How to Fix Faulty Key Repairs
A damaged key fob could ruin your day. Fortunately, fixing problems like this is easy to fix with the right tools and procedures.
Before you begin any repairs, make sure you ground yourself to remove static electricity. It's only a matter of seconds, and is good practice when working with electronics generally.
Find any debris that may be under the key that is defective. Breadcrumbs and other bits can become stuck under keys, preventing them from being pushed in correctly.
Broken Car Keys
Car keys are easy to ignore until they fail or stop working at the most difficult times. Whether you're trying to open the trunk of your car to get groceries, opening your doors to go out or even driving your car and heading off to work, keys for cars can be very frustrating when they do not work.
Over time, keys for automobiles can wear out. A knock or drop can cause damage and the internal components could become worn out to the point that they are no longer functional. This is a huge issue since it means you won't be able to use your vehicle without a spare key or your mechanic fix the problem.
Fortunately, most broken keys for cars can be replaced or repaired easily. If your key is just damaged inside your lock or ignition, you can sometimes remove the remaining portion of the key by using pliers or a coated wire. A locksmith can also supply you with special removal tools designed to slide along the key and grip the broken pieces in a pincer-like manner.
If the car key is broken in half, a simple and cost-effective solution is to glue the two pieces back together. This is a little difficult as you must ensure that the pieces are aligned, but the result can be very efficient. It is a good idea to keep a pair of scissors and a roll tape on hand in case you have to alter the alignment just slightly.
Another way to temporarily repair damaged car keys is to replace the battery in the key fob. If your car's key fob isn't turning on and you don't yet have a replacement, this is the best solution. Based on the model of car, you can occasionally do this by taking off the key fob and opening it using a screwdriver or small tool.
If the problem is more serious like the key fob is completely inactive or doesn't switch on at all, you will need to get it replaced. This is something that you can do at a dealership however, it's generally more affordable to call an auto locksmith to come to your home and make the required repairs or replace the key fob completely.
Broken Key Fobs
Like all electronic devices keys for cars can fail. However, they're not that difficult to fix when they do cease to function. First, you'll need to identify the issue.
The majority of the time, when the key fob stops working, it's because the battery is dead. The replacement of the battery is the easiest and most affordable solution, and you can do at home.
If cleaning the fob isn't working, you can take it apart. The circuit board on your fob contains "contact pads" that correspond to each button on the fob. (Lock buttons trunk buttons, lock buttons, etc.) The contact pads are made of rubber and are coated in an electrically 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.
You could also try using a pair of tweezers to re-seat the contacts on your key fob in case you suspect that they are damaged or loose. It is best to apply silicone to the back of the key fob first before you insert the new contacts. Silicone will seal the contacts to keep out water.
Another reason to consider a non-functioning key fob is that it has become un-paired with the vehicle. When you push a key fob button, it sends a message to the car that informs it what it's trying to do. If the key fob is un-paired it will not recognize the vehicle, and it will no longer allow you to start the engine.
If you're unable to get your key fob to re-pair to your car, it's probably time to contact an expert locksmith or dealer technician. They'll have the equipment to reprogram the key fob and make it work again. It's likely that you'll need to pay for the service, but it's cheaper than buying a brand new key fob.
Unresponsive Keys
When a key on your keyboard isn't working, it could be an absolute nightmare. First, make sure the key isn’t blocked by anything. Hair, dust and other particles can accumulate over time and block a key's movement or disrupt its circuitry. Try gently removing your key and cleaning it by using a rag soaked with ruby alcohol. Sometimes, it's all it takes to make your key work again.
If the key still doesn't work, there's a problem with your software. Certain keys are mapped to specific actions in games and if your key isn't working as you'd like it to, make sure you check your game settings to confirm that the key is correctly associated with the game.
You might also try reinstalling the drivers for your keyboard to fix the issue. Drivers that are outdated or damaged can cause your keyboard to cease functioning, so it is important to always keep them up to date whenever possible.
Another possibility is that the key is simply damaged. Key switches are made up of two circuits, and they could wear out in time to the point that they no longer recognize a press. If this is the case the best solution is to replace the entire keyboard, as it is likely that it will no longer work properly.
If you've tried all these solutions, but your keyboard isn't responding you're in need of an expert examine your laptop or external keyboard. It could be that the membrane covering your keyboard is damaged, or one of the keys are malfunctioning.
To find out you'll need to test the keys on a keyboard tester website. The website will let you know if the keys are registering correctly or not. If they are, then it is most likely to be a software issue. The other fixes can be applied to restore full functionality. You can also use an external keyboard until the internal keyboard is repaired or replaced.
Keys That Don't Work
It's frustrating when keys stop working but they're generally easy to fix. A malfunctioning key could be caused by a piece of dirt under the button, or it may simply not be properly connected to your keyboard or laptop. If you're not sure if this is the case, start by cleaning the keys and then using canned air to blow out any dirt or dust.
It is possible that the key has become misaligned with the lock. It's possible to fix this issue by hiring an expert. However, it is more likely that the key needs to be replaced. 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 a new one programmed.
Try a key test website in the event that your keyboard or laptop are not responding. This will help you figure out if there's any software interference or problems with the keyboard itself.
Another reason why one key not performing its function is because the switch isn't working properly. If you own mechanical keyboards you can check this by looking under the keycap and observing whether there's any debris that has accumulated on it. If you find something, clean it using canned air, and then take off the cap. key fob repairs will let you replace the hooks that connect the retainer to the switch and hopefully bring back the functionality of the key.
If the key on your keyboard isn't performing the intended function in only one program, then it is likely that the settings for the game's keyboard have assigned the key to perform a different action. Check the settings of your keyboard and then try pressing the key again to determine whether it's functioning properly. If you're having issues, it is best to buy an entirely new keyboard. It can be put in place by a professional. This is especially important if you're playing a game that requires lots of typing.