Car Key Button Repair
A broken car key can be a hassle. It is possible to contact an emergency locksmith service that is available 24 hours a day for assistance or purchase a replacement remote.
However, you may be able to save money by repairing an old key fob instead of replacing it. This is especially true if a worn-out switch or faulty contacts are at the root of the issue.
Battery
If the buttons on your key fob don't respond to pressing, that could be a indication that your battery is dying or at the end of its lifespan. It's easy to replace the battery on your own, rather than paying for locksmiths or dealers.
First look for the battery compartment. The battery compartment is usually located on the back of the key fob and may be concealed behind a cover that can slide out or a button that opens the access point. When the compartment is opened then look for the small button-cell battery. It's usually the shape of an ordinary coin and is identified with a plus and the minus symbol. Remove the battery that is old, and replace it with a brand new one. Check that the plus and minus symbols are aligned correctly.
Close the compartment and snap together the two parts of your key fob. Before closing the door ensure that you align and snap the pieces into place. To test whether the buttons function properly, press any of them.
If the remote keyfob does not work after replacing the battery, there could be other issues that require a different type of repair. The fob's dropping into a puddle can cause it to stop working. It could also be a problem with the internal electrical system, or it may need to be deprogrammed. Find out what's wrong related to your key fob applying these other typical car troubleshooting techniques.
Switches
There are various types of switches that are used in the car key fob, depending on the year and model. The older style key is equipped with an embedded chip that can be seen inside the case. The newer keys work by sending signals to your car. No matter what type of key, the keys' buttons can be damaged or worn out with normal use. They become difficult to press or not responsive. If you press the button with force it could cause more damage. It could also stop the key from functioning in the future.
If your key doesn't appear to be working, you should first try changing the battery. If that doesn't help, you may need to clean your key fob and re-adjust the switches. Since these tiny electronic switches are constantly getting jostled around and tangled, they are more likely to wear out than larger parts of your key.
The switches are rubber-like and they're coated with an electricity conducting film that can wear down over time. They're fortunately a very small part and affordable to replace. They are soldered onto the circuit board, therefore it is important to take them off without causing any damage to any other part of the circuit. Then, you can solder the new ones in and then reassemble your fob.
A good way to keep your car key fob from being damaged is to avoid using it for more than a few hours at a stretch, and to keep it out of the way in areas in areas where it is visible. If you're not using your key, store it in a safe place.
If you've tried cleaning your key fob or replacing the battery, but the problem persists, it may be time to think about hiring an appointment with a locksmith. A professional locksmith will test your key's frequency to see whether your car is able to communicate. They can also open and replace microswitches as well as change cases, and much more.
Outer Case
A key fob spends much of its time bouncing around and when the buttons aren't able to move between the case, they could become stuck or even broken. If changing the battery or cleaning with an alcohol-based swab and a cotton pad alcohol rubbing doesn't solve the problem, removing the case and checking it out might be necessary. If the contacts the buttons touch aren't an ideal fit or if they're damaged, adjusting them could be the only option.
Some keys are equipped with buttons made of rubber that wear away over time. Look At This expands, nails gouge into it, and the buttons become difficult to press. In this scenario the key may fail, and it's time to replace the case or the buttons. This repair involves disassembling your remote, looking for the button switches on the board, heating the solder and carefully removing them. The circuit board is then soldered with new buttons. The case can be rebuilt and the horseshoe key blade piece can be attached. The new buttons should be snugly fitted inside the case to avoid them falling out.
Inner Case
Over time, your key fob's buttons can be damaged or stuck due to the constant jostling and accidental pressing. With the help of metal tape and a hole punch, you can often quickly fix this problem when your car is not at home and the key fob isn't working 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 finish your trip.