Car Key Button Repair
A broken car key can be frustrating. You may need to contact an emergency locksmith service or purchase a replacement remote.
You could save money by repairing your 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 your key fob do not respond when you pressing them, this could be a sign that the battery has failed or is about to reach the end of life. Fortunately replacing the battery is an easy task that can be done on your own instead of hiring a locksmith or dealer to complete the task for you.
First, locate the battery compartment. The battery compartment is typically located on the back of the key fob, and may be hidden behind a cover which slides out or an open button that opens the access point. After the compartment is open, look for the small button-cell battery. It's usually shaped as an oblong coin and is has the plus and minus signs. Remove the old battery, and replace it with a new one. Make sure that the plus and minus symbols are aligned correctly.
Close the compartment and snap the two parts of your key fob. Before closing the door, align and snap the parts in the correct position. Press any of the buttons to verify that they work properly.
If your remote keyfob still doesn't work after replacing the battery, it could be other issues that require a different type of repair. The fob's dropping into a puddle can cause it to cease functioning. Alternatively, it might be experiencing an electrical issue within the device or may need to be deprogrammed by a locksmith or locksmith. Try to figure out if the issue is related to your key fob applying these other typical automotive troubleshooting methods.
Switches
There are various types of switches found in the car key fob, depending on the year and model. The older style keys usually have a separate chip which is visible inside the case, whereas modern keys are more sophisticated and operate by sending signals to the car. The buttons on a key may be worn out or damaged by regular use, irrespective of the model. They become difficult to press or unresponsive. If you try to force the button to work, it can cause further damage and potentially stop the key from starting your vehicle in the future.
If you're unable to get your key to function, try changing the batteries. If car key remote repair near me doesn't help then you might need to clean the key's fob and re-adjust the switches. Since these tiny electronic switches spend a lot of time getting jostled around they are more prone to fail than the larger parts of your key.
The switches have a rubbery feel and are coated with a film that conducts electricity. The film may wear off over time. Luckily, they're also tiny and affordable to replace. They are soldered onto the circuit board, therefore it is important to remove the old ones without damaging other components. You can then solder the new ones into and reassemble the fob.
A good way to keep your car key fob from getting damaged is to avoid using it for longer than a couple of hours at a time and to keep it out of the way in places in areas where it is visible. Also, try to find a secure place to store your key when you aren't using it.
If you've already tried cleaning your key fob and replacing the battery, but the issue persists it's time to consider a locksmith. A professional locksmith can test your key's frequency to see whether your car is able to communicate. They can also open and replace microswitches, alter cases, and more.
Outer Case
Key fobs spend many hours bouncing around, and if the buttons aren't free to move up and down within the case, they could become stuck or break. If cleaning the case with rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab doesn't work, it might be necessary to take off the case. If the contact points where the buttons touch aren't fitting well or are worn out, adjusting them might be the only way to correct the issue.
Some keys are equipped with buttons made of rubber that be worn out over time. Rubber buttons can become hard to press when they stretch, and nails may gouge them. This could cause the key to fail and in this instance it's time for a new case or new buttons. This repair involves disassembling the remote, then locating the buttons on the circuit board, then heating the solder, and then carefully taking them off. The circuit board is then soldered with new buttons. The case can be rebuilt, and the horseshoe key blade piece can be inserted. The new buttons must be snugly fitted inside the case to stop them from falling out.
Inner Case
Over time, your key fob's buttons may become damaged or stuck due to the continuous rubbing and accidental pressing. If your key fob ceases to function when you are away from home It is possible to fix the problem quickly by using metallic tape and a punch hole. This will allow you to open doors, but not start the vehicle. This quick fix could allow you to return safely to your vehicle and complete your journey.