How to Fix a Key Scratch on Your Car
If you have scratch marks on the key of your vehicle that you would like to get fixed, there are several options available. Mobile auto detailing experts can fix a scratch on a car key, restoring its original beauty.
Begin by observing and determine the problem with the key. Then, test the key to make sure it is working properly.
1. Remove the keycap
Because of their constant use, keyboards are prone to wear and tear. They also tend to collect hair, dust and food that could 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, in the event that you are able to. This will prevent accidental commands from being typed when you're using the keyboard. Next, find a clear workspace in which you can place all of the keys. This will make it easier to reattach the keys after you're done.
If you don't have a keycap remover tool you can try a butter knife or flathead screwdriver. You can also try shaping a paperclip into the shape of a "U" shape and bending the ends so that it can hook under the key. Once you've removed your keycap clean it off and wipe the switcheswitch clean.
You can also clean the stems of keys which are the small towers or clips that protrude from the faceplate of each key. To clean the faceplate, use a cotton swab that has been dipped into isopropyl. Be careful not to get any alcohol on the printed parts of the key, as it could damage it.
After you've cleaned the key it's time to reattach it. Start with the top left corner, then work your way down the rows one key at a. If you're using a new keycap, you should align it with the switch and press it down evenly on the sides to snap it in place.
Pay attention to the larger keys, such as the space and enter bars when you replace the cap to the key. These keys are attached to a support bar made of steel that can be easily damaged when you're not cautious. After you've placed the keycaps all over the keyboard, press down on the keys to test them. You should hear a click and feel the key pressing down normally after it's been properly reattached. If you do not it, you may need to try reattaching it or consult a professional.
2. Clean is the key
It could be due to a variety of reasons that a key feels mushy or sticky, but the most common reason is that the key hasn't been set properly into its base or key mechanism. For desktop keyboards the most effective method to fix this is to use a sharp prying item like a flathead screwdriver or butter knife to pry one corner of the key loose. You'll hear a click when the key falls off and you can clean it using alcohol or water to cleanse it. If your keys are rusty, you can clean them using salt and lemon or place them in a solution of vinegar and water to get rid of iron particles that cause the rust.
Before you start anything, make sure you close down your computer and disconnect it if necessary. It's important to ground yourself as well as the last thing you would want to do is to damage electronic components through static electricity.
Start by wiping down the keys and their surroundings using a lint-free cloth. Make sure to squeeze it out well so there is no moisture between the keys. Make sure you use a gentle cleaning solution, because stronger cleaners could damage the plastic.
Then, use the cotton swab that has been dampened with isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) to wipe the edges of the keys and the surrounding area. Be sure not to get any of the alcohol on the print because this could cause discoloration, or even strip the letters off your keys.
You can also purchase an electronic cleaning brush at a general store. This will allow you to remove any stubborn dirt or debris. Additionally, there are numerous products available in the form of a slimy gel, which can be laid over your keyboard, then removed to clear any loose debris that has accumulated between your keys.
If you've tried all the above options but your key still feels soft or sticky, it might be time to replace it. Depending on the type of key, this can be a simple procedure or it can be more complex, and you may need to disassemble the entire key mechanism in order to remove the old key and put the new one in its place.
3. Reattach the keycap
We don't think about our keys until they are damaged or locked in the car. It can be a real hassle, but you can repair it and save money.
Try using compressed air to blow off any debris or dust that could be blocking the switch. If this isn't working, try prying the cap off of the key and clean it.
Be sure to use an item for prying with plastic like credit cards or a spudger (you can also employ a butter knife in the event of a need). Also, have a small tool such as the toothpick or tweezers for cleaning the tiny grooves on the keys.
Once you've cleaned the key, you can put it back on the cap to the key and test it. If the key is unresponsive, then you may have to replace the 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 solder it in place. This is a more complicated fix, but it's usually the only option when the key is no longer functioning.
One of the most common reasons for the key to stop working is the accumulation of dust under the key. If this is the situation, all you have to do is clean the area and get rid of any dirt or debris.
A key may cease to function because the switch has been corroded. This can happen when water or other liquid gets into the key switch. It can cause corrosion, which will eventually eat away the connectors and pins on the circuit board.
To prevent this from occurring, you should clean the circuit board using contact cleaner prior to replacing the key. This will help to make the switch more resistant to corrosion, and it will also make it easier to pop out and then solder into the new key switch.
If you're not confident doing this yourself then you can bring your laptop to an repair shop for electronics to get it repaired. They'll tell you whether or not 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 could be a hassle and even risky. If you need to purchase a new key fob, it can be costly. Before you go to the auto or electronics store you can try a few easy fixes. The first thing you should do is try using an alternate key to make sure that the original key is actually the problem. This will help to narrow down the issue and save you money in the long run.
If the key does not work, you should disassemble it to determine what's wrong. The key cap, the key carriage and key pad are the three major components of the majority of keys. Each of these components can cause different problems for the key. The cap of the key can be loose or tilted. This can stop the key from snapping into place when you press the key. This can be corrected by applying the cap again.
A damaged or dirty key pad or key carriage is another possibility. These parts are difficult to repair, but they can be cleaned with the use of a toothpick and tweezer. Be careful not to damage any internal components, however it could cause your key to stop working completely.
You can also try performing an experiment with a rollover test. This test determines whether the key is able to register more than one key combination at once. This can be done by pressing several keys at once and then determining if they all register correctly. If remote key fob repair of the keys fails to register, they may require cleaning or replaced.
Lastly, you can try replacing the battery in your key fob. This is an inexpensive and quick method to test your keys. It will also let you know if you have a dead battery or a damaged switch.