5 Key Repairs Lessons From The Pros
How to Fix Faulty Key Repairs
A damaged key fob could ruin your day. With the right tools and directions it's simple to solve these issues.
Always ground yourself before attempting any repairs to eliminate static electricity. It only takes a second and is a good idea when working with electronics generally.
Look for any debris under the bad key. Breadcrumbs and other pieces of debris often become stuck beneath keys, which prevents them from pushing in correctly.
Broken Car Keys
Car keys are easy to take for granted, until they fail or stop working at the most inconvenient times. If your car keys don't work, it could be a nightmare to open your trunk in order to grab groceries, unlock your doors to get somewhere, or even start your engine in order to get to work.
Over time, keys for automobiles can wear out. They can be damaged by being thrown around or dropped and the internal parts could wear out to the point where they don't function correctly anymore. This is a huge issue because it means that you aren't able to drive unless you have an extra key or your mechanic fix the issue.
Fortunately, the majority of damaged keys for cars can be replaced or repaired easily. If the key has been damaged inside the lock or ignition you can take out the remaining piece of the key with pliers or coated wire. Alternatively, a locksmith can offer you a set of special removal tools that are designed to slide in alongside the key and place a pincer-like grip onto the broken pieces to securely pull them out.
If the car key has been broken in half, an easy and cost-effective solution is to super glue the two pieces back together. It can be tricky to get the pieces aligned properly, but it can yield excellent results. It's a good idea keep a pair of scissors and a roll of tape in case you need 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 isn't working and you don't have a replacement then this is the ideal solution. You can accomplish this based on the type and model of your car by removing the fob and then opening it with the help of a screwdriver.
If the issue is more severe for instance, if your key fob is completely inactive or doesn't turn on at all, you will have to replace it. This is something that you can do at a dealer, but it's usually more affordable to call an auto locksmith to visit your location and make the required repairs or replace the key fob entirely.
Broken Key Fobs
Like any electronic device car key fobs are no exception to fail. When they stop working they're not difficult to repair. You'll first need to determine the issue.
The majority of the time, when the key fob stops working, it's because the battery is dead. Replacing the battery is the simplest and least expensive solution, and you can do at home.
If changing the battery does not work, try taking it apart and cleaning it. The circuit board on your fob contains "contact pads" that correspond to each button on the fob. (Lock buttons and trunk buttons for example.) These contact pads have a rubbery feel and are covered with an electrically conducting film that wears off with time. You can clean the contacts on your key fob with the use of rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab for removing any corrosion.
You can also try using a pair of tweezers to put the contacts back on your key fob in case you suspect that they are damaged or loose. If you do this it's an excellent idea to put some silicone on the back of your key fob prior to inserting the new contacts. Silicone will make the contacts more secure and keep out water.
Another reason to consider a non-functioning key fob is that it has become un-paired with the vehicle. When you press a key fob, it sends the car a code that communicates to it what you're trying to accomplish. If the key fob is not paired it will not recognize the vehicle, and won't allow you to start your engine.
It's time to call a locksmith or a dealership technician if you are unable to get the key fob to pair with your vehicle. They'll have the tools to reprogram the key fob and get it functioning again. You'll likely be charged a small amount for the service, but it's much cheaper than purchasing an entirely new key fob.
Keys that aren't responsive
It can be a nightmare when the key on your computer ceases to function. First, make sure that the key isn't blocked by anything. Hair, dust and other particles can accumulate over time and obstruct a key's movement or interfere with its circuitry. Try gently taking the key off and cleaning the area underneath it with a rag or rubbing alcohol. Sometimes, this is all it takes to get your key functioning again.
If the key does not work, it's possible that it's an issue with your software. Some keys are mapped to specific actions in games and if your key isn't performing as you'd like it to, check your game settings to confirm that the key is properly mapped.
You can also try reinstalling the drivers for your keyboard to fix the issue. Incorrect or outdated drivers could cause your keyboard to stop functioning, so it is important to always keep them updated whenever you can.
Another possibility is that the key is simply broken. There are two circuits that make up each key switch, and as time passes, they wear down to the point where they no longer register when the key is pressed. If this is the case, it is best to replace the keyboard because the keyboard will not perform as it should.
If you've tried all these solutions, but your keyboard does not respond, it's time to have an expert look over your laptop keyboard or an external computer keyboard. It could be that the membrane that covers your keyboard is damaged, or that one of the keys are defective.
To determine this you'll have to test the keys with a keyboard tester website. The website will tell you whether or not the keys register correctly during the test If they do, it's likely to be due to a software problem. The other solutions can be applied to restore full functionality. You could also utilize an external keyboard until your internal keyboard is repaired or replaced.
Keys that aren't working
Keys that aren't working can be an absolute inconvenience, but they are usually relatively easy to repair. A malfunctioning button could be caused by a small piece of dirt under the button, or it could be due to the fact that it cannot be properly connected to your laptop or keyboard. If you're not sure you have a problem, wash the keys with canned air and blow away any dirt or dust.
It is possible that the key has been out of alignment with the lock. This is a different issue which can be resolved with an expert, however it is more likely to require replacement of the key. If your car key is electronic and can't be turned by turning a metal key manually into the ignition, it's possible that the transponder chip inside has stopped working, and you'll need to get a new one programmed.
If your laptop keyboard or external keyboard keys aren't not registering any action at all, try using a key test website. car key fob repair near me can help you figure out if there's any issues with the software or the keyboard itself.
A switch that isn't working properly could also be the reason for keys not working as expected. If you own a mechanical keyboard you can look under the keycap and observing if there is any debris that has accumulated on it. If you see anything, wash it away by using canned air. Then take off the keycap. This will let you replace the hooks that connect the retainer to the switch and hopefully bring back functionality to the key.
If a specific key on your keyboard only does not perform its intended function in a particular application, it's likely that the key has been assigned to a different action by the game's keyboard settings. Check the keyboard's settings and then try pressing the key again to see whether it's functioning as intended. If you're still experiencing issues it's best to buy a new keyboard. It can be set up by professionals. This is especially important in the case of a game that requires lots of typing.