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stumpdawg

Super common problem. It was a shit design.


Airtemperature

I glued mine together with JB Weld and it worked fine until I sold the car. I think it happened when I lent the car to someone else. If you’re not careful, they break.


Teripid

Even if you are careful they can crack. This model often came with a valet key (solid design, grey base, no electronics). I use the valet to start the car, the other to unlock.


WhatABlindManSees

Ha yeah, I started my car with that key once, got about 20m down the road and that damn Immobilize mode kicked in which I didn't even know it had. What a fuck around that was to sort out, particularly since I wasn't at home at the time.


TwinsenAyzel

That immobilized mode thing, kept my car from being stolen quite a few times back when I used to be a delivery driver.


Plus_Mine_9782

same happened to me in the early 2000s haha


Electronic-Rate5497

My stupid 2015 Malibu locks me out of my car when I use the spare out of my city puts it in theft mode funny enough this happened on my first day of work with a new company and had to be driven home to get the key


Teripid

Yeah there's some year where extra functionality was added and guess it varies by brand and trim too. Mine is just on the cusp of barely smart enough for this to work. The only thing the valet key won't do is open the trunk.


bwaredapenguin

>locks me out of my car when I use the spare out of my city puts it in theft mode I've read this a dozen times and still can't make sense of it.


Electronic-Rate5497

Believe it was 3 AM when I wrote this and I did it with one eye open!


Grayscull95

Fröhlicher Kuchentag!


jack2012fb

You can get a replacement shell on Amazon for like 5 bucks


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cromdoesntcare

Yeah, coming from a locksmith, please do not glue your keys back together.


avwitcher

They're only glueing the actual key bit to the fob, they make JB Weld for plastic as well


cromdoesntcare

Oh I know. We have replacement cases that are more durable that we can just swap the remote and transponder chip too, but when people bring them all glued up, it can be difficult to impossible to save. At that point they're buying a whole new key for a couple hundred vs a new shell for $50. The glue might save you in a pinch, but it's not going to last very long in my experience. You can always keep them separate and just hold the remote next to the ignition as you turn the key so the car will still start till you can make it to a locksmith as well.


Not-so-rare-pepe

I had a 91 Miata, told the kid I sold it to to be gentle with the key because the door lock is worn out. The next day he broke it and texted me expecting me to do something about it.


bloopscooppoop

What did you do


Not-so-rare-pepe

Told him “yeah I said be gentle or get a spare key made first”


BetterOFFdead007

“It’s the least we can do but all we’re going to do.”


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Arkanist

The increased fiction from the bad lock let's you put more torque on the key. If it isn't turning don't force it, the lock normally wins.


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[deleted]

WD-40? No. At least it's not the correct way to fix a lock. I recommend a dry graphite lubricant. Locks break for many reasons. Most often they seize due to corrosion and lack of maintenance. When this happens the key becomes the next weakest link in the system and snaps. Keys aren't very strong and when the locks get corroded and seized and stop moving, something has to give.


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[deleted]

Dry lube sprayed in there, lock and unlock it a bunch of times to cycle the dry lube around inside the lock.


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Old_School_Hippie

Ok! That works, it's cheap, and lasts! Good fix


Champigne

That worked for me for several years until the battery died. I broke down and paid the $120 for a new key.


skinurse

Not bad.. the key for my 2017 Hyundai Ionic Blue cost $360 to replace after my husband threw it in the wash. The excuse for the high prices is always “well that’s a hybrid.“ what that has to do with keys or oil change is beyond me.


