How to Fix a Key Scratch on Your Car
There are several options when you've got scratches on the keys of your car and you want it fixed. Mobile auto detailing specialists can fix a scratch or a dent on the car key, and restore its original beauty.
Begin by looking at the key and identifying any issues. Test the key to be sure it functions properly.
1. Remove the keycap
Because of their constant use, keyboards are susceptible to wear and tear. They can also accumulate food, dust and hair which can cause them to malfunction. Cleaning your keyboard will get rid of these particles, and prolong the life of your keyboard.
First, turn off your computer and disconnect the keyboard, if you can. This will stop accidental commands from being typed when you're using the keyboard. Next, find a clear workspace where you can lay out each of the keys. This will allow you to easily connect them once you're done.
If you don't have an instrument to remove keycaps, try using a butter knife or flathead screwdriver. You can also use a paperclip bent into the shape of a "U-shape" to secure it under the key. Once you've removed your keycap wash it off and wipe the keyswitch clean.
You can also clean the stems of keys, which are the little towers or clips that stick out from the faceplate of each key. To clean the faceplate, use the swab of cotton that has been dipped in isopropyl. Be careful not to spill any alcohol on the printed areas of the key, as it could cause damage to the key.
Reattach the key after washing it. Start with the top left corner, and move down the row one key at a. If you're using a brand new keycap, make sure you align it with the switcheswitch and press it equally on the sides to snap it in place.
Be aware of the larger keys, such as the space and enter bars when you replace the cap. These keys are attached by a metal bar that is easily damaged if not careful. Once you've placed all the keys back onto the keyboard, test the keys by pressing them down. When the keycap has been properly connected, you should hear a click sound and feel it press down. If not, you may need to try reattaching the cap once more or bringing it to an expert.
2. Clean is the key
It could be for a variety of reasons why a keyboard is sticky or mushy, but most commonly it's because the key isn't set properly into its base or key mechanism. The easiest way to solve this issue is to use a flathead screwdriver or butter knife to break the corner of the key away. There will be a sound when the key falls off and you can wash it with alcohol or water to cleanse it. If keys are rusty, you can clean them using salt and lemon or place them in the solution of vinegar and water to get rid of iron particles that cause corrosion.
Before you start anything, make sure you close down your computer and disconnect it if you need to. It is essential to keep yourself grounded as well as the last thing you'd want to do is to damage electronic components with static electricity.
Start by wiping down the keys and their surroundings using a lint-free cloth. Make sure to squeeze it out thoroughly to ensure there is no moisture between the keys. Be sure to only use a gentle cleaning solution since stronger cleaners can damage the plastic.
Then you can use a cotton swab dampened in isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) to wipe around the edge of the key and its surrounding area. Be sure to avoid getting any alcohol on the print since it could cause discoloration or even remove the lettering from your keys.
car key fob repair can also use an electronics cleaning brush from an ordinary store to remove hard-to-clean dirt and debris. You can also purchase products in a gel consistency which can be applied to your keyboard, and then peeled away. This will take away any loose debris that has accumulated between your keys.
If your key is still stuck or mushy even after you've tried the above solutions it could be time to replace it. Based on the type of key, this can be a relatively simple task or more complicated, and you might have to disassemble the entire key mechanism to remove the old key and put the new one in its place.
3. Reattach the keycap
We don't usually think about the keys to our car until they are damaged or locked inside the car. This can be a real pain in the neck however there are a few ways to fix the issue and save yourself some cash.
First, try using compressed air to blast away any dust or debris that may be blocking the key switch. If this doesn't work you, try prying the key cap and cleaning it.
Make sure you use an item that can be used to pry the key, such as credit card or Spudger (you can also use butter knives in an emergency). Also, you should have a small tool such as the toothpick and tweezers that can be used to clean the tiny grooves that surround the key.
After cleaning the key, reattaching the keycap will allow you to test it. If the key still doesn't respond, you may have to replace your key switch.
If your keyboard is too old or the switch is damaged, then you'll need the replacement. You can solder it into place. This is a more difficult fix, but it's usually the only option if the key isn't working.
Dust accumulation under the key is one of the most frequent reasons for a key to not work. If this is the situation, all you have to do is clean the area and remove any debris or dirt.
Another reason that can cause a key to cease working is that the switch on the key has damaged. This could happen when water or other liquid gets into the key switch. It can cause corrosion, which can eventually eat away the connectors and pins on the circuit board.
You can prevent this by cleaning the circuit board prior to replacing the key. This will help to make the switch more resistant to corrosion, and it will also make it easier to remove and then solder in a new key switch.
If you're not comfortable doing it yourself You can always take your laptop to an electronics repair shop to have it repaired. They will be able determine if the key switch can be repaired and in the event it's not, they'll replace it.
4. Test the key
It can be frustrating, and even dangerous, when a key won't work to start your car. If you have to purchase an entirely new key fob, it could be expensive. Before you rush to the electronics or auto store, you can try a few easy solutions. The first thing you need to do is try using an alternative key to ensure that the original key is the issue. This will help identify the issue and save money in the long run.
If the key does not work, you should examine it in detail to determine what the problem is. Most keys are comprised of three components including the cap for the key, the key carriage, and the key pad. Each of these components can cause a variety of issues with the key. A common issue is that the cap of the key might be loose or slanted, which could prevent it from snapping back into position when you press down on the key. It is possible to fix this by re-seating the key cap.
Another possibility is that the key pad or the key pad may be damaged or dirty. These parts are extremely difficult to repair, but they can be cleaned with the help of a toothpick or a tweezer. You should be careful not to scratch any internal components as this could cause your key to cease functioning completely.
You can also do a key-rollover test. This test checks if the key can register more than one key combination at the same time. This can be tested by pressing several keys at once, and then checking whether they all register correctly. If any keys do not register, you may have to clean or replace them.
You can also replace the battery in your key fob. This is a cheap and quick way to test your keys. It will also allow you to determine if have a dead battery, or a broken switch.