Car Key Button Repair
A broken car key is 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.
You could save money by repairing your old key fob rather than replacing it. This is especially true when the problem is due to 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 the battery is dead or is about to reach the end of life. Fortunately replacing the battery is an easy task that can be completed on your own rather than hiring a locksmith to take care of it.
Locate the battery compartment first. The battery compartment is typically located on the back of the key fob and is often hidden behind a cover that opens or a button that opens the access point. Once the compartment is exposed then you will find the small battery. It is usually shaped like an oblong coin and is has a plus and minus sign. Remove the old battery, and replace it with a new one. Make sure that the plus and the minus symbols are properly aligned.
Close the compartment and snap the two halves of your key fob. Before closing the door make sure to align and snap the parts into place. To verify that the buttons work properly Press any of them.
If your remote keyfob doesn't work after replacing the battery, there could be other issues that require a different form of repair. Damage to the physical structure caused by dropping the fob into a puddle, for example, can sometimes cause it to stop functioning completely. It could also be a problem with the internal electrical system, or it may need to be deprogrammed. Check out these other common car troubleshooting tips to see if your key fob is experiencing a different issue.
Switches
Based on the year and the manufacturer, there are various kinds of switches available that are used in the car keyfob. The older type of key usually has a separate chip which is visible in the case, whereas newer keys are more advanced and work by sending signals to the car. The buttons on a key may be damaged or worn out by regular use, irrespective of the model. They become difficult to press or unresponsive. If you press the button too hard it can cause further damage. It could also stop the key from functioning in the future.
If you can't get your key to function Try changing the batteries. If that doesn't work it may be necessary to clean your key fob and adjust the switches. These tiny electronic switches are more likely than larger components of the key to break because they are constantly tossed around.
The switches have a rubbery feeling and are coated with an electrical conductor. The film may be worn away over time. However, they're tiny and cheap to replace. They're soldered to the circuit board, which means you must carefully remove the old ones without causing any damage to other components. You can then solder new ones in and then reassemble your fob.
Don't use your car key fob for more than an hour at a time and do not leave it open. If remote car key repairs don't use your key, store it in a safe place.
If the issue continues to persist after you've cleaned the key fob or battery, and tried to clean it, you might need to contact an expert locksmith. A professional can check the frequency of your key to determine whether it's still able communicate with your vehicle, and open and replace micro switches, swap cases, and more.
Outer Case
If the buttons aren't able to move freely up and down in the case, they could be stuck or even break. If cleaning the case using rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab fails to work, it might be necessary to remove the case. If the contacts that the buttons touch are not an ideal fit or if they're worn, adjusting them may be the only option.
Rubber buttons wear out over the years. The rubber expands, nails gouge into it and the buttons can become difficult to press. This could cause the key to fail and in this instance it is time for the replacement of the case or buttons. This repair involves taking apart your remote, locating the switch on the board, heating the solder and carefully remove them. The circuit board then gets soldered with new buttons. The case is then put back together with the horseshoe key blade piece attached. The new buttons should be fitted snugly into the case in order to keep them from falling out.
Inner Case
Over time the buttons on your key fob may be damaged or stuck due to the constant jostling and accidental pressing. If your key fob ceases to function while you are away from home It is possible to fix the issue fast by using metallic tape and a punch hole. This will allow you to open doors, but not start the vehicle. This simple fix can allow you to safely make it back to your vehicle and finish your trip.