Description

Key repairs

 The main problems with car keys that require repair:

• Buttons worn, damaged, lost or stopped working
• Blade pop-out mechanism malfunctioning or broken
• The working part of the key is worn, bent or damaged
• Key body worn or mechanically damaged
• The car has stopped responding to key commands or the light is not on
• The key has been dropped, exposed to water, temperature, radiation, etc.

Repairing ignition keys is a procedure that can sometimes be questioned, especially if the key with a chip is simple and inexpensive. The point is that almost all modern car keys are equipped with immobiliser chips.

Now let’s imagine that we need to repair the ignition key because the previous one has worn out and is not working properly in the lock or has broken altogether. Once the new key has been made and tooling has been done, the chip from the original key will have to be inserted into the new key. But the problem is that the original keys are often non-destructible, i.e. the chip is located in the plastic handle of the key and cannot be disassembled. We can only cut the handle carefully, if possible, and hope that the chip is not damaged in the process.
But in the case of a key fob repair, where the key is fitted with a circuit board and remote control buttons, then the field of action widens and various repair options become possible.

These include diagnostics and inspection of the key

Replacing the key case

In some cases, repairing the ignition key means replacing the buttons

Repairing the ignition key is also an option when the cost of a new key is high enough. For example, the repair of a Mercedes ML key

A new key blade was made and cut, and a C.U. As a result, the key has been restored to its normal appearance, can be used to its full potential and is not embarrassed to be removed in public.
This type of key repair is in a separate category because it concerns the repair of folding keys. It also makes sense to repair electronic Mercedes ignition keys – so-called Mercedes fish keys. Often the key itself works, but the housing is broken, the buttons are missing, etc.

In this case, a new electronic key can be made and programmed for the Mercedes, or the key body can simply be replaced. We can also repair the electronic part/key board. When the car no longer starts with the key and/or the buttons no longer work.

Starting cards

Reno (Renault) cars are not exempt from ignition key repairs. Especially when the key is replaced by a chip card, which is also prone to deterioration.

Replacing and repairing key fobs is one of the more popular services. Modern car ignition keys are equipped with remote control buttons C3 (ЦЗ). As is well known, anything that moves, presses, etc. is prone to wear and breakage, including broken car key buttons.

The pop-up key itself and the buttons can break on the keys.

When repairing car keys, it is often not enough to simply replace the key body and blade. In more than 50% of cases, the buttons on the key body are first depressed and broken, and then the buttons on the plate itself are broken or lost.
That is, the key and the plate remain functional and intact, but because the button on the key has broken or been lost, it is no longer possible to remotely control the car’s central locking system.
In this case, there are two options:

• Make and program a new key
• Repair the existing key – repair, re-solder and replace the ignition key buttons

We have in our workshop push-button ignition keys for exactly the second option, not for all, of course, but for many car models.

Of course, it would be a mistake to think that repairing your keys by replacing the buttons is very cheap. No, it’s not as cheap as it might seem, but it’s still 2-3 times cheaper, or more, than making and programming a new key.

 

---

 

---