How to Fix a Key Scratch on Your Car
There are several options in case you have scratched the key of your car and want it fixed. Mobile auto detailing experts can fix a scratch on a car key, restoring its pristine appearance.
Start by observing the key and identifying problems. Test the key to be sure it works properly.
1. Take off the cap on the key.
Keyboards are prone to wear and tear from regular use. They might collect dust, food hair, objects that can cause them to malfunction. Cleaning your keyboard will help eliminate these particles and extend the life of your Keyboard.
Turn off your computer first, and then disconnect the keyboard, if you can. This will stop you from typing accidental commands while using the keyboard. Find a place where you can place all the keys. This will make it easier to reconnect the keys after you're finished.
If you don't have a keycap removal tool, you could try using a flathead screwdriver or a butter knife. You can also try creating a paperclip in an "U" shape and then bend the ends to be able to hook onto a key. Once you've removed the keycap clean it off and wipe the keyswitch clean.
You can also clean the stems of keys that are the tiny towers or clips that protrude from the faceplate of each key. Use a cotton swab that has been dipped in isopropyl alcohol to clean off any dirt or debris that has accumulated on the faceplate. Be careful not to get any alcohol on the printed parts of the key, as it may damage it.
After you've cleaned the key it's time to attach it. Start at the top left corner, then proceed down the rows one key at a. If you are using a new cap place it in the right position using the key switch and press evenly on all sides.
When you're reattaching the keycap be aware of larger keys like the enter and space bar. These keys are connected to a support bar made of metal which can easily be damaged if you're not careful. After you have placed the keys on the keyboard, press down on the keys to test them. If the keycap is attached you should hear a click sound and feel it press down. If not then you might need to try reattaching the keycap and again or take it to a professional.
2. Clean the key
A key may be sticky and mushy due to a variety of reasons however the most common is that it's not properly set in its base or key mechanism. The most effective way to fix this problem is to employ a flathead screwdriver, or butter knife to pry the corner of the key off. You'll hear a click when the key is removed and you can clean it with alcohol or water to clean it. If your keys are rusty, you can scrub with salt and lemon. You can also soak keys in a solution of water and vinegar.
Before you do anything, make sure you close down your computer and disconnect it if needed. It's important to keep yourself grounded as well, because the last thing you'd want to do is damage electronic components with static electricity.
Start by wiping down the keys and their surroundings with a lint-free cloth. Make sure you wring it out well so that there isn't any moisture between the keys. Make sure you use the gentlest cleaning solution, since stronger cleaners can damage the plastic.
Then apply a cotton swab soaked in isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) to wipe the edge of the key and its surrounding area. Avoid getting any alcohol on the print as it could cause discoloration or even smudge the lettering off your keys.
You can also get an electronic cleaning brush available at the general store to remove stubborn dirt and debris. Finally, there are many products that you can buy with an emulsifying gel consistency which can be laid down over your keyboard, then removed to clear any loose debris that has accumulated between your keys.
If you've tried each of the above options but your key still feels soft or sticky, it may be time to replace it. Depending on the type of key, this may be a simple procedure or it can be more complicated. You might have to disassemble the whole key mechanism to remove the old key, and then insert the new one in place.
3. Reattach the cap to the key.
We seldom think about our keys until they are damaged or locked in the car. It could be a major headache, but you can repair it and save money.
Try first using a can of compressed air to blast away any dust or debris that may be blocking the key switch. If this isn't working, try to pry the key cap off and clean it.
Be sure to use an item that can be used to pry the key like a credit card or a Spudger (you can also use butter knives in the event of a need). You should also carry a small tool such as a toothpick or tweezers to assist in cleaning the tiny grooves on the keys.
After you've cleaned your key, you can reattach the cap and test it. If the key still doesn't respond, you may have to replace the switch on your key.
If your keyboard is old or the switch on your keyboard is damaged, you'll have to purchase a replacement and then attach it. This is a more difficult fix, but it's often the only option when the key switch isn't working.
One of the most frequent reasons for a key to stop working is due to dust accumulation beneath the key. It is possible to clean the area to remove any dirt and debris.
Keys may not function because the switch has been corroded. This can happen if water or other liquid gets into the switch, and can cause corrosion that could eventually destroy the key switch pins and connectors on the circuit board.
To prevent this from occurring, you should clean the circuit board with contact cleaner before replacing the key. This will make the switch more resistant to corrosion and make it easier to pop it out and solder the new switch.
If you're not comfortable doing this on your own, you can always take the laptop to an repair shop for electronics to have it fixed. They'll inform you if your key switch can be saved and be able to replace it if needed.
4. Test the key
When a key fails to start the car, it could be frustrating and even dangerous. It can also be expensive if you need to buy an alternative key fob. Before you head to the auto or electronics store you can try a few easy solutions. The first thing you should try is to use a spare key to ensure that your original one is not the problem. This will help pinpoint the issue and save you money in the end.
If broken key repair does not work, you need to disassemble it to determine what's wrong. The key cap, key carriage and key pad are the three major parts of most keys. Each of these components can cause different issues with the key. A common problem is that the cap may be loose or tilted, which can stop it from snapping back into place when you press the key down. This can be corrected by replacing the cap.
A damaged or dirty key pad or key carriage is another possibility. These parts are not easy to repair, but you can often clean them by using either a toothpick or tweezers. Be cautious not to harm any internal components as this could cause the key to stop working completely.
You could also try the test of a key rollover. This test checks if the key can register more than one combination of keys at the same time. It is possible to test this by pressing multiple keys at the same time and then evaluating whether they all register correctly. If any keys do not register, you may need to clean or replace them.
You can also replace the battery inside your key fob. This is a quick and inexpensive way to test your key and also allow you to determine whether the issue is due to an unresponsive battery or a broken ignition switch.