Car Key Button Repair
A damaged car key button is frustrating. You might need to call a 24-hour locksmith Service for assistance or to purchase a new remote.
However, you may be saving money by repairing an old key fob instead of replacing it. This is especially true if the issue is due to a worn switch or faulty contact.
Battery
If the buttons on the key fob aren't responding to pressing, this could be a clear indication that the battery is dying or nearing the end of its lifespan. Fortunately, replacing the battery is an easy task that can be completed by yourself rather than hiring a locksmith to do it for you.
First, locate the battery compartment. The battery compartment is usually located on the back of the key fob and may be hidden behind a cover which opens or an open button that opens the access point. When the compartment is open then you will find the small cell battery. This is typically shaped like coins and marked with an minus and plus sign. Take the battery out and put a brand new one in its place, ensuring that the plus and minus signs are correctly aligned.
Close the compartment and snap the two parts of your key fob. Make sure you align the pieces and snap them in place properly prior to closing the door and testing your keys. Press any of the buttons to confirm that they function correctly.
If the remote key fob you have purchased stops working after replacing the battery, it may be suffering from other issues that require a different kind of repair. The fob's dropping in a puddle could cause it to cease functioning. Alternatively, it might be suffering from an internal electrical failure or may need to be deprogrammed by an expert or locksmith. Take a look at these other auto troubleshooting techniques to determine whether your key fob is experiencing a different issue.
Switches
Depending on the year and the model, there are a variety of kinds of switches available on the car keyfob. The older style keys have an electronic chip that is visible inside the case. The modern keys function by sending signals to your car. Whatever the model of key, the keys' buttons can be damaged or worn out when used regularly. As a result, they become difficult to press or even ineffective. If you force the button it can cause further damage. It may also prevent the key from working in the future.
If you're unable to get your key to function, try changing the batteries. If this doesn't work, you might have to clean your key's fob or adjust its switches. Since these tiny electronic switches spend a lot of time being moved around and tangled, they are more likely to break down than the larger components of your key.
remote key repairs are rubber-like, and they're coated with an electric conductor film that wears down over time. Fortunately, they're a small part that is affordable to replace. The older ones are soldered to the circuit board, so you will need to carefully remove them without causing any damage to anything else. You can then solder the new ones into and reassemble your fob.
A good way to keep your car key fob from getting damaged is to avoid using it for more than a few hours at a time and to keep it out of the way in places in areas where it is visible. If you don't use your key, keep it in a safe place.
If you've already tried cleaning your key fob and replacing the battery, and the problem persists it's probably time to consider an appointment with a locksmith. A professional locksmith can test the frequency of your key to determine whether your vehicle is able to communicate. They can also open and replace microswitches, change cases, and much more.
Outer Case
If the buttons don't move freely in the case, they may become stuck or break. If cleaning the case with rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab fails to work, it could be necessary to take off the case. If the contacts that the buttons touch aren't fitting well or are worn out, adjusting them could be the only solution to correct the issue.
Rubber buttons be worn out over time. The rubber is stretched and nails pierce it and the buttons can become difficult to press. In this scenario the key may fail and it's time to replace the case or button. This repair involves disassembling the remote, locating the buttons on the circuit board, then heating the solder and carefully taking them off. The circuit board is then soldered with new buttons. The case can be rebuilt, and the key blade of the horseshoe can be inserted. The new buttons should be snugly fitted into the case to stop them from falling out.
Inner Case
Since your key fob is likely be tossed around and occasionally be pressed by accident, the buttons inside can get damaged or stuck over time. Utilizing metallic tape and a hole punch, you can often quickly fix this problem in the event that your vehicle is not at home and the key fob won't work and you are unable to open the doors, but not start the engine. This simple fix can allow you to return safely to your vehicle to complete your trip.