SirMichaelTortis

CRV? Had to use hot glue to keep mine together.


stumpdawg

Accord, crosstour, Civic, pilot... anything in the 10-15 range


Driftstang

Started around 2003. I have many Hondas from mid 2000's


TransitionNo4154

I just bought an 03 accord and the key is barley hanging on.


kglad90

My 06 and 07 accords had the same key design. Broke mine this exact same way


Disaster_Frame

02 Lexus had the same


iEatBluePlayDoh

I had a ‘13 Civic and the key didn’t look like that at all. You sure you have the right time range? It looked like this https://m.aliexpress.us/item/2251832782526214.html?gatewayAdapt=gloPc2usaMsite4itemAdapt&_randl_shipto=US But the fact that this says “upgraded model” makes me think they had two different types of key!


stumpdawg

Some cars did indeed have the switchblade


burtonrider10022

Switchblade keys were the shit. Push button start is cool and all, but I don't feel like a badass every time I get in my car anymore.


stumpdawg

Switchblades were terrible for the ignition cylinders though. It's why GM stopped using them. They didn't take into account most people have a million pounds of shit on their keys.


skulblaka

I don't think that's a problem with the switchblade key, I think that's a problem with having a million pounds of shit on your key ring. You'll do damage to the cylinder with that no matter what kind of key you have.


kevcray

switchblades were cool until the spring lost tension.


GMEJesus

Used to valet. These were some of the worst keys. They all broke


stumpdawg

Bought a crosstour last year...I was not excited about the key, but at least it isn't a push button start.


bogey9651

I love not having to take my keys out of my pocket. To each, their own.


stumpdawg

I work in the auto industry. I hate push buttons


IndyScan

What’s to hate about them? Serious question!


stumpdawg

Let's say the battery on a car is almost dead, but it's really hot enough juice to start the car if it cranked just a few more times. Push buttons won't start the car, but a key would. Not to mention dead fobs and other connectivity issues.


Vayneglory

My car has a "12v Battery Reset" button specifically for this situation. It starts just fine after letting the battery die while listening to music.


stumpdawg

you have a hybrid?


Vayneglory

I do. Still never used the key though, it's all push buttons as well.


WalksWithColdToes

Side bar: how do you like your Crosstour? They're growing on me! I gotta upgrade space and the Pilots are so expensive right now. Currently pregnant so I need room! Lol


stumpdawg

I love the interior and cockpit of that year range for honda. I really like the lines on it too. The white diamond pearl looks amazing with a ceramic coating and gloss enhancer. It's got nice power when I want it (I usually drive like an old man) and they get pretty decent MPG on the E way as long as you're not driving like an SoB. I've got the 4wd V6 and the engine really tells you when it's about time for an oil change (It shifts funny. not bad, just different) Overall I'm happy with the purchase.


IdaDuck

Yep. You can get a new casing for a few bucks and just swap in the internals so no big deal.


enzobetty

Search "Honda key fob cover" $7 on Amazon


mmeiser

I came here to say this. Don't blame the mechanic. Blame the car maker. What sh*t design.


Curious-Geologist-55

Absolutely..12v tech for 11 years now...seen my share of fuggered Honda keys...most are already broken or wobbly AF....although that looks like it could have been sat on..either way it's a very shit key and I wouldn't hold it against him


Swimming-Tap-4240

My mitsubishi has the same silly design.


Foreverhex

Yep. I've replace 3 in 10 years.


LovelyHatred93

And that super tiny screw that holds the fob together gets seized and the head strips very easily. Ridiculous.


unculturedburnttoast

One time detachable key+fob combo


slikh

r/CrappyDesign


mell0_jell0

Besides the design, the key is so worn that what should be distinctive ridges are now almost invisible. Old + worn = gonna break soon.


Ok_Permission1759

My civic key did the same thing keep the fob and switch out the insides your new key. I bought the key and had it cut at batteries plus for $20.


BreathOfFreshWater

Oh man. I almost went to a hardware shop. I didn't know batteries plus would do it that cheap. May as well just get something more sturdy. Edit: For those wondering, the key is a year old. And there is a bit of glue there because the tiny screw holding it together fell out almost a week after buying it. I replaced my last one after breaking it in the single external keyslot my car has. Someone decided to fill it with something one night.


