the keyboard still doesn't respond, it's time to have an expert examine your laptop or external keyboard. There may be a physical problem with the membrane that covers your keyboard, or it could be because one of the keys has become deficient.
To find out, you'll need to test the keys on the keyboard tester website. The website will tell you if the keys are registering correctly or not. If they are being registered correctly, then it's likely a software problem. The other solutions can be applied to restore full functionality. Alternately, you can consider using an external keyboard to temporarily solve the issue until the internal keyboard is repaired or replaced.
Keys That Don't Work
Keys that don't function are an absolute inconvenience, but they're generally simple to fix. The majority times, a malfunctioning key is caused by a piece or dirt underneath the key or just not being connected properly to the keyboard or laptop. If you're not sure, clean the keys with canned air and blow away any dirt or dust.
The key could have become disaligned. It's possible to fix this issue by hiring a professional. However, it's more likely that the key will need to be replaced. If your car key is electronic and cannot be changed by pressing a metal manual key into the ignition, it's likely the transponder chip inside has stopped working, and you'll need to get an entirely new key programmed.
If your laptop or external keyboard keys aren't not registering any action in any way, you could try a key testing website. This will help you determine if the keyboard is malfunctioning or if software is causing problems.
A switch that isn't working properly could also be the cause of the key not functioning as expected. You can determine whether your keyboard is mechanical by looking underneath the cap to see whether there is any debris stuck. If you see something, clean it by using canned air. Then take off the cap. This will allow you to replace the hooks that connect the retainer to the switch and hopefully restore functionality to the key.
If a key on your keyboard only fails to perform its expected function in a particular program, it's likely that the key is assigned to a different action by the game's keyboard settings. Make sure you check the settings on your keyboard and press the key once more to verify if it's working. If it's not, it's better to purchase a new keyboard and have it installed by an expert. This is especially important when you're playing an activity that requires the use of a lot of keyboards.