How to Fix Faulty Key Repairs
A malfunctioning key fob could ruin your entire day. Luckily, repairing the issue is simple 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 only a second and is a good idea when working with electronics in general.
Look for any debris under the key that is defective. Breadcrumbs and other bits of food often get stuck underneath keys, which prevents them from advancing properly.
Broken Car Keys
Car keys are something we ignore until they break or stop working at the most difficult times. When your car keys don't work, it can be frustrating to try to open your trunk in order to grab 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 can be damaged by being dropped or thrown around and the internal parts may wear down to the point that they don't function correctly anymore. This is a major issue since it means you won't be able to use your vehicle without an extra key or your mechanic fix the problem.
The majority of car keys that are damaged can be easily repaired or replaced. If the key is damaged inside the lock or ignition you can remove the remaining part of the key using pliers or coated wire. A locksmith can also supply you with specialized tools that slide along the key and hold the broken pieces in a pincer-like fashion.
Super glue can be used to repair the broken car key. It is a quick and simple fix. It can be a challenge to ensure that the pieces are aligned correctly, but it can yield amazing results. It's a good idea to keep a pair of scissors and a roll of tape in case you need to alter the alignment just slightly.
Replace the battery in your car key fob to fix a broken key. This is generally the best option if your car key fob isn't turning on and you don't have the right replacement yet. You can accomplish this based on the type and model of your vehicle by taking out the fob and then opening it with an screwdriver.
If the issue is more severe like your key fob becomes totally inactive or does not switch on at all, you will require replacement. This is something that you can get at a dealership however, it's generally more affordable to call an auto locksmith to visit your home and make the needed repairs or replace the key fob entirely.
Broken Key Fobs
Like all electronic devices, car key fobs can fail. However, they're not that difficult to fix when they cease to function. First, you'll need to identify the problem.
The battery is usually the culprit when a keyfob stops working. The most simple and cost-effective solution is to replace the battery. It's possible to do this at home.
If cleaning the fob isn't working you can remove it. Your fob has a circuit board inside which houses a number of "contact pads" for every button you can press on the fob (lock buttons, trunk buttons, etc). These contact pads are rubber-like and coated in an electricity conducting film that begins to wear away as time passes. Utilizing a cotton swab along with some rubbing alcohol, you can wash the contacts on your key fob to get rid of any corrosion that may be stopping them from functioning.
You can also try using a pair of tweezers to re-seat the contacts on your key fob if suspect they are broken or loose. It is best to apply silicone to the back of the key fob first before you insert the new contacts. Silicone will make the contacts more secure and keep out water.
A key fob that is not working could be due to the fact that it has been unpaired from the vehicle. When you use a key fob, it sends the car a message that communicates to it what you intend to do. If the key fob is unpaired, it won't recognize the car and not allow you to start the engine.
If you can't get your key fob back to be paired with your car, it's probably time to call in a locksmith or dealer technician. They'll have the tools required to reprogram the fob to get it working again. You'll likely be charged a small amount for the service, but it's less expensive than buying the new key fob.
Keys are not responsive
If a key on your keyboard stops working, it can be an absolute nightmare. The first step is to ensure that the key isn't being blocked by anything physical. Over remote key fob repair , dust, hair and other debris can build up and disrupt the circuitry of keys. Try gently taking the key off and clean the area beneath it with a rag or ruby alcohol. Sometimes, it's all it takes to make your key work again.
If the key doesn't work, it's possible there's a problem with your software. Certain keys are linked to specific actions in games, so if your key isn't performing as you expect it to, make sure you check your game settings to ensure that the key is properly assigned to a specific action.
You may also try reinstalling the drivers for your keyboard to resolve the issue. Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause your keyboard to stop functioning, which is why you should always keep them up to date whenever you can.
Another possibility is that the key is damaged. There are two circuits that comprise each key switch, and over time these can get worn out to the point where they are no longer able to detect when pressed. If this is the case the best solution is to replace the entire keyboard as it will likely no longer function properly.
If you've gone through all of these fixes, but the key still isn't responding you're probably in need of have your laptop or external keyboard checked by an expert. It could be that the membrane that covers your keyboard is damaged, or that one of the keys is damaged.
You can test your keys with a keyboard tester. The website will let you know if the keys are registering correctly or not. If they're not, then it is most likely to be a software issue. The other solutions can be applied to restore full functionality. You could also use an external keyboard until your internal keyboard is repaired or replaced.
Keys that don't work
It's frustrating when keys stop working but they're generally simple to fix. A malfunctioning key could be caused by a small piece of grime under the button or it may simply not be properly connected to your laptop or keyboard. If you're not sure whether this is the case, begin by cleaning the keys and then using canned air to eliminate any dirt or dust.
The key could be misaligned. It is possible to fix this issue with a professional. However, it's more likely that the key will need to be replaced. If your car key is electronic and cannot be turned by pressing a metal manual key into the ignition, it's likely the transponder chip inside has stopped working and you'll need to have an entirely new key programmed.
Try a key test website to determine if your laptop or external keyboard keys are not responding. This will allow you to determine if the keyboard malfunctioning or if software is causing interference.
Another reason why one key not performing its function is because the switch isn't functioning properly. If you have mechanical keyboards, you can easily check this by looking under the keycap and observing if there is any debris that has accumulated on it. If you find anything, use canned air to clean it up and then remove the keycap. This will let you replace the hooks that connect the retainer to the switch and hopefully restore function to your key.
If the key on your keyboard does not perform the desired function in just one program, it's likely that settings for the game's keyboard have mapped the key to perform a different function. Make sure you check the settings on your keyboard and press the key again to see if it's functioning. If not, it's better to purchase a new keyboard and have it installed by a professional. This is particularly true in case you play a game which requires a lot more typing.