How to Fix a Key Scratch on Your Car
There are many options to consider in case you have scratched the key of your car and you want it repaired. Mobile auto detailing experts can fix scratches caused by keys, and restore the appearance of your vehicle.
Begin by observing and identify the problem with the key. Check the key to make sure it functions properly.
1. Take off the cap on the key.
Keyboards are prone to wear and tear from daily use. They may collect food, dust hair, particles that could cause them to malfunction. Cleaning your keyboard can help remove these particles, and prolong the life of your keyboard.
Shut down your computer first, and then disconnect the keyboard, if you can. This will prevent you from accidentally typing commands when working on the keyboard. Find a place where you can arrange all the keys. This will help you reattach them when you're finished.
If you don't own a keycap remover tool you can try a butter knife or a flathead screwdriver. You could also use a paperclip bent into an "U-shape" to secure it under the key. Once you've removed the keys wash them off and wipe down the keyswitch.
You can also clean the key stems that are the tiny towers or clips that stick out from the faceplate of each key. Use a cotton swab that has been dipped in isopropyl alcohol to wipe off any dirt or debris that has accumulated on the faceplate. Avoid getting alcohol on the printed area of the key as it could cause damage to it.
Reattach the key after washing it. Start at the top left corner and move down each row, one key at one time. If you're using a new keycap, make sure you align it with the keyswitch and press it equally on all sides to snap it in the right position.
When you're reattaching the keycap pay attention to larger keys such as the space bar and enter. These keys are connected by a metal bar that can easily be damaged if you're not careful. After you've put all of the keycaps on the keyboard, press down the keys to test them. When the keycap has been properly reattached, you should hear a clicking sound and feel it press down. If you do not then you might need to try reattaching it again or consult a professional.
2. Clean the key
A key can be sticky and mushy due to various reasons and the most common is that it's not set correctly in its base or the key mechanism. For desktop keyboards, the easiest method to fix this is to use a blunt prying tool like a flathead screwdriver or butter knife to break one corner of the key loose. You'll hear a click when the key comes off, and you can then clean it with water or alcohol to clean it. If your keys have rust and are dirty, you can clean them using salt and lemon. You can also soak keys in a solution of water and vinegar.
Before you start anything, make sure you close your computer and unplug it if you need to. It is also essential to keep yourself grounded, as the last thing you want is to harm sensitive electronic components by static electricity.
Begin by wiping the key and its surroundings using a lint free cloth. Make sure to squeeze it thoroughly so that there isn't any moisture between the keys. Use an easy cleaning solution since stronger cleaners may damage the plastic.
Then apply a cotton swab dampened in isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) to clean the edge of the key and the surrounding area. Be sure to avoid getting any alcohol on the print as it could cause discoloration or even strip the lettering off your keys.
You can also get an electronic cleaning brush available at an ordinary store to remove hard-to-clean dirt and debris. Finally, there are many products available with a slimy gel consistency, that can be laid on top of your keyboard and then peeled off to remove any loose debris from between your keys.
If your key remains sticky or mushy after you've tried the solutions above it could be time to replace it. Depending on the kind of key, this may be a fairly simple process or it can be more complicated. You may need to disassemble the entire key mechanism to take out the old key and then put the new one in place.
3. Reattach repair broken car key to the key.
We don't think about our keys until they are broken or locked in the car. It can be a huge problem, but it's possible to fix it and save money.
Try using compressed air to remove any dust or debris that could be blocking the switch. If this fails, you can try to pry the key cap off and clean it.
Use a plastic prying tool, such as the credit card or Spudger. (You could also employ a knife if are in rush). You should also have a small tool such as a toothpick or tweezers to clean the tiny grooves around the key.
After cleaning the key, reconnecting the keycap will allow you test it. If the key is not responding, then you might have to replace the switch on the key.
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 often the only option when the key isn't working.
Dust accumulation beneath the key is one of the most frequent reasons for keys not to work. If this is the situation, all you have to do is clean the area and get rid of any dirt or debris.
Keys may stop working because the switch has been corroded. This could occur when water or a different liquid is introduced into the key switch. It could cause corrosion, which will eventually eat the connectors and pins on the circuit board.
To stop this from occurring, you should clean the circuit board with contact cleaner prior to replacing the key. This will make the switch corrosion resistant and will make it easier to take it out and connect an entirely new switch.
If you're not confident in doing this on your own then you can take the laptop to an electronics repair shop to have it fixed. They'll be able to determine if your key switch can be saved and be capable of replacing it if required.
4. Test the key
When a key fails to start the car, it can be a hassle and even risky. If you require an entirely new key fob, it can be costly. But, before you rush out to the auto shop or to an electronics store there are some quick solutions you can try. It is recommended to first try using a spare key to verify that it's your original key that's causing the issue. This will help identify the issue and help save money in the long run.
If the key still doesn't work, you need to examine it in detail to determine what's wrong. The majority of keys are made up of three components: the key cap, the key carriage, and the key pad. Each of these parts can cause different problems for the key. A common problem is that the key cap may be loose or slanted, which could hinder it from snapping back into place when you press the key. You can usually fix this by re-securing the cap.
A damaged or dirty key pad or key carriage is a different possibility. These parts are hard to repair, but they can be cleaned with the help of a toothpick or a tweezer. Be cautious not to scratch any internal components as this could cause the key to stop working completely.
You can also perform a key-rollover test. This test examines whether or not a key can register multiple combinations of keys simultaneously. This can be tested by pressing multiple keys simultaneously and then determining if they all register correctly. If any keys fail to register, they might need to be cleaned or replaced.
You can also replace the battery in your key fob. This is an easy and inexpensive method of testing your key and also help you to determine if the problem is due to a dead battery or a broken ignition switch.