Car Key Button Repair
A damaged car key button is frustrating. You may need to call an emergency locksmith service 24 hours a day to assistance or to purchase a new remote.
However, you may be in a position to save money by fixing an old key fob instead of replacing it. This is especially true if a worn-out switch or faulty contacts are the cause of the problem.
Battery
If your key fob's buttons are not responding to your pressing them, this could indicate that the battery has failed or is close to the end of life. It's easy to replace the battery yourself instead of hiring locksmiths or dealers.
Locate the battery compartment first. The battery compartment is typically located on the back of the key fob and can be concealed behind a cover that slides out or a button that opens the access point. When the compartment is open, locate the small button battery. It is usually shaped like coins and has the plus and minus signs. Take the old battery out, and replace it with a brand new one. Check that the plus and minus symbols are aligned correctly.
Close the compartment and snap the two halves of your key fob. Make sure you align the parts and snap them in place properly prior to closing the door and testing your keys. Press any of the buttons to ensure that they work properly.
If the remote keyfob does not work after replacing the battery, there could be other problems that require a different kind of repair. Dropping the fob in a puddle could cause it to stop functioning. It could also be suffering from an electrical issue within the device or may need to be deprogrammed by a locksmith or locksmith. Check out these other common automotive troubleshooting methods to determine whether your key fob is having a problem of its own.
Switches
There are many kinds of switches used in the car key fob dependent on the year and make. The older style key has an embedded chip that can be seen inside the case. The newer keys work by transmitting signals to your car. Whatever the model of key, the keys' buttons can be damaged or worn out during normal use. This causes them to become difficult to press or even ineffective. 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 are unable to get your key to work, try changing the batteries. If it doesn't work, you may have to clean the key fob or adjust the switches. These tiny electronic switches are more likely than the larger parts of the key to break because they are constantly tossed about.
The switches are rubber-like, and are coated with an electric conductor film that wears down over time. However, they're tiny and inexpensive to replace. The old ones are soldered onto the circuit board, so you'll have to take care to remove them without causing damage to other parts. Then you can put the new ones in and rebuild your key fob.
An effective way to protect your car key fob from becoming ruined is to avoid using it for longer than a couple of hours at a time, and to keep it out of the way in areas in areas where it is visible. When you're not using your key, keep it in a secure place.
If you've already tried cleaning your key fob and replacing the battery, but the issue continues to persist it's probably time to consider the services of a locksmith. A professional locksmith can test the frequency of your key to determine whether it's still able communicate with your vehicle, and open and replace micro switches, change cases, and more.
Outer Case
Key fobs spend many hours bouncing around, and when the buttons aren't able to move upwards and downwards within the case, they could become stuck or even broken. If replacing key repairs or cleaning with a cotton swab and some alcohol rubbing doesn't solve the problem, removing the case and examining it could be required. If the contacts the buttons touch aren't a good fit or if they're worn, adjusting them may be the only option.
Rubber buttons be worn out over time. The buttons made of rubber can become difficult to press when they stretch, and nails may scratch them. In this scenario the key could fail, and it's time to replace the case or button. This repair involves removing the remote, finding 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 rebuilt, and the horseshoe key blade piece can be attached. The new buttons must be snugly fitted into the case to prevent them falling out.
Inner Case
Since your key fob is likely be tossed around and could occasionally be pressed by accident and the buttons inside may get damaged or stuck over time. Using metallic tape and a hole punch you can solve this issue in the event your car isn't at home and the key fob won't work, allowing you to unlock the doors, but not start the engine. This quick fix could enable you to safely get back to your vehicle and finish your trip.