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 would like it repaired. Mobile auto detailing experts can fix a scratch or a dent on the car key, and restore its pristine appearance.
Begin by noting and identifying the problem with the key. Then test the key to ensure it is working properly.
1. Take off the keycap
Due to their daily use, keyboards are susceptible to wear and tear. They also tend to collect hair, dust, and food that could cause them to malfunction. Cleaning your keyboard will get rid of these particles, and extend the life of your Keyboard.
Switch off your computer first, then remove the keyboard in the event that you are able to. This will prevent accidental commands from being entered while you're working on your keyboard. Find a space in which you can arrange all the keys. This will make it easier to reattach the keys once you're done.
If you don't have a keycap remover tool, you can try using a flathead screwdriver or a butter knife. You can also improvise by shaping a paperclip into a "U" shape and then bend the ends to hook under the key. After you have removed the cap from the key, wash them off and clean the switch.
You can also clean key stems. These are the little towers that stick out of the faceplate. To clean the faceplate, you can use a cotton swab which has been submerged in isopropyl. Avoid getting alcohol on the printed area of the key since it could damage it.
Reattach the key after washing it. Start at the upper left corner and work your way across each row one key at a time. If you're using a fresh keycap, it's best to align it with the switch and press it evenly across all sides to lock it into the right position.
When you're reattaching the keycap pay attention to larger keys, such as the enter and space bar. They are joined to a bar of metal which can be damaged if not careful. After you've reattached all the keycaps back onto the keyboard and tested the keys by pressing them down. You should hear a click, and feel the key pressing down normally when it's properly reattached. If not it, you might have to try reattaching the keycap once more or bringing it to a professional.
2. Clean is the key
It could be due to a variety of reasons why a key feels sticky or mushy but the most common reason is that the key hasn't been set correctly into its base or key mechanism. The most effective way to solve this issue is to employ a flathead screwdriver, or butter knife to pry the corner of the key free. The key will fall off in a snap. You can clean it by washing it with water or alcohol. If keys are rusty, you can scrub them with salt and lemon or place them in an aqueous solution of water and vinegar to remove iron particles that cause rust.
Close your computer and unplug if needed. It's also essential to ground yourself, since the last thing you want is to harm sensitive electronic components by static electricity.
Start by wiping the whole key and its surroundings using a lint-free, dry cloth that you've thoroughly wrung to prevent getting any moisture between the keys. Use an easy cleaning solution since stronger cleaners may damage the plastic.
Then, use a cotton swab dampened in isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) to wipe around the edge of the key and the area around it. Be remote key fob repair to avoid getting any alcohol on the print as it could cause discoloration or even remove the lettering from your keys.
You can also buy an electronic cleaning brush at an ordinary store. This will help you remove any stubborn dirt or debris. Additionally, there are numerous products available with a slimy gel consistency, which can be laid on top of your keyboard and then removed to clear any loose debris between your keys.
If your key is still sticky or mushy after you've tried all of the above, it might be time to replace it. Based on the type of key, this can be a relatively simple task or more complex, and you may need to disassemble the whole key mechanism to take out the old key and then put the new one on.
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 headache, but there are some ways to fix the issue and save yourself some money.
First, try using compressed air to blast away any debris or dust that might be blocking the key switch. If this doesn't help then you can try prying the key cap and cleaning it.
Use a plastic prying tool, such as the credit card or Spudger. (You can also use a knife if you are in hurry). You should also have a small tool such as the toothpick or tweezers for cleaning the tiny grooves in the key.
After cleaning the key, reattaching it to the keycap will allow you test it. If the key does not respond, you may have to replace your key switch.
If your keyboard is worn out or your switch for the key is damaged, you'll need to purchase a new one and then solder it to the existing. This is a harder fix, but it's usually the only option in the event that the key is no longer working.
Dust accumulation under the key is one of the most frequent causes for a key to not work. It is possible to clean the area to eliminate any dirt and debris.
The key might not function because the switch has been corroded. This can occur when water or a different liquid enters the key switch. It can cause corrosion, which can eventually eat away at the connectors and pins on the circuit board.
To avoid this happening, you can clean the circuit board using contact cleaner prior to replacing the key. This will help to make the switch more resistant to corrosion, and will make it easier to remove and then solder in the new key switch.
If you're not confident in doing it yourself, you can always take your laptop to an repair shop for electronics to have it repaired. They'll tell you whether or not your key switch is able to be saved, and they'll be able to replace it if required.
4. Test the key
It can be a hassle, and even dangerous, when a key does not work to start your car. If you need to purchase an entirely new key fob, it can be costly. Before you go to the electronics or auto store, you can try a few quick fixes. The first thing you should try is to use a spare key to ensure that the original key is not the problem. This will help narrow down the issue and help save money in the end.
If the key still doesn't work, you should examine it in detail to determine what the problem is. The key cap, key carriage and key pad are the three major parts of most keys. Each of these parts can cause different problems with the key. A common issue is that the cap may be loose or slanted, which could prevent it from snapping back into position when you press the key. You can usually fix this by re-seating the key cap.
A damaged or dirty key pad or key carriage is a different possibility. They aren't simple to repair, however you can often clean them using either a toothpick or a pair of tweezers. Be careful not to damage any internal components as this could cause your key to stop functioning completely.
You can also try performing an experiment with a rollover test. This test determines whether the key can be registered with more than one combination of keys at the same time. This is done by pressing several keys at once and then determining whether they all register correctly. If any keys fail to register, they could need to be cleaned or replaced.
Finally, you can try replacing the battery on your key fob. It's a simple and cheap method of testing your key, and it will aid in determining whether the issue is caused by the battery being dead or a damaged ignition switch.