How to Fix Faulty Key Repairs
A broken key fob can make your life miserable. Luckily, repairing problems like this is easy to fix with the right tools and steps.
Before you begin any repairs, always be sure to ground yourself to eliminate static electricity. It takes only about a minute and is a good habit when working with electronics.
Look for any debris under the key that is defective. Breadcrumbs and other pieces of debris often get stuck under keys, preventing them from advancing properly.
Broken Car Keys
Car keys are something we take for granted, until they break or stop working at the most inconvenient times. If your car keys don't work, it can be a hassle to open your trunk in order to grab groceries, or open your doors to go somewhere, or even start your engine in order to get to work.
Over time, car keys can suffer from many wear and wear and tear. They may be damaged due to being dropped or knocked around and the internal parts can wear out to the point where they aren't functioning properly anymore. This is a serious issue that will mean you'll be unable to operate your vehicle unless you have an extra key or your mechanic can fix the problem.
Fortunately, the majority of broken keys for cars can be repaired or replaced quickly. If the key has been damaged inside the lock or ignition you can remove the remaining portion of the key by using pliers or coated wire. A locksmith can also supply you with tools for removal that slide along the key and grip the broken pieces in a pincer-like fashion.
If the car key is broken in half, a simple and affordable fix is to super glue the two pieces back together. It can be a challenge to get the pieces aligned properly however it can produce amazing results. Keep a pair or scissors and a roll tape on hand in case you want to alter the alignment.
Replace the battery inside the car key fob to temporarily repair a broken key. This is typically the best option when your car key fob doesn't turn on and you don't have the correct replacement. It is possible to do this based on the type and model of your car by taking off the fob, then opening it using a screwdriver.
If the issue is severe such as if your keyfob is not working or is not responding, you'll need 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 come to your location and perform the required repairs or replace the key fob entirely.
Broken Key Fobs
Car key fobs aren't durable, and like any electronic device, they are prone to malfunctions at some time. Fortunately, they're not all that difficult to fix when they cease to function. The first thing you'll have to determine is what's wrong.
The majority of the time, when the key fob stops working, it's because the battery is dead. Removing the battery is the most simple and most affordable solution, and it's something you can do at home.
If cleaning remote key fob repair fob isn't working you can remove it. Your fob has a circuit board within it which houses a number of "contact pads" for each button you can press on the fob (lock buttons or trunk buttons, etc.). The contact pads are made of rubber and are coated in an electrically conducting film that begins to wear away over time. Utilizing a cotton swab along with some rubbing alcohol, you can clean the contacts of your key fob to get rid of any corrosion hindering their function.
If you suspect that your contacts are damaged or loose You can try using a pair of tweezers. If you decide to do this it is an excellent idea to put some silicone on the back of your key fob prior inserting the new contacts. Silicone will help to seal the contacts and keep out water.
Another reason to consider a non-functioning key fob is that it is no longer paired with the vehicle. When you use a key fob, it sends the car a signal that tells it what you're trying to accomplish. If the key fob has been unpaired, it won't recognize the car and will not allow you to start the engine.
If you're unable to get your key fob back to be paired to your car, it's probably time to call in a locksmith or dealership technician. They'll have the equipment to reprogram the key fob and make it work again. You'll likely have to pay for the service, but it's much less than buying a brand new key fob.
Unresponsive Keys
It's not a pleasant experience when a key on your computer stops working. The first step is to ensure that the key isn't obstructed by anything physical. Dust, hair and other particles can build up over time and hinder the key's movement or cause interference to its circuitry. Try gently taking your key off and clean it up using a rag that has been soaked in rubbing alcohol. Sometimes, this is all it takes to get your key working again.
If the key doesn't work after trying these methods it could be an issue with the software. Some keys are mapped to specific actions in games, so if your key isn't doing what you'd expect it to, you should check your game settings to confirm that the key is properly assigned to a specific action.
You may also want to try reinstalling the drivers for your keyboard to resolve the problem. You should always upgrade your drivers as often as you can to avoid having your keyboard stop functioning because of corrupted or outdated ones.
Another possibility is that the key may be broken. Each key switch is composed of two circuits, and they can wear out in time to the point that they no longer detect a press. If this is the case it is recommended to replace the keyboard since the keyboard will no longer perform as it should.
If you've tried all of these fixes, but the keyboard still doesn't respond, it's probably time to get your laptop or external keyboard checked by an expert. There could be a physical problem with the membrane that covers your keyboard or it could be that one of the keys has become defective.
To determine this you'll have to test the keys on a keyboard tester website. The website will tell you whether the keys are functioning correctly or not. If they are being registered correctly, then it's likely a software problem. You can then begin applying the other fixes in order to regain full functionality. You could also use an external keyboard as a temporary solution until the internal keyboard is repaired or replaced.
Keys That Don't Work
It's a hassle when keys stop working however, they're usually easy to repair. A malfunctioning button could be caused by a small piece of dirt that has accumulated under the button or it could simply not be properly connected to your keyboard or laptop. If you're unsure whether this is the case, begin by cleaning the keys and then using canned air to blow out dust and dirt.
It is possible that the key has been unaligned with the lock. It's possible to fix this issue with an expert. However, it's 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 the transponder chip inside has stopped working and you'll need to have an entirely new key programmed.
Try a key testing website to determine if your keyboard on your laptop or externally aren't responding. This can help you find out if there is any problems with software or the keyboard itself.
A switch that isn't working properly could be the cause for keys not working as is. You can determine whether your keyboard is mechanical by looking underneath the keycap to determine whether there is any debris stuck. If you discover any you want to remove, use canned air to clear it up and then remove the cap. This will let you replace the hooks which connect the retainer and switch and, hopefully, restore functionality to your key.
If a specific key on your keyboard fails to perform its expected function in a single program, it's most likely that the key is assigned to a different action by the game's keyboard settings. Make sure you check the settings on your keyboard and press the key once more to verify if it's working. If not, it's probably best to buy a new keyboard and have it installed by an expert. This is particularly true in case you play a game which requires a lot more typing.