How to Fix Faulty Key Repairs
A damaged key fob can throw off your whole day. With the right tools and instructions it's simple to fix these issues.
Always ensure that you ground yourself prior to beginning repairs to eliminate static electricity. It only takes a second and is a good practice when working with electronics in general.
Look for any debris caught under the key that is damaged. Breadcrumbs and other pieces of debris often get stuck under keys, preventing them from advancing properly.
Broken Car Keys
It's easy to take car keys for granted until they stop working or break at the most inconvenient time. When your car keys don't work, it could be frustrating to try to open your trunk in order to grab groceries, open your doors to get to a place, or start your engine in order to get to work.
Over time, keys to automobiles may wear out. They may be damaged from being dropped or thrown around and the internal components could wear out to the point where they aren't functioning properly anymore. This is a serious problem and you'll be unable use your vehicle unless you have an additional key or your mechanic can fix the problem.
Fortunately, the majority of broken keys to cars can be repaired or replaced quickly. If the key has been damaged inside the lock or ignition you can remove the remaining part of the key with pliers or coated wire. A locksmith may provide you with an assortment of specially designed tools for removal that are designed to slide in alongside the key and then apply a pincer-like grip on the broken pieces to safely take them out.
If the car key has been broken in half, a quick and affordable fix is to super glue the two pieces back together. It can be tricky to align the pieces correctly but it can result in amazing results. It's a good idea keep a pair of scissors and a roll of tape on hand in case you have to adjust the alignment to a degree.
Another method to fix temporarily the car key that is damaged is to replace the battery on the key fob. This is typically the best option in case your car key fob isn't working on but you don't have the right replacement. Depending on the model of vehicle, you could often do this by removing the key fob and then opening it using a screwdriver, or a small tool.
If car key fob repairs is more severe, such as your key fob becomes completely inactive or doesn't turn on at all, you will need to get it replaced. This can be done at the dealer, but an auto locksmith is likely to be cheaper. They will visit you and make the necessary repairs or even replace the key fob.
Broken Key Fobs
Car key fobs aren't durable, and like all electronic devices they can be susceptible to issues at some point. However, they're not that difficult to fix when they stop working. The first thing to determine is what the issue is.
The battery is usually the reason why a keyfob stops working. The simplest and most economical solution is to replace the battery. You can do this at home.
If changing the battery doesn't work, you can take 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.) Contact pads feel rubbery and are coated with an electricity-conducting film which wears off over time. Using a cotton swab and some rubbing alcohol, you can scrub the contacts on your key fob to eliminate any corrosion that may be hindering their function.
You could also try using a pair of tweezers to put the contacts back on your key fob in case you suspect they are broken or loose. If you do this it is recommended to apply some silicone on the back of your key fob prior inserting the new contacts. Silicone will seal the contacts to keep out water.
Another possibility for a non-functioning key fob is that it is no longer paired with the vehicle. When you press a key fob, it sends the car a code that communicates to it what you intend 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 to re-pair with your car, it's time to call in an expert locksmith or dealer technician. They'll have the equipment to reprogram the key fob and make it work again. You'll likely have to pay a small amount for the service, but it's less expensive than buying the new key fob.
Keys are not responsive
It can be a nightmare when the key on your computer ceases to function. The first step is to ensure that the key isn't obstructed by anything physical. Over time dust, hair and other particles can build up and cause interference to the circuitry of keys. Try gently removing the key and clean the area beneath it with a rag and rubbing alcohol. This is sometimes all you need to do to get your key back in working order.
If the key doesn't work after trying these methods it could be an issue with the software. Certain keys are mapped to specific actions in games If your key isn't doing what you'd expect it to, 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. Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause your keyboard to cease working, so you should always keep them updated whenever you can.
The key may be broken. There are two circuits that make up each key switch and as time passes, they get worn out to the point that they are no longer able to detect when they are pressed. If this happens the best solution is to replace the entire keyboard, as it is likely that it will no longer function properly.
If you've gone through all of these fixes, but the keyboard is still not responding you're probably in need of get your laptop or external keyboard examined by an expert. It could be that the membrane that covers the keyboard is damaged or that one of the keys is damaged.
You can test the keys with the keyboard tester. The website will let you know whether keys work correctly during the test, and if they do, it's most likely to be due to a software problem. The remaining fixes can be applied to restore full functionality. You could also use an external keyboard until the internal keyboard is repaired or replaced.
Keys that don't work
Keys that don't function are an absolute inconvenience, but they're generally simple to repair. A malfunctioning key can be caused by a piece of dirt that has accumulated under the button or it could be due to the fact that it cannot be connected properly to your laptop or keyboard. If you're unsure then clean the keys using canned air and blow out any dust or dirt.
The key could be unbalanced. This is another issue which can be resolved with an expert, but it is more likely to require replacement of the key. If you own an electronic key and it cannot be turned using a metal key the transponder chip might have stopped functioning. You'll need to get a new key programmed.
If your laptop keyboard or external keyboard keys seem to not be registering any action in any way, you could try a key test website. This will help you determine if your keyboard is malfunctioning or if software is causing interference.
Another reason for a single key not performing its function is that the switch isn't working correctly. You can test whether your keyboard is mechanical by looking under the keycap to see whether any debris is stuck. If you find anything, clean it out by using canned air. Then remove the keycap. This will let you replace the hooks which connect the retainer to the switch and hopefully restore function to your key.
If you have a keyboard key that isn't performing the intended function in only one program, it's likely that the keyboard settings of the game have mapped 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 as intended. If it's not, it's best to purchase a brand new keyboard and get it installed by a professional. This is especially important in the case of games that require lots of typing.