How to Fix Faulty Key Repairs
A damaged key fob could cause you to lose your day. Luckily, fixing these issues is easy with the right tools and procedures.
Before you begin any repairs, you must always make sure you ground yourself to eliminate static electricity. It only takes a few seconds and is a good habit when working with electronics.
Check for any debris underneath the bad key. Breadcrumbs and other bits of food often get stuck under keys, which prevents them from being pushed in properly.
Broken Car Keys
Car keys are easy to overlook until they break or stop working at the most difficult times. Whether you're trying to open the trunk of your car for groceries, unlocking your doors to go to a place or even driving your car and heading off to work - car keys can be a nightmare when they don't work.
Over time, keys for cars can become worn out. They may be damaged due to being dropped or thrown around and the internal parts could wear out to the point where they aren't functioning properly anymore. This is a major issue because it means that you won't be able to use your vehicle without an extra key or your mechanic fix the problem.
The majority of car keys that are damaged can be easily repaired or replaced. If the key is damaged inside the lock or ignition you can easily remove the remaining portion of the key using pliers or coated wire. A locksmith can also provide you with specialized tools that slide along the key and grasp the broken pieces in a pincer-like fashion.
If the key to your car is broken in half, an easy and inexpensive fix can be to super glue the two pieces back together. This can be a bit tricky because you need to ensure that the pieces are aligned, but the results are very effective. It's a good idea to keep a pair of scissors and a roll of tape handy just in case you have to alter the alignment a little.
Another method to fix temporarily a broken car key is to replace the battery inside the key fob. If your car's key fob won't turn on and you don't yet have an alternative it is the best solution. Depending on the model of vehicle, you can sometimes do this by removing the key fob and opening it up with a screwdriver or a small tool.
If the problem is serious, like if your keyfob is not working or is not responding and you need to replace it. This is something that you can do at a dealer, but it's usually cheaper to hire an auto locksmith to come to your home and make the required repairs or replace the key fob entirely.
Broken Key Fobs
As with all electronic devices car key fobs are no exception to malfunction. When they stop working, they're not difficult to repair. You'll first have to determine the problem.
The battery is often the reason why the keyfob stops working. The simplest and most cost-effective solution is to replace the battery. You can do this at your home.
If changing the battery doesn't work, try disassembling it and cleaning it. Your fob is equipped with a circuit board inside which houses a number of "contact pads" for every button you can press on the fob (lock buttons and trunk buttons, for example). Contact pads have a rubbery feel and are coated with an electric-conducting film which wears off over time. Using a cotton swab and some rubbing alcohol, you can scrub the contacts on your key fob to get rid of any corrosion that could be hindering their functioning.
You could also try a pair of tweezers to re-seat the contacts on your key fob if think they're broken or loose. If you do this, however it's an excellent idea to put some silicone on the back of your key fob prior to inserting the new contacts. Silicone will help to seal the contacts and keep water out.
Another reason to consider a non-functioning key fob is that it is no longer paired with the vehicle. When you press the button on a key fob, it transmits a code to the car that informs it what it's trying to do. If the key fob has been unpaired, it won't recognize the car and will not allow you to start the engine.
It's time to call an locksmith or dealership technician if you are unable to get the key fob that you want to pair with your car. They will have the equipment necessary to reprogram the fob to make it work. You'll likely have to pay for the service, but it's cheaper than buying a brand new key fob.
Keys are not responsive
It's a nightmare when a key on your computer fails to function. First, make sure that the key isn’t blocked by anything. Over time dust, hair, and other debris may accumulate and disrupt the circuitry of a key. Try gently removing the key and cleaning the area under it with a rag and ruby alcohol. Sometimes this is all it takes to get your key functioning again.
If the key isn't working after trying these methods, it could be a software problem. Certain keys are linked to specific actions in games and if your key isn't performing as you'd expect it to, you should check your game settings to confirm that the key is correctly mapped.
It is also possible to reinstall the drivers for your keyboard to fix the issue. You should always update your drivers whenever possible to ensure that your keyboard doesn't stop working because of corrupted or outdated ones.
The key could be damaged. There are two circuits that make up each key switch and as time passes, they get worn out until they cease to register when the key is pressed. If this is the situation, it is best to replace the keyboard as the keyboard will no longer perform as it should.
If you've gone through all of these fixes, but the keyboard is still not responding, it's probably time to get your laptop or external keyboard checked by an expert. There could be a physical problem with the membrane that covers your keyboard, or it could be because one of the keys has become defective.
You can test your keys with a keyboard tester. The website will let you know whether the keys are functioning 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. Alternatively, key repairs could try using an external keyboard for a temporary solution until the internal keyboard is repaired or replaced.
Keys That Don't Work
Keys that don't work are an enormous inconvenience, but they're generally simple to fix. Most times the problem is caused by a piece of dirt beneath the key, or simply not properly connected to the keyboard or laptop. If you are unsure, clean the keys with canned air and blow away any dirt or dust.
The key could have become unbalanced. It is possible to fix this issue by hiring a professional. However, it is more likely that the key will need to be replaced. If you own an electronic key that cannot be turned using metal keys the transponder chip might have stopped working. You'll need a new key to be programmed.
If your laptop keyboard or external keyboard keys aren't recording any actions at all, you can try using a key testing website. This can help you figure out if there's any issues with the software or the keyboard itself.
A switch that isn't functioning properly could also be the reason for the key not functioning as is. If you own a mechanical keyboard, you can easily look under the keycap and seeing if there is any debris that has accumulated on it. If you find anything that is not there, use canned air to clear it, then take off the cap. This will allow you replace the hooks which connect the retainer and switch and hopefully restore function to your key.
If a key on your keyboard does not perform the desired function in just one program, it's likely that keyboard settings of the game have assigned the key to perform a different function. Check the keyboard settings and press the key once more to see if it's functioning. If you're still having problems it's best to buy a new keyboard. It can be put in place by a professional. This is true, especially if you play a game that requires a lot of typing.