Car Key Button Repair
A damaged car key button is frustrating. You might need to contact an emergency locksmith service or purchase an alternative remote.
However, you might be in a position to save money by repairing an old key fob rather than replacing it. key repair car is particularly true if an old switch or damaged contacts are the reason for the issue.
Battery
If your key fob's buttons are not responding to your pressing them, it could be a sign the battery has died or is nearing its end of life. It's easy to replace the battery yourself instead of paying locksmiths or dealers.
First look for the battery compartment. It is typically located on the backside of the key fob and may be hidden behind an open cover that slides out or an access point that opens when you press the button. Once the compartment is exposed then you will find the small battery. This is typically shaped like a coin and has a plus and minus sign. Remove the battery from the old one and replace it with a new one in its place, ensuring that the plus and minus signs are aligned correctly.
Close the compartment and snap the two parts of your key fob. Before closing the door ensure that you align and snap the components in the correct position. Press any of the buttons to verify that they function properly.
If your remote key fob ceases working even after you replace the battery, it may be experiencing other issues that require a different kind of repair. Dropping the fob in a puddle could cause it to stop working. Or, it could be suffering from an internal electrical failure or may need to be deprogrammed by a dealer or locksmith. See if you can find out what's wrong with your key fob applying these other typical methods for troubleshooting your car.
Switches
Based on the year and the model, there are a variety of kinds of switches available that are used in the keyfob of your car. The older style of key usually has a separate chip which is visible in the case, whereas newer keys are more advanced and operate by sending signals to the car. The buttons on a key may be damaged or worn out due to regular use, irrespective of the model. As a result, they become difficult to press or even ineffective. If you try to press the button too hard the button, it could cause damage and potentially stop the key from being able to start your vehicle in the future.
If you're unable to get your key to work, try changing the batteries. If that doesn't work then you might need to clean your key fob and adjust the switches. These tiny electronic switches are more prone than larger parts of the key to break since they are constantly tossed about.
The switches have a rubbery feeling and are coated with a film that conducts electricity. The film is prone to fade over time. They're fortunately tiny and inexpensive to replace. They're soldered to the circuit board, therefore you must carefully take them off without causing any damage to other components. Then, you can solder the new ones in and reassemble the fob.
Avoid using your car key fob for more than a couple of hours at a time and don't leave it out in the open. If you don't use your key, keep it in a secure place.
If you've tried cleaning your key fob or replacing the battery, but the issue persists it's time to think about hiring a locksmith. A professional locksmith can check the frequency of your key to determine whether your vehicle is capable of communicating. They can also open and replace microswitches as well as change cases, and much more.
Outer Case
If the buttons can't move freely up and down in the case, they could get stuck or break. If replacing the battery or cleaning with an alcohol-based swab and a cotton pad rubbing alcohol don't resolve the issue, then removing the case and examining it could be required. If the contacts that the buttons touch don't fit well or are worn out, adjusting them could be the only way to correct the issue.
Rubber buttons can wear out over the years. The rubber is stretched and nails pierce it, and the buttons become difficult to press. In this situation, the key may fail and it's time replace the case or the buttons. This repair involves removing the remote, then locating the buttons on the circuit board, heating up the solder before carefully remove them. The new buttons are then connected to the circuit board. The case can then be rebuilt with the horse shoe key blade piece is attached. The new buttons should be snugly fitted inside the case to stop them from falling out.
Inner Case
Since your key fob is likely to be tossed around and sometimes be accidentally pressed and the buttons within can get damaged or stuck over time. If your key fob ceases to function when you are away from home, you can solve the issue quickly using metallic tape and a punch hole. This will allow you to unlock doors but not start the vehicle. This simple fix can allow you to safely get back to your car and continue your journey.