Car Key Button Repair
A broken car key can be frustrating. It is possible to contact an emergency locksmith service that is available 24 hours a day for assistance or to purchase a new remote.
But, you may be in a position to save money by repairing an old key fob rather than replacing it. This is particularly true if the issue is caused by the worn-out switch or defective contact.
Battery
If the buttons on your key fob are not responding to your pressing them, this could indicate that the battery has failed or is about to reach the end of life. It's easy to replace the battery yourself instead of paying locksmiths or dealers.
Find the battery compartment first. It is typically located on the backside of the key fob. It may be hidden behind an open cover that slides out or an access point that opens when you press a button. Once the compartment has been exposed then look for the small button-cell battery. It's usually shaped like the shape of a 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 symbol are aligned correctly.
Close the compartment and snap together the two parts of your key fob. Before closing the door, align and snap the pieces into the correct position. Press any of the buttons to ensure that they function correctly.
If your remote keyfob isn't working after replacing the battery, it could be other issues that require a different kind of repair. Physical damage caused by dropping the device in a puddle for instance could cause it to stop functioning altogether. It could also be a problem with the internal electrical system or need to be deprogrammed. Also, take a look at these common automotive troubleshooting methods to determine if your key fob is experiencing a different issue.
Switches
Depending on the year and model, there are a variety of kinds of switches that are found in the keyfob of your car. The older style keys usually have an additional chip that you can see in the case, while the modern keys are more sophisticated and operate by sending signals to the car. No matter what type of key, the buttons on the key may get worn down or damaged when used regularly. As a result, they become difficult to press or even unresponsive. If you attempt to force the button to function it could cause further damage and potentially stop the key from starting your vehicle in the future.
If you're unable to get your key to work Try changing the batteries. If this doesn't work, you might have to clean your key fob or adjust its switches. These tiny electronic switches are more likely than larger parts of the key to break due to the fact that they are constantly jostled.
The switches have a rubbery feel and are coated with a film that conducts electricity. The film may be worn away over time. Fortunately, they are also a small part that is inexpensive to replace. The older ones are soldered to the circuit board, so you'll have to take care to remove them without causing damage to other parts. Then car key fob repairs can put the new ones in and reassemble 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 stretch, and to avoid leaving it in visible locations where it can be seen. Also, key fob repairs should locate a safe place to keep your key in when you aren't making use of it.
If the issue continues to persist after you've cleaned the key fob or battery, and attempted to clean it, you may need to consult an expert locksmith. A professional locksmith can test your key's frequency to see whether your vehicle is capable of communicating. They can also open and replace microswitches, change cases, and much more.
Outer Case
If the buttons can't move freely up and down in the case, they may be stuck or even break. If replacing the battery or cleaning it with the help of a cotton swab or alcohol rubbing doesn't solve the issue, then 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 worn, adjusting them may be the only option.
Some keys are equipped with rubber buttons which can wear out over time. The rubber expands and nails pierce it, and the buttons become difficult to press. This could cause the key to fail, and in this case it's time to get a new case or new buttons. This repair involves disassembling the remote, then locating the button switches on the circuit board, heating up the solder, and then carefully removing them. The circuit board then gets soldered with new buttons. The case can be rebuilt and the key blade of the horseshoe can be inserted. The new buttons should be securely fitted inside the case to stop them from falling out.
Inner Case
Over time the buttons on your key fob can become damaged or stuck because of the constant jostling and accidental pressing. Using metal tape and a hole punch you can usually fix this problem when your car is not at home and the key fob doesn't work, allowing you to unlock the doors, but not to start the engine. This simple fix can allow you to return safely to your vehicle to complete your trip.