How to Repair Broken Car Keys
When your car key breaks and you require a solution quickly. You can either wait for the dealer to give you a new key, which is inconvenient, or find alternative ways to get around, like using public transportation or relying on friends to take you around.
You might try some DIY fixes however, only if have the proper tools. You can make use of penetrating oils and needle-nosed pliers.
Assessing the Damage
There's nothing more frustrating than getting in your car to go somewhere only to realize that your keys have broken in the ignition. This issue can occur to anyone, and can be stressful if you're the rush to get to your destination.
The first thing you should do is to take your breath deeply and try not to be overly anxious. If you stay calm you'll be able make better decisions and avoid causing more damage.
Then, you should examine the key that is broken to determine what remains of the key and what percentage of the crack is inside the lock or ignition cylinder. Spray WD-40 or another lubricant on the area where the broken part is within the lock. This will loosen the piece and make it easier for you to remove. If the broken piece is located in the ignition, you'll have to remove it with a special tool called the key extractor.
If the key is still inside the key ring, you may try to bend the key back into place with pliers. This is a challenging task, particularly if you have a break near a connector. If you can't bend it back into its place it is possible to make use of a paperclip to grab the end of the key and pull it straight outward.
If you try to force the key in the ignition, it could cause more damage. It may even become impossible to remove. If you are unable remove a broken or damaged key, call a locksmith or visit the car dealership.
There are numerous methods available online to fix a broken car key, however certain of them may worsen the situation. For car key immobiliser repair , attempting to remove a broken key using a screwdriver could force it into the ignition and even cause damage to the lock. To avoid this, never insert anything other than a tool designed to remove keys into the keyhole.
Remove the broken part
Car keys are delicate, and a slight impact or excessive use could cause them to break inside the ignition. This kind of issue can be difficult to fix without the help of an expert locksmith. You could cause further damage by attempting to fix the damaged key. Super glue and other hacks are not recommended since they can be hard to remove and may cause further damage to the ignition cylinder.
Using a magnet to remove the broken key is not a good idea. Magnets can damage the electrical components of the ignition cylinder and make it more difficult to get the damaged key out. Making excessive force or abrupt movements when trying to turn the key is another common error that can cause a damaged car key.
If the key fragment is still exposed and visible, pliers or tweezers can be used to grab it and remove it. If the key is stuck in the ignition but not visible, a tiny hacksaw blade or other tools with a thin profile can be inserted into the ignition to grasp the edges of the broken car key and pull it out.
Another option is to use penetrating oil to lubricate the keyhole and reduce friction. If you apply the oil and allow it to sit for a couple of minutes, it can help in the removal of the broken key fragment. If the oil doesn't work, you can employ an extractor for keys to remove the broken key fragment from the ignition.
If the key has completely broken off in the ignition, a locksmith is required to cut a new one. A professional locksmith will reassemble the remaining parts and use the parts as a template to create an entirely new key that is as close as possible to the original. This assures that the key will function properly and minimizes any risk of misalignment in the lock or ignition. This could lead to more problems that require expensive and lengthy repairs. It is recommended to regularly inspect and replace the keys on your car to prevent them from getting damaged or worn to the point of breaking.
Remove the broken blade from the Ignition
If you're lucky enough to have the key piece Don't force it into the ignition, or it could cause more damage. You can use any tools you have at home to take it out it with care.
Tweezers are a lifesaver in this situation. They can grasp onto the broken piece of car key and help remove it. Dental picks are small pointed tools that are able to work. You can also use a wire coat hanger, which is flexible enough to fit inside the lock. You might want to try tapping the metal on a solid surface before to avoid jarring a broken key loose.
Another alternative is to use the mini hacksaw blade which is usually available in hardware stores. This is thinner than the screwdriver and can be slipped into the lock to hold on to the broken car key. This might be enough to pull it out without causing damage to the ignition. You may also try needle-nose pliers, which are thin and can connect to the broken car key piece. If you are using a tool like this, be sure to have acetone or cotton swabs in your arsenal to remove any glue remaining from the edge.
It's not a great idea to use magnets to remove the damaged car key. Magnets aren't designed to be used near the ignition, and could cause further damage to the electrical components inside. They can also push broken key fragments further into the ignition, making it difficult to remove them.
After you've taken the key off and inspected the ignition to see whether there are visible indications of damage. If you do notice any cracks or bending you should contact a professional locksmith. They can replace keys without causing damage to the ignition of your car. They can also provide advice on how to avoid further damage. Keep the two pieces of the damaged car key. This will allow them understand the original shape, and also create duplicate keys for you.
How do I get an additional key
There are a few things you can try when your car key breaks. It is important to remember to not force a broken key into the ignition or lock. This could cause further damage and lead to costly repairs. Instead, it is best to call a locksmith right away for a professional assistance.
If the plastic top of your key has not broken off completely You can wrap it with clear tape to give it support and prevent further breakage. Another option is to apply super glue. To accomplish this, you'll have to clean the broken pieces before applying the smallest amount of super glue. Once the glue has dried you can attempt to press the pieces back together, and hopefully your key will work.
Alternately, you can contact the dealership to request the replacement key. This is a good choice since you'll get a key that is matched to your vehicle and is properly paired to the vehicle. In general this will cost you more than using the services of a locksmith, but it may be the quickest and most effective solution to your issue.
A professional locksmith can also provide you with a spare key that will be useful if you ever need to deal with an emergency. You can minimize the risk of your key breaking by taking care of it, by using key protectors, and having an emergency plan.
A damaged car key can be very painful, particularly when you attempt to start the car and find it won't turn over. It is tempting to take the situation by yourself but DIY fixes typically result in misalignments that damage locks and ignition systems. If you force your key into the ignition, it may harm the battery in the keyfob, or cause issues that require costly repairs. This is why it is always best to seek a professional solution. A professional locksmith for cars can quickly and effectively resolve the issue without damaging your vehicle or causing further problems.