How to Fix Faulty Key Repairs
A damaged key fob can throw off your whole day. Luckily, fixing these issues is easy with the right tools and procedures.
Before you begin any repairs, make sure you make sure you ground yourself to eliminate static electricity. It takes just a few seconds and is a good way to practice when working with electronic devices.
Find any debris underneath the bad key. Breadcrumbs and other bits may get stuck beneath keys, which can prevent the keys from being properly pushed in.
Broken Car Keys
It's easy to take car keys for granted until they stop working or break at the most inconvenient time. Whether you're trying to open the trunk of your vehicle to buy groceries, or unlocking your doors to go somewhere, or starting your engine and heading off to work, keys for cars can be a nightmare when they do not work.
Over time, keys for cars can become worn out. A knock or drop can cause damage and the internal parts can get worn out to the point that they are no longer functional. This is a serious issue and you'll be unable to use your vehicle until you have an extra key or your mechanic corrects the issue.
The majority of broken car keys can be easily repaired or replaced. If the key has been damaged in the lock or ignition, you can remove the remaining piece of the key by using pliers or coated wire. Alternatively, a locksmith can offer you a set of special tools for removal that are designed to slide into the key and 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 glue the two pieces back together. This is difficult as you must ensure that the pieces are properly aligned, but the end result can be extremely effective. It's a good idea to keep a pair of scissors and a roll of tape on hand in case you have to alter the alignment a little.
Replace the battery in the car key fob to temporarily repair a damaged key. If your car key fob isn't turning on and you don't yet have an alternative it is the best solution. You can accomplish this based on the type and model of your car by taking off the fob and then opening it using a screwdriver.
If the problem is more serious, such as your key fob becomes completely inactive or doesn't start at all, you will have to replace it. This is something you can get at a dealership however it's cheaper to contact an auto locksmith to visit your location and perform the required repairs or replace the key fob completely.
Broken Key Fobs
Car key fobs aren't impervious to damage, and just like all electronic devices they can be susceptible to malfunctions at some point. If they stop working, they are not difficult to repair. You'll first have to determine the cause.
The battery is typically the reason why the keyfob stops working. The simplest and most economical solution is to replace the battery. You can do this at home.
If replacing the battery doesn't work, you can take it apart and cleaning it. Your fob is equipped with a circuit board within it that houses a variety of "contact pads" for every button you can press 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 which wears off over time. Using a cotton swab and some rubbing alcohol, you can scrub the contacts in your key fob to get rid of any corrosion hindering their function.
You could also try using a pair of tweezers re-seat the contacts on your key fob in case you suspect that they are damaged or loose. It is best to apply silicone to the back of the key fob first before you insert the new contacts. Silicone will seal the contacts to keep out water.
Another possibility for a non-functioning key fob is that it has become un-paired with the vehicle. When you push the key fob button it sends a code 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 to re-pair with the car, it's time to contact an auto locksmith or dealer technician. They'll have the necessary equipment to reprogram the key fob and get it functioning again. You'll likely have to pay for the service, but it will be much cheaper than buying a brand new key fob.
Unresponsive Keys
If a key on your keyboard isn't working, it could be a complete nightmare. The first step is to ensure that the key isn't blocked by something physical. Hair, dust and other particles can build up over time and block the key's movement or interfere with its circuitry. Try gently removing your key and cleaning it by using a rag soaked with rubbing alcohol. This may be all you need to do 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 performing as you'd like it to, make sure you check your game settings to confirm that the key is properly assigned to a specific action.
You may also want to try reinstalling your keyboard drivers to fix the problem. Incorrect or outdated drivers could cause your keyboard to stop functioning, which is why you should always keep them updated whenever possible.
The key may be broken. There are two circuits in each key switch, and over time, these circuits be damaged to the point that they cease to register when pressed. If this is the case, the best option is to replace the entire keyboard since it is likely that it will no longer perform as it should.
If you've tried all of these solutions, but your keyboard does not respond then it's time to have a professional inspect your laptop or external computer keyboard. It could be that the membrane that covers the keyboard is damaged or that one of the keys is defective.
To find out you'll need to test the keys with a keyboard tester site. The website will tell you whether the keys are registered correctly during a test and, if they do, it's most likely due to a software issue. The other fixes can be applied to restore full functionality. Alternately, you can use an external keyboard to temporarily solve the issue 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 fix. The majority times, a malfunctioning key is caused by a piece of dirt beneath the key, or simply not connected correctly to the keyboard or laptop. If you're unsure whether this is the case, start by cleaning the keys and using canned air to eliminate any dirt or dust.
The key could be misaligned. It's possible to fix this issue by hiring a professional. However, it is more likely that the key needs to be replaced. If you have an electronic key that can't be turned with a metal key the transponder chip might have stopped functioning. You'll need to get a new key to be programmed.
If auto key repair or external keyboard keys seem to not be recording any actions in any way, you could try a key test website. This will help you determine if the keyboard malfunctioning or if software is interfering.
Another reason for a single key not performing its expected function is because the switch isn't working correctly. You can determine 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 cap. This will allow you to replace the hooks which connect the retainer to the switch and hopefully restore function to your key.
If a particular key on your keyboard does not perform its intended function in a single application, it's likely that the key has been assigned to another action via the game's keyboard settings. Examine the settings on your keyboard and try pressing the key again to determine whether it's functioning properly. If you're having issues you should buy an entirely new keyboard. It can be put in place by professionals. This is especially important when you're playing games that require a lot of typing.