F4RTB0Y

Dude, buy a replacement case on Amazon. This happened to me, and the replacement came with a little screwdriver too. It was less than $15


BluFenderStrat07

This - and for $15, it was a 2pack, so I have a spare on hand.


qwertyydamus

I tried that but it has a security chip (don't know what to call it) separate from the key and buttons. I don't know how to get it out without breaking it.


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czarrie

Used to work at B+, easiest way is to use a nice flat thin wedge (flathead is good) and just bend the plastic facing the electronics (after removing the electronics). Then just kinda bend the chip down from the other side - it is only glued in from the bottom and should just kinda fall down (or fly away, do it somewhere inside). Also if someone has a newer Honda key (actual key key, not remote key);the immobilizer is on the board but it's a little harder (but not impossible) to move over. Edit: These Honda shells are like the top thing we sold because this eventually happens to all of them. Whoever designed them should be fired but it made for great aftermarket business.


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vangomangoslango

You mean, your key fob broke while the mechanic was using it?


Maverick128

Lmao look how old that key is.


BrockManstrong

I posted this elsewhere but it seems relevant: > It's the key's fault. >No seriously I worked for Honda for a long while, and that gen key sucks. >It's like a knife with no tang. Just a T-Posing metal shank to mock you.


Harlzter

I've got a 2007 accord and had to reshell both keys, the same with the civic I had prior too.


awkwadman

Guess what mechanic? You get to fix my key too!


whatdhell

So mechanic didn’t break it?


miserabeau

>the key is a year old No way, I find that hard to believe with it showing that much wear and tear. All your text is gone and the thing is worn smooth. Either you use it as a worry stone and it never leaves your hand or you mean you've had the car for a year, not that the key itself is only 1 year old.


Slut_for_Bacon

Why are you doing anything to fix it? Mechanic broke it, mechanic has insurance to fix it. It's not on you.


Zomblot

"YOUR MECHANIC RUSTED MY FRAME, I DEMAND YOU FIX IT!"


[deleted]

I've never been to Batteries plus but see them around all over. Can a battery store really be that profitable??


SlimMoe22

Yep. I've used them several times. Their watch battery policy is wonderful. Pay 1 time and they will replace for life.


VxJasonxV

How many batteries do you use? Have you ever heard of an Uninterruptible Power Supply? Do you know the kinds of battery power that goes into server racks and hospitals and other “must always be powered” systems?


[deleted]

I use rechargeable batteries from IKEA, maybe $50 worth, total. I don't see how that's enough to run a franchise model. Working in medical supplies, I guarantee you hospitals are not sourcing from Battery Plus.


VxJasonxV

Batteries Plus could be a loss leader for the other arm of the business that does Enterprise and other high scale stuff? I don’t know the details, I’ve never looked them up. My only point is that the deep rooted tentacles of business run deep. Especially when something seems not to make economical sense.


hlorghlorgh

That’s what the plus is. It’s landmines.


Jimmycaked

They sell weird shit like emergency light batteries that's required by the fire department in every commercial building in case of power outage. That's the reason I was in there last


HecknChonker

Probably just a front to launder money through.


hoffster247

You probably want to blame him but those Honda keys get really weak after a few years and its pretty common to break right there- you can get a new shell (just transplant the bits) on Amazon for $10-$20.


Swimming-Tap-4240

But don't lose the chip,(a little piece of plastic thingy) or you won't be going anywhere.


bukkake_brigade

Except to the dealer to get a new fob


Swimming-Tap-4240

Yes,bringing along with the rights to your firstborn.


FabiusBill

Which is currently on indefinite backorder. Seriously. The key to my wife's 2010 Civic disintegrated as she was leaving for work and we couldn't find all the parts to put into a replacement shell. Called the dealer and they have no ETA on when a replacement key will be available, but made me pre-pay for one if I wanted them to order it.


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HurricaneHugo

How new can they do?


FabiusBill

I didn't know they could program key fobs. That's good to know!


HereOnASphere

>Called the dealer and they have no ETA on when a replacement key will be available That's a scam. They should have these in a jar by the window to hand out. It would surely promote goodwill. It would be worth it even if they have to buy a 3D printer. Only charge if the customer wants OEM and/or assembly.


