How to Fix Faulty Key Repairs

A damaged key fob can cause a disruption to your day. Luckily, fixing the issue is simple with the right tools and steps.

Before attempting any repairs, always ground yourself to remove static electricity. It's only a matter of seconds, and is good practice when working with electronics in general.

Check for any debris underneath the key that is defective. Breadcrumbs and other bits often become stuck beneath keys, which prevents them from pushing in correctly.

Broken Car Keys

It's easy to take car keys for granted until they stop working or break at the worst possible time. When your car keys don't work, it can be a hassle to open your trunk to get groceries, or open your doors to get somewhere, or start your engine to get to 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're no longer functioning as they should. This is a serious issue, as you will be unable to use your vehicle unless you have an additional key or your mechanic can fix the problem.

The majority of broken car keys can be easily repaired or replaced. If your key has been damaged within the lock or ignition, you can sometimes remove the remaining portion of the key by using pliers or a wire coated with. Alternatively, a locksmith can offer you a set of special tools for removal that are designed to slide into the key and place an apex-like grip to the broken pieces to securely remove them.

If the car key is broken in half, an easy and affordable fix is to super glue the two pieces back together. It can be tricky to ensure that the pieces are aligned correctly, but it can yield excellent results. Keep a pair of scissors and a roll tape at hand in case you need to alter the alignment.

Another way to temporarily repair the car key that is damaged is to replace the battery inside the key fob. If your car key fob isn't working and you don't yet have a replacement then this is the ideal solution. You can do this depending on the type and model of your vehicle by taking out the fob, then opening it with a screwdriver.


If the problem is serious such as if your keyfob is not working or is not responding, you'll need to replace it. It is possible to do this at the dealership, however an auto locksmith will typically be more affordable. They will come to you and make the needed repairs or even replace the key fob.

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As with all electronic devices, car key fobs can fail. Fortunately, they're not all that difficult to fix if they do cease to function. The first thing you'll need to determine is what the issue is.

The battery is typically the culprit when the keyfob stops working. The replacement of the battery is the easiest and cheapest solution, and you can do at home.

If cleaning the fob is not working then you can take it apart. Your fob has an internal circuit board which houses a number of "contact pads" for each button that you can press on the fob (lock buttons or trunk buttons, etc.). The contact pads are made of rubber and are coated with an electrically conducting film that will eventually wear off as time passes. Utilizing key fob repair swab along with some rubbing alcohol, you can clean the contacts in your key fob to remove any corrosion hindering their function.

If you suspect that your contacts are damaged or loose You can try using the tweezers in a pair. If you do this it is recommended to apply some silicone on the back of your key fob before inserting the new contacts. Silicone will protect the contacts from out water.

Another possibility for 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 are trying to do. If the key fob is unpaired, it won't recognize the car and will not allow you to start the engine.

If you can't get your key fob to pair with the car, it's time to call an expert locksmith or dealership technician. They'll have the tools to reprogram the key fob and make it functional again. It's likely that you'll have to pay for the service but it will be much cheaper than purchasing a new key fob.

Keys are not responsive

It's not a pleasant experience when a key on your computer ceases to function. The first step is to make sure that the key isn't blocked by something physical. Over time, dust, hair and other particles can build up and cause interference to the circuitry of a key. Try gently removing your key and clean it up by using a rag soaked with ruby alcohol. Sometimes, it's all it takes to get your key working again.

If the key doesn't work, it's an issue with your software. Some keys are mapped to specific actions in games If your key isn't doing what you'd like it to, check your game settings to make sure that the key is correctly mapped.

You could also try reinstalling the keyboard drivers to fix the issue. You should always update your drivers whenever possible to avoid having your keyboard stop working due to outdated or corrupted ones.

The key might be damaged. There are two circuits in each key switch, and over time, these circuits be damaged until 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 tried all of these fixes, but the keyboard still doesn't respond you're probably in need of have your laptop or external keyboard examined by an expert. There could be a physical issue with the membrane that covers your keyboard, or it could be that one of the keys has become defective.

You can test the keys using the keyboard tester. The website will inform you whether the keys are functioning correctly or not. If they are in the latter, it's most likely to be a software issue. Then, you can begin applying the other fixes in order to regain full functionality. You can also utilize an external keyboard until the internal keyboard is repaired or replaced.

Keys That Don't Work

It's frustrating when keys don't function however, they're usually simple to repair. A malfunctioning key could be caused by a piece or grime under the button or it may simply not be connected properly to your keyboard or laptop. If you are unsure, clean the keys with canned air and blow out any dirt or dust.

The key may have become unbalanced. This is a different issue that can be fixed with a professional, though it is more likely to require replacement of the key. If you have an electronic key that isn't able to be turned with a metal key the transponder chip might have stopped working. It is necessary to have a new key that is programmed.

Try a key test website if your laptop or external keyboard keys are not responding. This can help you figure out if there's any issues with the software or the keyboard itself.

A switch that's not functioning properly could also be the cause for the key not functioning as is. If you have mechanical keyboards, you can easily look under the keycap and observing whether there's any debris that has accumulated on it. If you find any that is not there, use canned air to clear it up and then remove 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 fails to perform the expected function in only one program, it's likely that settings for the game's keyboard have assigned the key to perform a different action. Check the settings for your keyboard and press the key once more to verify if it's working. If you're having issues you should buy a new keyboard. It can be put in place by a professional. This is particularly true when you play a sport which requires a lot more typing.