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How to Repair Car Keys Car keys may appear tiny and insignificant, but they are vital to the functioning of your vehicle. Replacing a traditional key or a transponder one could cost as much as $200. There are ways to fix your car keys yourself for less than the cost. This article will cover the most frequent car keys problems and the DIY solutions to fix them. Dead Key Fob Battery The remote key fobs for keys that come with cars make it easier than ever to open the trunk, doors and the tailgate. The battery of this device is prone to dying. There are, however, some tricks that can be used to resolve this issue in a pinch. Check to see if your car is still in the ignition mode. If it is, the battery of the key fob may be drained instead of dead. To test this, press the button on the key fob right against the ignition button. If it works, then the battery is probably in good condition and just needs to be replaced. To replace the fob battery, start by prying the case open using an instrument like a screwdriver, or watch-type tool. Do not apply too much force since this could cause the fob's case split. If the fob isn't coming easily, try putting your pry tool into more than one place around the outside of the case. Open the electronic part of your vehicle after you have removed the mechanical key. Install the new battery and snap it back into the shell. If your key fob does not work after this procedure, it could be that there is a larger issue with the remote start system of your vehicle. This requires an expert to determine the cause. A reputable mechanic will able help you in this situation. You can also call roadside assistance to assist with your vehicle, if you require it. Broken Key Ring There are a few things you can do if your key fob doesn't work because the ring has been broken. Look to see if can find the broken piece within the ignition. If it's still there it, remove it without causing damage to the ignition lock or the door lock. Contact a locksmith if have difficulty getting rid of the key. They have special tools to safely remove a broken key from the ignition. A broken car key could also be caused by corrosion on the plastic frame or circuit board. You can clean the circuit board by using a cotton swab soaked in ruby alcohol. This will remove the corrosion and stop damage to the contact pads. You can fix a broken rings by using a thick wire or nail to seal the hole. Superglue can also be used to fix a broken ring. First, clean the broken ring with a damp cloth and then apply a small amount of superglue to each end of the wire or nail. Let love it and then press them into place. These DIY solutions may seem appealing, but they are only a temporary solution. It is recommended to hire an experienced locksmith for long-term repairs. They have the expertise and tools to repair damaged keys quickly and effectively. They can replace the battery and reprogram the key fob in the event of need. Broken Key Blade Key blades may break because of a lot wear and tear. If this happens, it's time to get a new key. The issue isn't as serious as you might think at first glance. The primary issue is that the metal blade snapped off the case. Spraying lubricant into the keyhole is one solution to fix the problem. Then, you can use pliers, tweezers, or a pin to grasp the damaged key and take it out. You could also use a magnet if the key is magnetic. Be cautious not to use a magnet on an ignition key as it could cause the tumbler in the lock to break. Contact a locksmith right away if you are unable to remove the broken piece of the key. They have special tools that let them safely remove keys without causing further damage. You can also use super glue to fix a broken key. Apply a small amount of the glue to the edges and press them in. Make sure the glue has dried before inserting the key into the lock. This method isn't very reliable, and you may have to repeat it a few times before it is successful. Super glue may not be able to hold the key together. This is more of a temporary solution than an option that is permanent. Broken Plastic Loop If the plastic loop breaks off it can render the key useless. It's a fairly easy fix. You can make use of wire or a nail for finishing as a replacement. Drill two holes in the plastic loop that is broken for each end of the wire or nail. Cut the wire or nail into a key width, and place tiny drops of superglue into each hole. Press the nail or wire into the holes and let them dry. Another option is to get the replacement shell from a locksmith who sells them. They can transfer the programmable section of your key to the new shell and cut an entirely new blade at less than the cost. It's not the ideal solution, but it'll get you back on the road in case your key broke in half. It's not easy to repair when the blade of the key is in the ignition however. You can try using a hair clip or a needle extractor tool to pull the broken piece of the ignition, but this is risky if you're not cautious. Call a locksmith with special tools to safely remove damaged keys from ignitions. You can also have a new key that is made using appropriate cuts to fit the ignition of your vehicle. Broken Master Key You'll need to try at regaining the key before it is completely destroyed. You can employ lubricants, tweezers, and needle nose pliers for grabbing the fragments of a damaged key. To begin, spray the interior of your lock with a lubricant, such as WD-40 or graphite powder. You could also try the hacksaw method, which involves gently moving the blade down the edge of the broken key, and hooking onto some of the 'teeth' – if you are able to do this, you should be able to take the broken key from the lock. Another helpful tool is a spiral key extractor that is available in many hardware stores. It is a thin, flexible bar with spiral threads, that can be inserted into the keyway, and then bent to reach into the broken part of the key. Once it has caught onto the serrations, you can twist the bar into a circle and then pull it against the broken section of the key. It's worth attempting to remove the master key that is broken before calling a professional locksmith. If you are unable to get a piece out, you need to call the big guns and have a locksmith cut you a brand new key and reprogram it with the transponder of your car.