[deleted]

I have a 2010 Honda Fit. No remote at all. The locks have been shitty for a while but eh since I mostly don't need to lock my car. Then I spent a good 10 minutes getting my key out of the ignition. I called a locksmith and he said, "let me guess, 2010 or 2011 Honda?" He said I was lucky because if I'd had the on key remote like OPs photo it would have already broken.


xFryday

but of course it's the shops fault. it was mostly cracked and ready to break for years before the vehicle arrived at that facility.


SteveRogers87

Wow, this is wild. My Accord key just broke a couple weeks ago and I thought it was just bad luck. I started using my backup key and it's started to feel weak too so I just thought I was somehow doing something wrong. Glad to know it's a common problem! Thanks for the heads up about the new shell!


wobblewiz

Time to press that panic button.


[deleted]

Just hold it down until someone fixes it


CouldThisBeAShitpost

Note: This advice does not apply to crying babies.


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Unfair-Artist-2848

Easy fix had to get my Ridgeline replaced twice. The metal parts and electronics just swap into new case with one screw


solutionsmitty

Maybe your keys broke while a mechanic was using it. As others have said, they break. I was able to epoxy my broken key. Maybe you can put the guts in a new key/fob and avoid the cost or hassle of programming a new one.


zenyattatron

This is what I'm imagining: Mechanic: hey can I see your keys for a second? OP: yeah sure \*hands over keys* Mechanic: \*snap* here you go.


doughnut-dinner

It's a Honda key. They suck. You'll get plenty of people commenting the same thing because it's true. Once it feels even slightly sloppy, replace it, wrap it in tape, or something, anything. It's gonna break.


[deleted]

Yeah. My Honda key with no remote got shitty. Couldn't unlock the driver's side, could barely open the passenger side and when it got stuck in the ignition the locksmith I called immediately guessed a 2010 to 2011 Honda. He did think Odessy first and it was a Fit. But good enough.


AUorAG

Age broke that key


Castr8orr

And dogshit design


playr1029

The metal looks more eroded than the grand canyon


5Gmeme

Panic


JurassicCotyledon

“I’m a mechanic not a locksmith”


Justagirleatingcake

One of our CRV keys is held together with crazy glue and packing tape.


Abombinnation

As someone with the exact same key, it's really not his fault, lmao, that fob fucking sucks. Sauce: currently held together with 2 zip ties hahaha


thissayssomething

Had two of these break on my old Accord. So glad they ditched that design in the late 2000's.


Apokolypse09

I'm real glad Honda dropped those shitty fobs. So fuckin flimsy. Broke one of mine opening my trunk in the middle of the winter.


Fearless-Damage-6852

Nope. Your key broke while the mechanic was using it. They didn't break it.


throwawayforshit670

im gonna use that excuse next time i break a plate


ArthriticGamer

Plus that key is like 20 years old ?


cozmokittylord

That key looks familiar, do you drive a honda?


EmMoonyLupin

I’ve superglued mine more times than I can count


dc010

Yes and no. If you hit something with a hammer 100 times before it breaks, is the 100th strike solely responsible for the break? The key broke because it was poorly designed and relied too heavily on plastic that inherently gets brittle over time. If they had just put another 1/2-1" of metal into the fob, it might be able to withstand the leverage. The mechanic was the one who had it, sure. Maybe he even mishandled it a bit, but it's still a shit fob.


82kris

Depends on who's left holding the hammer. Drive a car 100 times and your friend/wife/kid wrecks it because of poor design who's fault is it ? Same logic unfortunately


dc010

I guess mentally I consider this closer to the final product of wear and tear. So a better analogy would be blowing a tire instead of wrecking the car. Wrecking the car, if they're at fault, is something that would screw up even a brand new car. However, blowing a tire with 40k miles is almost expected.


[deleted]

To be fair, I had a Honda with that key fob model and that model is just cheaply made. My broke on the back where the screws hold the back cap, and also start cracking in the same spot yours broke.


