Tips For a Broken Car Key Repair
A broken key in the ignition could be very frustrating. Avoid turning it too hard to avoid further damage to the lock and ignition cylinder.
Instead, seek out professional assistance immediately. A locksmith can take out the broken piece without causing further damage. While you are waiting, take a bus or get a ride with a friend.
Damage Assessment
A car key that is damaged is an actual hassle. It could hinder you from getting where you need to go, cause you to lose time and money and could even result in costly repairs for your vehicle. It's important to remember some of the best practices for fixing a broken car keys to be able to fix the issue quickly.
Never try to remove the broken key by yourself. This can worsen the situation and damage your ignition cylinder or lock. Modern locksmiths are equipped with the tools needed to safely remove a damaged car key without causing further damage.
Your car key can break for many reasons, such as wear, damage or improper handling. A common reason is that the key gets damaged and doesn't fit into the ignition any longer. This could be due to regular use or after being exposed to harsh weather conditions.
automotive key repair why your car key may break is because there is a blockage in the keyway or ignition cylinder. This could be due to dirt or debris that has accumulated over time, and it can interfere with the grooves of your key. If you have an electronic key that has modern functions, the issue could also be caused by problems with the battery or with how your car connects the keys.
Call a locksmith immediately when your car key is broken within the ignition or door lock. Trying to force the key out can cause more damage, so it's always safer to be cautious and seek assistance from a professional.
If you do decide to attempt to repair your car keys yourself, don't use super glue. This will likely break after a couple of uses and won't be as efficient as a reputable tool from professional locksmith. Make use of a strong wire or nail to fix the loop that is broken. If possible you can drill a hole at each end of the nail or wire to key width and then apply glue in both holes. Let it dry before using the key for the second time.
Removing the Broken Part
It is possible to remove the damaged car key from the door lock, but it requires a certain amount of precision to avoid further damage. You can do this with a good set of needle nose pliers and penetrating oils. A jigsaw with downward-facing teeth can also be useful in securing the broken bit inside the lock and pulling it out at a straight angle. Avoid twisting the lock as this could cause it to break completely or cause damage to the ignition cylinder.
If the key is damaged inside the lock, you will have to call locksmiths for an exchange or visit your dealer. If the broken piece is large enough to be grabbed by pliers, it could be possible. Avoid turning the key with screws or pliers, since this could cause it to break more or cause other damage to the lock or ignition.
For a more durable solution, you can try using super glue to repair the plastic loop that is broken on your key. Be sure to make use of a gel-type glue and not just a runny one, and allow it to dry before inserting the key into the lock. This isn't a good idea, as a mistake can cause misalignments that cause damage to the lock or ignition system, and cause more costly repairs later on.
Another option is to use a thick wire or nail for finishing to act as a temporary car key loop replacement. For each end of the nail or wire make two holes in the broken loop on the key. Apply a small amount of super glue to each hole after cutting the wire or nail to the same length as the key. Then, you can slide the wire or nail through the holes and then close the broken loop of plastic on your car key.
Keep both pieces of the broken car key. This will allow professional locksmiths to create an exact copy. This reduces the chance of problems with the new key, which will save your time and money in the long in the long.
Getting a New Key
Sometimes keys to cars break in a way that makes it impossible to start the vehicle. This can happen when you put too much pressure when turning the key and it snaps into the ignition. This could also happen if you use your key fob for opening the door, and it gets stuck. If this occurs, you'll need contact a locksmith or a dealership for assistance.
It can be a real trouble to have a damaged key in your ignition, since you won't be able to drive your vehicle until the issue is fixed. The key is used for turning the car on and of it, as well as for unlocking the doors and activating other functions. Luckily, there are steps you can do to fix the broken key in the ignition before it develops into an issue that is more serious.
First, you should try to remove the broken part of your key by using pliers. If you are lucky the car key could have been damaged close to the top of the lock and will be easy to jimmy from the lock. If the key was broken at the bottom of the lock, you will have more difficulty removing it on your own and will need to use some specially designed tools. These tools are narrow, flat and have small hooks at the end. They latch onto the fragment of the key and then pull it out. You may also consider using a lubricant like liquid or powder to loosen the key and make it easier to remove.
Another option is calling an emergency locksmith who will arrive and repair your damaged key. This is usually less expensive than going to a dealer and can also save your time. They can also design a key that matches the existing key of your car, which is important for newer vehicles with chip-programmable technology.
You can also attach the two pieces of your key using super glue. This is a risky option, but it might work. Just be careful not to get the key stuck in the ignition or lock.
Programming the New Key
Depending on the type of key you own depending on the type of key you have, it might not be possible to reprogramme it on your own. Only the dealer or a locksmith can do this because it protects your security system of your car from unauthorized access. This is an essential step to stop people from using another key to start your vehicle and possibly stealing it. It does complicate the process, especially in the event that the fob must be replaced.
If you're in a hurry it's not difficult to exert too excessive pressure when turning the key to unlock or lock your vehicle. This can cause the key to become stuck or break in half inside the lock. The key may also get stuck in the ignition and prevent you from getting your car started. This is frustrating and can cause a disruption to your schedule. There are ways to fix this issue before it gets out of control.
You can take a broken fragment of a key from a lock by using the basic tools you have at home. Tweezers can be useful for picking small pieces and pliers are great for prying the key loose. You can also use the key extractor, which is a specialty tool that is often available at auto parts stores. You can also try spraying the lock with lubricant to help with the extraction process.
Keep both pieces of the keys that are damaged. This helps the locksmith create a more precise duplicate which will speed up the replacement process. It also helps you get back on the road quicker. If you don't have spare keys that work or keys, you can request the dealer to start your car using new keys and use it to program the new one.
You can also purchase a second key from a locksmith and then insert it into the ignition to put the vehicle's computer system into programming mode. After some time you can switch the key to the "on" position, but don't actually start the engine. Then, switch to the new key. The process could last between a few minutes up to several hours. You'll need to find a way to get around until the process is complete. You can take public transportation or ask your friends to take you to the airport.