How to Fix Faulty Key Repairs
A broken key fob can ruin your day. Luckily, fixing problems like this is easy to fix with the right tools and procedures.
Before you begin any repairs, make sure you ground yourself to remove static electricity. It only takes a second and is a good idea when working with electronics generally.
Find any debris under the key that is damaged. Breadcrumbs and other pieces of debris often get stuck under keys, which prevents them from pushing in correctly.
Broken Car Keys
Car keys are easy to overlook until they stop or break working at the most inconvenient times. Whether you're trying to open the trunk of your car to get groceries, or unlocking your doors to go out, or getting your car started and heading off to work - car keys can be extremely frustrating when they don't work.
Over time, keys to automobiles may wear out. They may be damaged due to being thrown around or dropped and the internal components may wear down to the point where they don't function correctly anymore. This is a huge issue since it means you aren't able to drive unless you have a spare key or your mechanic fix the problem.
The majority of car keys that are damaged can be easily repaired or replaced. If your key is just broken off inside the lock or ignition, you can sometimes remove the remaining portion of the key with pliers or a coated wire. A locksmith may provide you with a set of special tools designed to slide in along the key and place a pincer-like grip onto the broken pieces in order to take them out.
Super glue can be used to fix the broken car key. It's a quick and simple fix. This is a little difficult as you must ensure that the pieces are aligned, but the end result are very efficient. It is a good idea to keep a pair of scissors and a roll of tape in case you have to adjust the alignment slightly.
Replace the battery in the car key fob to repair a broken key. If your car key fob isn't working and you don't yet have a replacement it is the best solution. You can do this depending on the type and model of your vehicle by taking out the fob, then opening it using a screwdriver.
If the problem is serious such as if your key fob isn't functioning or isn't responding it is necessary to replace it. This can be done at the dealer, but an auto locksmith will typically be cheaper. They will visit you and make the needed repairs or even replace the key fob.
Broken Key Fobs
Like any electronic device car key fobs are no exception to malfunction. When they stop working they are not difficult to fix. The first thing you'll need to do is figure out what the issue is.
Most of the time, when the key fob stops working, it's because the battery is dead. The most simple and economical option is to replace the battery. You can do this at home.
If changing the battery doesn't work, take it apart and cleaning it. The fob is equipped with a circuit board inside which houses a number of "contact pads" for each button that 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 starts to wear off as time passes. Using a cotton swab and some rubbing alcohol, you can scrub the contacts in your key fob to eliminate any corrosion hindering their functioning.
You can also try using a pair of tweezers to replace the contacts on your key fob if think they're broken or loose. It is best to apply silicone to the back of the key fob before you insert the new contacts. Silicone will make the contacts more secure and keep out water.
Another possibility for a non-functioning key fob is that it is no longer paired with the vehicle. When you press the button on a key fob, it transmits a code to the car, which tells it what it's trying to accomplish. If the key fob is not paired, it will not recognize the car and not allow you to start the engine.
If you are unable to get your key fob to pair with your vehicle, it's likely to call in a locksmith or dealership technician. They'll have the necessary equipment to reprogram the key fob and make it work again. You'll likely have to pay a small amount for the service, but it's less expensive than buying the new key fob.
Unresponsive Keys
When the keyboard key ceases to function, it can be a nightmare. First, make sure that the key isn't blocked by anything. Over time dust, hair and other debris can build up and interfere with the circuitry of the key. Try gently getting rid of your key and then clean it up with a rag soaked in ruby alcohol. Sometimes, it's all it takes to make your key work again.
If the key does not work after trying all these options, it could be a software problem. If remote key fob repair doesn't do what you expected, look at the settings of your game to confirm that it's correctly mapped.
You can also try reinstalling the keyboard drivers to fix the issue. Incorrect or outdated drivers could cause your keyboard to stop working, so you should always ensure that they are updated as often as possible.
The key could be damaged. Key switches are composed of two circuits, and they can 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 is likely that it will no longer function properly.
If you've tried all of these fixes, but the key still doesn't respond, it's time to have an expert look over your laptop or external keyboard. It could be that the membrane covering the keyboard is damaged or that one of the keys are damaged.
You can test the keys using a keyboard tester. The website will tell you whether the keys are functioning correctly or not. If they're not, then it is most likely a software issue. You can then begin applying the other fixes in order to regain full functionality. Alternately, you can consider using an external keyboard for a temporary solution until the internal keyboard is repaired or replaced.
Keys That Don't Work
It's frustrating when keys don't function but they're generally easy to repair. A malfunctioning key could be caused by a piece of dirt under the button, or it could simply not be properly connected to your keyboard or laptop. If you are unsure you have a problem, wash the keys with canned air and blow away any dirt or dust.
It is possible that the key has been unaligned with the lock. This is a different issue which can be resolved with a professional, though it is more likely to require replacement of the key. If you have an electronic key and it cannot be turned using metal keys the transponder chip might have stopped functioning. You'll need a new key that is programmed.
Try a key test website to determine if your laptop or external keyboard keys are not responding. This will help you determine if the keyboard is malfunctioning or if software is causing problems.
A switch that's not functioning properly could also be the cause for the key not functioning as expected. If you have a mechanical keyboard it is easy to check this by looking beneath the keycap to see if there is any debris that has accumulated on it. If you spot anything, wash it away using canned air, and then remove the keycap. This will let you replace the hooks that connect the retainer to the switch and hopefully bring back functionality to the key.
If a key on your keyboard doesn't perform its intended function in one application, it's likely that the key has been mapped to another action through the game's keyboard settings. Check the settings for your keyboard and press the key once more to check if it is functioning. If you're still experiencing issues it's best to buy an entirely new keyboard. It can be set up by professionals. This is particularly true when you play a sport which requires a lot more typing.