How to Fix Faulty Key Repairs
A damaged key fob could make your life miserable. Luckily, fixing these issues is easy with the right tools and steps.
Before attempting any repairs, always make sure you ground yourself to eliminate static electricity. It's only a matter of seconds and is a good idea when working with electronics in general.
Find any debris that may be under the key that is defective. Breadcrumbs and other bits often get stuck underneath keys, preventing them from pushing in correctly.
Broken Car Keys
Car keys are easy to take for granted, until they break or stop working at the most inconvenient times. When you're trying to open the trunk of your vehicle to buy groceries, or unlocking your doors to go somewhere, or getting your car started and heading to work, car keys can be extremely frustrating when they don't work.
Over time, keys for cars can become worn out. They may be damaged due to being thrown around or dropped and the internal components may wear down until 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.
Fortunately, the majority of damaged keys for cars can be replaced or repaired easily. If the key is damaged inside the lock or ignition you can take out the remaining piece of the key with pliers or coated wire. A locksmith can also supply you with tools for removal designed to slide along the key and grasp the broken pieces in a pincer-like manner.
If the car key has been broken in half, a simple and inexpensive fix can be to glue the two pieces back together. This can be a bit tricky because you need to make sure that the pieces are correctly aligned, but the end result can be extremely effective. Keep a pair of scissors and a roll tape on hand in case you need to alter the alignment.
Another method to fix temporarily damaged car keys is to replace the battery in the key fob. This is generally the best option in case your car key fob isn't turning on and you don't have a suitable replacement yet. Depending on the model of car, you can sometimes do this by removing the key fob and opening it up using a screwdriver, or a small tool.
If the issue is severe, like if your key fob isn't functioning or is unresponsive and you need to replace it. You can do this at the dealer, but an auto locksmith will usually be more affordable. They will visit you and make the necessary repairs or even replace the key fob.
Broken Key Fobs
As with all electronic devices car key fobs are no exception to malfunction. When they stop working they are not difficult to repair. The first thing you'll need to determine is what the issue is.
Most of the time when a key fob stops working it's because the battery is dead. Replacing the battery is the most simple and least expensive solution, and is something you can do at home.
If changing the battery does not work, you can take it apart and cleaning it. Your fob has an internal circuit board that holds a number of "contact pads" for every button you can press on the fob (lock buttons and trunk buttons, for example). These contact pads are rubber-like and are coated in an electrically conducting film that begins to wear off as time passes. key repair can clean the contacts on your key fob with the use of rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab for removing any corrosion.
You could also try a pair of tweezers replace the contacts on your key fob if you think they're broken or loose. It is best to apply silicone to the back of the key fob prior to you insert the new contacts. Silicone will seal the contacts to keep out water.
Another reason for a malfunctioning key fob is that it has become un-paired with the vehicle. When you press the key fob button it transmits a code to the car, which tells it what it's trying to do. If the key fob has been disconnected, it won't be able to recognize the car and 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 to connect with your vehicle. They'll have the equipment necessary to reprogram the fob to make it work. It's likely that you'll have to pay for the service but it's much less than purchasing a brand new key fob.
Keys that aren't responsive
It's a nightmare when a key on your computer fails to function. The first step is to make sure that the key isn't blocked by something physical. Hair, dust, and other debris can build up over time and block the key's movement or cause interference to its circuitry. Try gently removing the key and clean the area beneath it with a rag or ruby alcohol. Sometimes, it's all it takes to make your key work again.
If the key doesn't work after trying all these options, it could be an issue with the software. If your key isn't doing what you expect, check the settings of your game to ensure that it's properly assigned.
It is also possible to reinstall the drivers for your keyboard to fix the problem. Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause your keyboard to stop functioning, so it is important to always ensure that they are updated as often as you can.
Another possibility is that the key may be broken. Each key switch is composed of two circuits, and they could wear out over time to the point that they cannot longer recognize the press. 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 of these fixes, but the key still isn't responding then it's time to have your laptop or external keyboard examined by a professional. There may be a physical issue with the membrane that covers your keyboard or it could be that one of the keys has become damaged.
You can test the keys using a keyboard tester. The website will tell you whether keys work correctly during the test If they do, it's likely due to a software issue. Then, you can begin applying the other fixes in order to regain full functionality. You could also try using an external keyboard as a temporary solution until the internal keyboard can be repaired or replaced.
Keys that aren't working
It's frustrating when keys don't work however, they're usually simple to fix. The majority times keys that malfunction are caused by a piece of dirt under the key or it's simply not connected correctly to the keyboard or laptop. If you're unsure whether this is the case, start by cleaning the keys and then using canned air to remove dust and dirt.
The key could be disaligned. It is possible to fix this problem with an expert. However, it is more likely that the key will need to be replaced. If your car key is electronic and can't be turned 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 get a new one programmed.
Try a key testing website in the event that your laptop or external keyboard keys aren't responding. This can help you determine if the keyboard malfunctioning or if software is causing problems.
Another reason that a single key not performing its expected function is because the switch isn't working correctly. You can test whether your keyboard is mechanical by looking under the keycap to see whether there is any debris stuck. If you discover something that is not there, make use of canned air to remove it, then take off the cap. This will let you replace the hooks that connect the retainer to the switch and hopefully restore functionality to the key.
If the key on your keyboard does not perform the desired function in just one program, it is likely that the settings for the game's keyboard have mapped the key to perform a different function. Check the keyboard's settings and then try pressing the key again to determine if it's working properly. If it's not, it's best to purchase a brand new keyboard and get it installed by an expert. This is especially important when you're playing a game that requires the use of a lot of keyboards.