Car Key Button Repair
A damaged car key button can be a source of frustration. You might need to call an emergency locksmith service 24 hours a day to help or purchase a new remote.
But, you may be saving money by repairing a worn-out key fob rather than replacing it. This is especially true if the issue is caused by an old switch or a damaged contact.
Battery
If the buttons on your key fob do not respond when you pressing them, it could be a sign that the battery has failed or is about to reach the end of life. It's easy to replace the battery on your own instead of paying locksmiths or dealers.
First find the battery compartment. The battery compartment is typically located on the back of the key fob, and is often hidden behind a cover that slides out or a button that opens the access point. When the compartment is open you can look for the tiny button-cell battery. It is usually shaped like a small coin and marked with an plus and minus symbol. Remove the old battery and replace it with a new one in its place, ensuring that the plus and minus signs are correctly aligned.
Close the compartment and snap the two halves of your key fob. Make sure you align the two pieces and snap them in place correctly prior to closing the door and testing your keys. To ensure that the buttons function correctly, press any of them.
If the remote key fob you have purchased stops working even after you replace the battery, it could be suffering from other issues that require a different kind of repair. Physical damage from dropping the device in a puddle, for instance could cause it to cease functioning completely. Alternatively, car keys repairs near me might be suffering from an internal electrical failure or it may require to be deprogrammed by a locksmith or locksmith. Try to figure out what's wrong with your key fob using these other automotive troubleshooting methods.
Switches
Depending on the year and the model, there are a variety of kinds of switches that are found in the car keyfob. The older style keys have an electronic chip that is visible inside the case. The newer keys work by transmitting signals to your car. The keys' buttons can be worn out or damaged through normal use, regardless of the model. This causes them to become difficult to press, or even unresponsive. If you press the button with force it could cause more damage. It may also prevent the key from functioning in the future.
If your key doesn't seem to be working, first try changing the battery. If it doesn't work, you might have to clean the key fob or adjust the switches. These tiny electronic switches are more prone than larger components of the key to break due to the fact that they are constantly tossed about.
The switches are rubber-like and they're coated with an electricity conducting film that is prone to wear out over time. Fortunately, they are also tiny and affordable to replace. They are soldered onto the circuit board, which means you need to carefully take them off without causing any damage to anything else. Then you can put in the new ones and reassemble your key fob.
A good way to keep your car key fob from being damaged is to not use it for more than a few hours at a stretch, and also to not leave it in visible locations in areas where it is visible. Also, you should find a secure place to store your key when you aren't making use of it.
If the issue continues to persist after you've cleaned your key fob replaced the battery and attempted to clean it, then you may need to consult a locksmith. A professional locksmith can test the frequency of your key to determine if it's still able to communicate with your vehicle, and open and replace micro switches, alter cases and more.
Outer Case
Key fobs spend a lot of time jostled around, and when the buttons aren't allowed to move up and down within the case, they may become stuck or broken. If changing the battery or cleaning it with a cotton swab and some alcohol rubbing doesn't solve the issue, then removing the case and checking it out might be necessary. If the contacts where the buttons touch don't fit well or are worn out, adjusting them could be the only solution to correct the issue.
Rubber buttons be worn out over time. Rubber buttons can become hard to press as they stretch, and nails can gouge them. In this case the key could fail and it's time replace the case or the buttons. This repair involves disassembling the remote, locating the buttons on the circuit board, then heating the solder, and then carefully remove them. New buttons are then soldered to the circuit board. The case can be reassembled and the key blade of the horseshoe can be attached. The new buttons should be snugly fitted into the case to prevent them falling out.
Inner Case
Since your key fob is prone to get jostled around and may occasionally be pressed by accident and the buttons inside may become stuck or broken over time. If your key fob ceases to function when you're away from home, you can solve the issue quickly using metallic tape and a punch hole. This allows you to unlock doors, but not start the car. This simple fix can allow you to safely get back to your vehicle and complete your journey.