How to Fix Faulty Key Repairs
A malfunctioning key fob could cause a disruption to your day. With the right tools and instructions it's simple to fix these issues.
Always make sure to ground yourself prior to attempting any repairs to eliminate static electricity. It takes only about a minute and is a good way to practice for working with electronic devices.
Check for any debris underneath the bad key. Breadcrumbs and other pieces of debris often get stuck under keys, preventing them from being pushed in properly.
Broken Car Keys
It's easy to take your car keys for granted until they stop working or break at the worst possible time. If your car keys do not work, it could be frustrating to try to open your trunk to get groceries, or open your doors to get somewhere, or even start your engine to go to work.
Over time, keys to automobiles may wear out. They can be damaged by being dropped or knocked around, and the internal components could wear out to the point where they're no longer functioning as they should. This is a serious problem that will mean you'll be unable use your vehicle until you have an additional key or your mechanic fixes the problem.
Fortunately, most broken keys to cars can be repaired or replaced easily. If the key is damaged inside the lock or ignition you can easily remove the remaining piece of the key by using pliers or coated wire. Additionally, a locksmith could offer you the necessary removal tools that are designed to slide into the key and place an apex-like grip to the broken pieces to safely remove them.
If the car key is broken in half, an easy and affordable fix is to glue the two pieces back together. It can be tricky to get the pieces aligned properly however it can produce great results. Keep a pair or scissors and a roll tape on hand in case you want to adjust the alignment.
Another method to fix temporarily a broken car key is to replace the battery inside the key fob. This is typically the best option if your car key fob isn't turning on, but you don't have the right replacement yet. You can accomplish this based on the type and model of your vehicle by taking out the fob, then opening it using a screwdriver.
If the issue is serious, like if your key fob isn't working or isn't responding, you'll need to replace it. This is something you can do at a dealer however, it's generally cheaper to contact an auto locksmith to visit your location and perform the required repairs or replace the key fob entirely.
Broken Key Fobs
Like all electronic devices, car key fobs can malfunction. Fortunately, they're not all that difficult to fix when they do cease to function. The first thing to do is figure out what's wrong.
key car repair of the time when a key fob stops working it's because the battery is dead. The replacement of the battery is the most simple and cheapest solution, and it's something you can do at home.
If replacing the battery doesn't work, you can take it apart and cleaning it. Your fob is equipped with an internal circuit board that houses a variety of "contact pads" for each button that 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 contacts on your key fob using cotton swab for removing any corrosion.
If you suspect that your contacts are loose or broken, you can use a pair tweezers. If you do this, however, it is 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 a key fob button, it sends a message to the car that tells it what it's trying to do. If the key fob is disconnected, it won't be able to recognize the car and will not allow you to start the engine.
If you can't get your key fob back to be paired to your car, it's probably time to call in an auto locksmith or dealer technician. They will have the equipment necessary to reprogram the fob to make it work. You'll likely be charged a small fee for the service, but it's much cheaper than purchasing an entirely new key fob.
Keys that aren't responsive
If the keyboard key stops working, it can be a nightmare. First, ensure that the key isn’t blocked by anything. Dust, hair and other debris could build up over time and block the key's movement or interfere with its circuitry. Try gently getting rid of the key and then cleaning the area under it using a rag and ruby alcohol. Sometimes, this is all that's needed to make your key work again.
If the key does not work, it's possible there's a problem with your software. Certain 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 associated with the game.
You might also try reinstalling your keyboard drivers to fix the issue. Always update your drivers whenever you can to ensure that your keyboard does not stop functioning due to outdated or corrupted drivers.
The key might be damaged. Every key switch is made up of two circuits, and they can wear out in time to the point that they cannot longer detect the press. If this happens the best solution is to replace the entire keyboard, as it's likely to cease to perform as it should.
If you've tried all of these fixes, but the keyboard still doesn't respond, it's probably time to have your laptop or external keyboard checked by an expert. There may be a physical problem with the membrane that covers your keyboard or it could be because one of the keys has become defective.
To determine this you'll need to test the keys with a keyboard tester website. The website will inform you if the keys are registering correctly or not. If they're registered correctly, then it is most likely a software issue. You can then start applying the fixes you have made to restore full functionality. Alternatively, you could try using an external keyboard as a temporary solution until the internal keyboard can be repaired or replaced.
Keys that don't work
It's frustrating when keys don't function but they're generally easy to repair. A malfunctioning key can be caused by a piece or grime under the button or it may simply not be properly connected to your laptop or keyboard. If you're unsure you have a problem, wash the keys with canned air and blow out any dust or dirt.
It is possible that the key has been out of alignment with the lock. It is possible to correct this issue with a professional. However, it is more likely that the key needs to be replaced. If you own an electronic key that cannot be turned using an iron key the transponder chip could have stopped functioning. You'll need a new key that is programmed.
If your external keyboard or laptop keys seem to not be recording any actions at all, try using a key testing website. This can help you figure out if there's any software interference or problems with the keyboard itself.
Another reason for one key not performing its intended function is that the switch isn't working correctly. You can test whether your keyboard is mechanical by looking under the keycap to determine if any debris is stuck. If you find any that is not there, use canned air to clear it, then take off the cap. This will let you replace the hooks that connect the retainer to the switch, and hopefully bring back functionality to the key.
If the key on your keyboard fails to perform the expected function in just one program, then it is likely that the settings for the game's keyboard have mapped the key to a different action. Check the keyboard's settings and try pressing the key again to determine whether it's functioning as intended. If it's not, it's best to buy a new keyboard and get it installed by a professional. This is especially true if you're playing games that require the use of a lot of keyboards.