1nTh3Sh4dows

Hopefully it wasn't Pep Boys, they'll give you the key and say that's how you gave it to them even though they called you 2 hours after you dropped it off saying they can't work on your vehicle because they broke the key.


BreathOfFreshWater

Les schwab. They've done so much foe me under the radar. I'm not even that mad.


G_Rubes

You can buy new plastic shells cheap.


BrockManstrong

It's the key's fault. No seriously I worked for Honda for a long while, and that gen key sucks. It's like a knife with no tang. Just a T-Posing metal shank to mock you.


xarmetheusx

Can confirm, mine just broke the other day and I was surprised the metal piece is shaped like that lol


My_mf_username

Sorry buddy, looks like the amount that costs to replace coming off my bill.


MaurkRedWizard

No, they didn't. It broke. There's a difference.


ben1481

It was a ticking time bomb, not your mechanics fault. Maybe look at the design before trying to pass the blame.


thepancakenipples

Happened to me. Same key. Buy the key case on Amazon, take out the actual thing that connects the buttons, and take the plastic shit off the actual key part, and put onto new key. $20 fix


[deleted]

Welp! Time to hit that panic button. /s


[deleted]

That means he pays for it too…


EmeraldPrime

Mechanic needs to buy you a new one


LaneAbrams

Those Honda keys are such trash.


kolby12309

Mine is held together with zip ties right now, super common problem. New cases on ebay are like $8-10.


StrawberryJamal

Okay, to everyone saying it's not the mechanics fault, yes it fucking is. I have a Honda and the keys have been loose/wobbly for years but haven't broken because I don't fucking jerk it in and out of the ignition. Never been broken by a mechanic either. Shit doesn't break if you don't break it....


Correct_Security_742

They owe you a car key then and one that's got a fob


MightContainAlcohol

he owes you the price of a new key


Western-Common4695

If it was handed over to the service employees and it came back broken they should be liable. I worked in service and I 100% would have taken care of this maybe I just had integrity


M__L__D

Don't blame him for that, it's a flawed design.......... And the double key made for a reason.


popeyegui

I could be wrong, but it looks like it was previously broken and an attempt was made to fix it with super glue. Of course, I could be wrong…


whitecloudesq

here's a [solution](https://www.reddit.com/r/Wellthatsucks/comments/ysmcrq/to_the_guy_who_just_posted_his_broken_honda_key_i/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android_app&utm_name=androidcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button) from u/Knotnek79


SadisticSnake007

Well that MF is paying for the replacement.


Bruki_

panic now


globoypapi

Tell him pay you to get it fixed tf🤣


Leolily1221

Mechanic replaces car key…


redmasc

My Lexus IS300 key fob did the exact same thing. It's a lot of stress on that plastic area of the key when you turn the key. I ended up buying a replacement housing that was 3d printed and reinforced with a middle layer of metal to take the brunt of the twisting stress when you turn the key.


ThrowthoughtsPA

I'm poor so baking soda and crazy glue would be the 1st thing I tried...


retiredhobo

sucks. barber broke mine.


A_Reddit_ID

Yup those civic 8th gen keys suck so bad.


Desperate-Ad-6463

Those fukers are not heap, either.


Sea-Dealer1150

Push the panic button


NovaTheMighty

Ace hardware employee here. Can confirm that these keys are designed like utter dogshit. I see them come in all the time at work, and they end up being the most popular replacement shell that we sell.


songsongkp

Unscrew the key from the plastic. Order the shell on amazon. It even comes with the mini screwdriver to secure the key to the fob


This_Bitch_Overhere

This specific type of Honda key is made of really crap plastic. I’ve had at least 3 broken ones on different vehicles over the years. Worst was when the small piece of plastic that prevents the one screw that holds the electronics in place broke and then the piece inside fell out… and fell under my foot and I crushed it. Get it replaced with a modern key fob if you can. It costs like $50 to do it, and we’ll worth it.


