Car Key Button Repair
A broken car key button can be a source of frustration. You may need to contact the 24 hour Locksmith Service or purchase a replacement remote.
But, you may be able to save money by fixing an old key fob instead of replacing it. This is particularly true if the switch is worn out or has faulty contacts are the reason for the problem.
Battery
If the buttons on your key fob aren't responding when you pressing them, it could indicate that the battery has died or is about to reach the end of life. It's easy to replace the battery yourself instead of hiring a locksmith or dealership.
Find the battery compartment first. The battery compartment is usually located on the back of the key fob, and is often hidden behind a cover which can slide out or a button that opens the access point. After the compartment is open you can look for the tiny button-cell battery. It's usually the shape of the shape of a coin and is has a plus and minus symbol. Take the old battery out and replace it with a brand new one. Make sure the plus and the minus symbols are properly aligned.
Close the compartment and snap the two parts of your key fob. Before closing the door make sure to align and snap the pieces in place. To verify whether the buttons function properly you can press any one of them.
If your remote key fob ceases working after replacing the battery, it might be suffering from other issues that require a different kind of repair. Physical damage from dropping the fob in a puddle, for example may cause it to cease functioning altogether. It could also be a problem with the internal electrical system or need to be deprogrammed. Check out these other common auto troubleshooting techniques to determine whether your key fob may be having a problem of its own.
Switches
There are various types of switches found in the car key fob, dependent on the year and model. The older style of key usually has a separate chip that is visible in the case, while the modern keys are more sophisticated and work by sending signals to the car. The buttons on a key may be worn out or damaged by regular use, irrespective of the type. This causes them to become difficult to press or even ineffective. If you try to press the button too hard it could cause further damage, and could even prevent the key from being able to start your vehicle in the future.
If your key doesn't seem to be working, first try changing the battery. If this doesn't work, you might need to clean the key fob or adjust its switches. These tiny electronic switches are more prone than larger components of the key to break because they are constantly tossed around.
The switches are made of rubber, and are coated with an electricity conducting film that can wear down over time. They're fortunately a very small part and inexpensive to replace. The older ones are soldered to the circuit board, so you will need to carefully remove them without causing any damage to anything else. Then key fob repair can put the new ones in and rebuild your key fob.
A good way to keep your car key fob from getting ruined is to avoid using it for more than a few hours at a time, and to keep it out of the way in visible locations that it will be visible. When you're not using your key, store it in a secure location.
If you've tried cleaning your key fob and replacing the battery, but the issue continues to persist it's probably the right time to seek out a locksmith. A professional can test the frequency of your key to determine if it's still able to communicate with your vehicle. They can also open and replace micro switches, swap 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 can get stuck or even broken. If changing the battery or cleaning it with a cotton swab and some alcohol rubbing doesn't solve the issue, taking off the case and examining it may be necessary. If the contacts that the buttons touch aren't an ideal fit or are worn, adjusting them may be the only option.
Some keys use rubber buttons which can wear out over time. Rubber buttons can become difficult to press as they stretch, and nails may gouge them. In this scenario the key may fail and it's time to replace the case or the buttons. This repair involves disassembling the remote, locating the button switches on the circuit board, then heating the solder before carefully removing them. The new buttons are then connected to the circuit board. The case is then put back together with the horseshoe key blade piece is attached. The new buttons should be securely fitted into the case to keep them from falling out.
Inner Case
Over time, your key fob's buttons can be damaged or stuck as a result of the continuous rubbing and accidental pressing. If your key fob ceases to function when you're 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 safely return to your vehicle to complete your journey.