How to Fix Faulty Key Repairs
A faulty key fob can ruin your entire day. With the right tools and directions it's simple to fix these issues.
Always make sure to ground yourself prior to attempting repairs to eliminate static electricity. It only takes a second and is a good practice when working with electronics generally.
Find any debris that may be under the bad key. Breadcrumbs and other bits can become stuck under keys, which can prevent the keys from being properly pushed into.
Broken Car Keys
Car keys are easy to overlook until they fail or stop working at the most inconvenient times. When your car keys don't work, it could be frustrating to try to open your trunk in order to grab groceries, or open your doors to get to a place, or start your engine to get to work.
Over time, keys for automobiles can wear out. They may be damaged from being thrown around or dropped and the internal parts may wear down to the point where they don't function correctly anymore. This is a serious issue that will mean you'll be unable to use your vehicle unless you have an extra key or your mechanic corrects the problem.
The majority of broken car keys can be easily repaired or replaced. If the key has been damaged inside the lock or ignition you can easily remove the remaining portion of the key using pliers or coated wire. Alternatively, a locksmith can provide you with a set of special removal tools that are designed to slide in along the key and place an apex-like grip to the broken pieces in order to take them out.
If the key to your car is broken in half, a simple and affordable fix is to glue the two pieces back together. This is difficult as you must make sure that the pieces are aligned, but the result are very efficient. It's a good idea keep a pair of scissors and a roll tape on hand in case you have to adjust the alignment to a degree.
Replace the battery inside the car key fob to temporarily repair a broken key. This is usually the best option in case your car key fob isn't turning on but you don't have a suitable replacement yet. You can accomplish this based on the type and model of your car by removing the fob and then opening it using an screwdriver.
If the problem is serious such as if your key fob isn't functioning or is unresponsive, you'll need to replace it. It is possible to do this at the dealership, however 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're not difficult to repair. The first thing you'll need to determine is the cause of the issue.
The battery is usually the cause when the keyfob ceases to function. Removing the battery is the simplest and cheapest solution, and is something you can do at home.
If cleaning the fob isn't working then you can take it apart. The circuit board of your fob contains "contact pads" that correspond to each button on the fob. (Lock buttons, trunk buttons etc.) The contact pads are made of rubber and coated in an electricity conducting film that will eventually wear off over time. You can clean the contacts on your key fob with rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab to get rid of any corrosion.
If you suspect that your contacts are loose or broken If you suspect that the contacts are damaged or loose, you can use a pair of tweezers. It is recommended to apply silicone to the back of the key fob first before you insert the new contacts. Silicone will protect the contacts from out water.
A key fob that's not working could be because it was not connected to the vehicle. When you use a key fob, it sends the car a message that informs it of what you're trying to accomplish. 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're unable to get your key fob to re-pair to your car, it's time to contact a 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 purchasing a brand new key fob.
Unresponsive Keys
It's a nightmare when the key on your computer stops working. First, make sure the key isn’t blocked by any obstruction. Over time dust, hair, and other particles can build up and disrupt the circuitry of the key. Try gently getting rid of your key and then cleaning underneath it with a rag soaked in ruby alcohol. Sometimes, car remote key repair is all it takes to get your key working again.
If the key does not work, it's possible that there's a problem with your software. Some keys are mapped to specific actions in games, so if your key isn't doing what you'd expect it to, check your game settings to make sure that the key is correctly assigned to a specific action.
You could also try reinstalling the drivers for your keyboard to resolve the problem. Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause your keyboard to cease working, so you should always keep them up to date whenever possible.
Another possibility is that the key is damaged. Every key switch is comprised of two circuits, and they could wear out in time to the point where they can no longer detect a press. If this is the case the best choice is to replace the entire keyboard, as it will likely no longer function properly.
If you've gone through all of these fixes and the key still isn't responding you're probably in need of get your laptop or external keyboard inspected by a professional. There may be a physical issue with the membrane that covers your keyboard or it could be because one of the keys has become deficient.
You can test the keys with a keyboard tester. The website will tell you if the keys are registering correctly or not. If they're not, then it is most likely to be a software issue. Then, you can begin applying the remaining fixes in order to regain 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 work are an absolute pain, but fortunately, they're generally easy to fix. A malfunctioning button could be caused by a piece or dirt under the button, or it could be due to the fact that it cannot be properly connected to your keyboard or laptop. If you're not sure whether this is the case, start by cleaning the keys and then using canned air to eliminate dust and dirt.
It is possible that the key has become misaligned with the lock. It is possible to correct this problem 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 a metal key the transponder chip might have stopped working. You'll need to get a new key programmed.
Try a key test website to determine if your keyboard on your laptop or externally are not responding. This can help you find out if there's software interference or problems with the keyboard itself.
Another reason that one key not performing its expected function is that the switch isn't working properly. If you own a mechanical keyboard, you can easily examine this by looking under the keycap and observing if there is any debris stuck to it. If you find anything, wash it away by using canned air. Then take off the keycap. This will allow you replace the hooks which connect the retainer to the switch and, hopefully, restore functionality to your key.
If a key on your keyboard isn't performing the intended function in only one program, then it is likely that the settings for the game's keyboard have assigned the key to perform a different action. Check the keyboard's settings and press the key again to determine whether it's functioning as intended. If you're having issues you should purchase an entirely new keyboard. It can be installed by an expert. This is especially important when you're playing a game that requires a lot of typing.