How to Repair a Dead Car Key

Sometimes extreme cold or heat can cause a car key to not function properly. You should wait a while before spending money to replace it.

It's quite a hassle when keys to your car break and it happens at the most uncomfortable times! Repairing a damaged key without having to buy a new one.

Dead Key Fob Battery

Modern key fobs allow us to open doors, trunks, and tailgates easily without the need for a key in the car. Certain key fobs come with an inbuilt key that can be utilized to start our vehicles. However, these key fobs depend on a small battery that is the power source for their remote functions. If the battery is dead, then the key fob cannot transmit the signal needed to turn on the vehicle. Luckily, there are several ways you can repair a dead key fob and get your car running again.

The first step is to determine if the key fob is dead. If it seems to be, then you'll require a replacement battery. You can do this yourself by taking the key fob away from its clip or using a small flat-head screwdriver to pry it apart. Be careful not to apply too much pressure or you could cause damage to the fob. It is also essential to make sure you're replacing the correct battery type. Most key fobs are the CR2032 3-Volt battery, however certain models might require a different type of battery. key repair near me can find out what type of battery your car requires in the owner's manual, or go to an Interstate All Battery Center and have a battery specialist help you.

If the key fob isn't dead, you can revive it by moving closer to your vehicle. Since most key fobs are RFID (radio-frequency identification) they only work for a short time and must be close enough for the ignition system to be able to recognize the signal. If you move just a few inches closer to your car, it might unlock or even start.

Many car manufacturers have backup systems that can be activated if the battery of the key fob is low. For instance, many Ford models have a dedicated slot for the key fob that will start the engine when inserted correctly. Refer to the owner's manual for details on how to locate this slot and how to insert the key fob. If you are unable to start your car using this method, be sure to call roadside assistance for assistance.

Broken Key Ring

The internal chip in the key fob is what transmits to your car's immobilizer in order to start the motor. If this chip becomes damaged or if there are programming errors, the key fob will not be able to transmit the correct identification code and your car will not start. In certain instances, a faulty transponder key may be caused by physical damage or wear and tear on the key shell or contact pads.

Often, when a key fob starts to have trouble communicating with your vehicle's immobilizer system there will be specific warning indicators on your dashboard. These include errors flashing lights, or the key not locking the vehicle. If you observe any of these warnings, contact your local locksmith right away for key fob repair or replacement.

It's very easy to damage the ring of your keys by applying too excessive pressure on it, especially when carrying a lot of keys. This can cause the fob to split in half. This is one of the main causes of broken car keys. If this happens, you can attempt to use super glue to repair it by applying a small amount the glue on both sides of the break and carefully pressing them together. Use a gel-type of glue that drys slowly to prevent drips or runniness.

If this method isn't working then you must contact a professional locksmith right away to avoid further damage to your vehicle. A locksmith who is certified can to repair or replace your fob swiftly and ensure that the ignition and door locks do not get damaged in the process.

If your key fob gets damaged it can be frustrating and uninviable. It is not a cause for anxiety or anger. Instead you can take proactive steps to reduce the risk of your key fob breaking in the future, such as regular maintenance including key protectors, and having a spare key. Quicksmith's staff is on hand to assist you if your key fob is damaged.

Broken Key Loop

One of my MK5 keyfobs has broken off the tiny key loop at the top where it attaches to the keyfob. It's believed to be made of very soft metal or plastic. I've drilled a hole, and then wet-sanded it to strengthen it however, I'm assuming the problem isn't helped by that.

I've also tried to wrap the broken ring with clear tape but that didn't seem much better. It's really a shame, since I use the tiny rings to keep my keys in place on the little mini-split ring which holds the larger split rings for the other keyfobs.


If the case for the key fob itself is broken It's usually possible to remove the case and replace the battery (assuming the battery isn't already dead). There are online kits available to help, but they usually only offer a temporary fix - it may be faster to take it to a mechanic who can swap out the battery and reprogram the key fob. Alternately, you may find an alternative case at an home improvement store or locksmith. key fob repairs 're not as expensive as the new key fob.