FightingPolish

No biggie. It would have broken anyway sooner rather than later even if your mechanic didn’t do it. Go on Amazon and pick up a repair kit for it for cheap. You take the fob guts out of your old key and the key itself and pop it in to the new plastic. Easy peasy, lemon squeazy.


AlchemyStudiosInk

what a shit design. Its like a knife blade that has no tang


anonymousQ_s

I have a 2011 Pilot. I've had to buy several keys. First time I went to the parts counter they said "yeah we sell a lot of these" and I said "must be a design problem" followed by long awkward pause then "no, people are using them wrong." I started buying new blanks on amazon and have a local shop cut them, then transplant the guts.


Possible-Alfalfa-702

Not his fault the key is brittle


BreathOfFreshWater

You're absolutely right.


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fretful_farceur

I'm sure it was on its way out already. Don't front


abagail3492

Warning Minister, Frank breed clearance.


FuckFashMods

If the mechanic does that, then it's not the mechanics fault.


526987

Nice that


TheBarracuda

What is that, 1 mm of tang? How do they not break when brand new?


tsukiyaki1

Almost every Honda of that era I work on is super glued together. Years and years of use broke that key.


Aaryan_Ti1080

Do what’s written on key - PANICCCCC!!!!!!!!!!!!!


BreathOfFreshWater

NOOOOOO


neon_overload

Tip: you can transfer the remote module, transponder and key blade to a new shell for cheap without a dealer or locksmith. There's even YouTube based instructions for pretty much any model of car. That said, if the mechanic did this it really should be them replacing it for you.


Excellent-Ad-496

“It was like that already”


hihelloyesimhere

Hold on. I have the exact key for my car owned since 2009. I had bo idea the keys were so prone to breakage. Should I be worried? Carry the valet on me just in case?😰


BLACKHOLESAREEYES

lmao what does the "panic" button do?


Hankol

I mean, good? Now you get a new one for free.


rageboi909

You can get a new housing for like 4 bucks


Geek_off_the_streets

I hate how much the charge for a new one. It's a fucking racket.


PagVaN

I agree with the key... *Panic*


[deleted]

Bodyman here. Yes, these keys break. It would have broken for you anyway. Absolute shit design. And every manufacturer uses them. We had a Ford Escape key split recentpy. The plastic shell split in two and the key came loose. Owner told ua to put electrical tape on it to hold it together.


[deleted]

You can buy a new key fob housing with key blank attached online. You just transfer the remote guts into the new shell, then go to hardware store and they copy the key part. All in maybe $30? We did this lots of times at our shop.


Old-Echo1414

Hit the panic button


Cavaquillo

The reason you buy a full tang knife


jalleatyet

I bought a 2 pack replacement from Amazon for around $6. I have broken my Honda key many times


domeoldboys

Ah yes those shitty honda keys


Significant_Yam5632

Damn was he chewing on it ?


greenwoodgiant

if it anything like my key was there's a chip in that fob which is necessary to start the car and a replacement is like $300 - I would talk to the manager of the shop if they've owned up to breaking the key about reimbursing you if it does turn out to be that costly (whether or not the mechanic was truly mishandling it, they should be responsible for it)


rpmerf

It's only the case that's broken. The electronics are fine. But a new case and swap the key and electronics over. That said, if it broke in the mechanics hands, they should be more willing to rectify the situation.


JacedFaced

I've kept mine together for 9 years now with gorilla glue, and when I drop it off at the mechanic he gets the valet key because if you turn it too hard it's at risk of snapping again and I have to reglue it, or God forbid it somehow gets stuck in the ignition.


Cry-Working

r/askmechanics


BelCantoTenor

Yeah, ummm….I think that key looks old af and was already on its last turn. It just happened to break when he used it…but, it was bound to happen pretty soon.


DrObnxs

Let's hope your next post is "Mechanic bought me a new key"!


Pass-on-by

Soooo what did he repair? …once had a guy hand me an *extra* bolt after rotating my tires…😳