How to Fix Faulty Key Repairs
A malfunctioning key fob could ruin your entire day. Luckily, fixing these issues is easy with the right tools and procedures.
Before attempting any repairs, always ground yourself to remove static electricity. It only takes a few seconds and is a good practice when working with electronics.
Look for any debris caught underneath the bad key. Breadcrumbs and other pieces of debris often get stuck underneath keys, which prevents them from advancing properly.
Broken Car Keys
Car keys are easy to overlook until they break or stop working at the most difficult times. When your car keys don't work, it can be frustrating to try to open your trunk in order to grab groceries, open your doors to get to a place, or start your engine to get to work.
Over time, keys to cars can become worn out. They may be damaged due to being dropped or knocked around and the internal parts may wear down to the point where they don't function correctly anymore. This is a serious issue, as you will be unable use your vehicle unless you have an extra key or your mechanic fixes the problem.
Fortunately, the majority of broken keys for cars can be replaced or repaired easily. If the key has broken inside the lock or ignition you can easily remove the remaining portion of the key by using pliers or coated wire. Alternatively, a locksmith can offer you the necessary tools designed to slide into the key and apply a pincer-like grip onto the broken pieces to safely remove them.
If the car key has been broken in half, an easy and affordable fix is to glue the two pieces back together. It can be difficult to ensure that the pieces are aligned correctly however it can produce great results. It is a good idea to keep a pair of scissors and a roll tape on hand in case you have to adjust the alignment slightly.
Another option to repair temporarily the car key that is damaged is to replace the battery inside the key fob. This is generally the best option when your car key fob doesn't turn on but you don't have the correct replacement yet. Depending on the type of car, you can sometimes do this by removing the key fob and then opening it using a screwdriver or small tool.
If the problem is serious, like if your key fob isn't functioning or isn't responding, you'll need to replace it. It is possible to do this at the dealer, but an auto locksmith is likely to be more affordable. They will come to you and make any necessary repairs or even replace the key fob.
Broken Key Fobs
Car key fobs aren't indestructible, and like all electronic devices they can be susceptible to issues at some time. Fortunately, they're not all that difficult to repair when they stop working. You'll first have to determine the issue.
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 is something you can do at home.
If cleaning the fob is not working you can take it apart. Your fob has a circuit board inside that houses a variety of "contact pads" for each button you can press on the fob (lock buttons and trunk buttons, for example). These contact pads are rubber-like and coated in an electricity conducting film that will eventually wear off as time passes. You can clean your key fob contacts with the use of rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab for removing any corrosion.
If you suspect that the contacts are damaged or loose You can try using the tweezers in a pair. It is recommended to apply silicone to the back of the key fob prior to you insert the new contacts. Silicone helps seal the contacts and keep out water.
Another possibility for a non-functioning key fob is that it is no longer paired with the vehicle. When you press a key fob, it sends the car a message that communicates to it what you are trying to accomplish. If the key fob is disconnected, it won't be able to recognize the car and not allow you to start the engine.
If you're unable to get your key fob back to be paired with your car, it's time to call in a locksmith or dealership technician. They'll have the tools required to reprogram the fob and get it working again. It's likely that you'll need to pay for the service, but it's cheaper than buying a brand new key fob.
Keys are not responsive
If a key on your keyboard stops working, it can be a complete nightmare. The first step is to ensure that the key isn't blocked by something physical. Hair, dust, and other debris can accumulate over time and block the key's movement or interfere with its circuitry. Try gently taking your key off and cleaning underneath it using a rag that has been soaked in rubbing alcohol. Sometimes, it's all it takes to get your key working again.
If the key does not work after trying all these options, it could be an issue with your software. Some keys are mapped to specific actions in games, so if your key isn't working as you'd expect it to, check your game settings to confirm that the key is properly mapped.
You could also try reinstalling the keyboard drivers to fix the issue. Always update your drivers whenever you can to ensure that your keyboard doesn't stop functioning due to corrupted or outdated drivers.
The key may be broken. Key switches are comprised of two circuits, and they may wear out in time to the point that they no longer recognize a press. If this is the case it is recommended to replace the keyboard as the keyboard will not perform as it should.
If you've gone through all of these fixes and the keyboard still doesn't respond then it's time to get your laptop or external keyboard inspected by a professional. There could be a physical issue with the membrane that covers your keyboard, or it could be because one of the keys has become defective.
To determine this you'll have to test the keys with a keyboard tester site. The site will inform you whether or not the keys register correctly during an examination and, if they do, it's likely due to a software problem. The remaining fixes can be applied to restore full functionality. You can also utilize an external keyboard until your internal keyboard is repaired or replaced.
Keys That Don't Work
It's frustrating when keys don't work but they're generally simple to fix. A malfunctioning button could be caused by a piece of grime under the button or it could simply not be connected properly to your laptop or keyboard. If you're not sure if this is the case, start by cleaning the keys and then using canned air to eliminate dust or dirt.
It is also possible that the key has become out of alignment with the lock. This is a different issue that can be fixed with an expert, but it is more likely to require replacement of the key. If car key fob repairs near me is electronic and can't be turned by pressing a metal manual key into the ignition, it's likely that the transponder chip inside has stopped working and you'll need to have a new one programmed.
If your laptop keyboard or external keyboard keys seem to not be registering any action in any way, you could try a key test website. This will help you determine if your keyboard is malfunctioning or if software is causing interference.
A switch that isn't working properly could also be the reason for keys not working as expected. You can check whether your keyboard is mechanical by looking under the keycap to determine if any debris is stuck. If you spot any that is not there, use canned air to clean it up and then remove the keycap. This will allow you replace the hooks that connect the retainer and switch, and hopefully restore functionality to your key.
If a specific key on your keyboard only doesn't perform its intended function in one application, 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 again to check if it is functioning. If not, it's probably best to buy a new keyboard and have it installed by an expert. This is true, especially in case you play a game which requires a lot more typing.