Car Key Button Repair
A damaged car key button can be a source of frustration. You may need to call an emergency locksmith service that is available 24 hours a day for assistance or purchase a replacement remote.
However, you might be able to save money by repairing a worn-out key fob instead of replacing it. This is particularly true if an old switch or damaged contacts are the reason for the problem.
Battery
If the buttons on the key fob aren't responding to pressing, this could be a clear indication that your battery is dead or nearing the end of its lifespan. It's easy to replace the battery yourself instead of paying a locksmith or dealership.
Find the battery compartment first. The battery compartment is usually located on the back of the key fob, and can be hidden behind a cover which slides out or an open button that opens the access point. Once the compartment is opened you can see the small button battery. It's usually shaped as a coin and has a plus and minus sign. Remove the battery that is old and replace it with a brand new one. Check that the plus and minus symbols are aligned correctly.
Once the battery is installed Close the compartment and snap the two halves of the key fob together. Make sure you align the two pieces and snap them into place properly before closing the door and testing your keys. Press any of the buttons to confirm that they work properly.
If the remote key fob you have purchased stops working even after you replace the battery, it might be experiencing other issues that require a different form of repair. The fob's dropping into a pool of water can cause it to stop working. Or, it could be experiencing an internal electrical problem or may need to be deprogrammed by an expert or locksmith. Check out these other common automotive troubleshooting methods to determine whether your key fob may be experiencing a different issue.
Switches
Based on the year and the manufacturer, there are various types of switches that are used in the car keyfob. The older type keys usually have a separate chip which you can see in the case, whereas newer keys are more advanced and work by sending signals to the car. The buttons on a key can be worn out or damaged through regular use, irrespective of the type. As a result, they become difficult to press or even ineffective. If you press the button too hard, it could cause further damage. It could also stop the key from working in the future.
If your key doesn't appear to be working, first try changing the battery. If this doesn't work, then you might need to clean your key's fob or re-adjust its switches. Because these tiny electronic switches spend a lot of time being moved around they are more prone to break down than the larger components of your key.
The switches have a rubbery feel and are coated with a film that conducts electricity. The film is prone to be worn away over time. Fortunately, remote car key repair near me 're a small part that is easy to replace. The old ones are soldered onto the circuit board, so you'll need to be careful to remove them without causing damage to other parts. You can then solder new ones into and reassemble the fob.
Do not use your car key fob for more than an hour at a time and don't leave it out in the open. When you're not using your key, put it away in a secure place.
If the issue persists after you've cleaned your key fob replaced the battery and attempted to clean it, then you might need to contact a locksmith. A professional can test the frequency of your key to see if it's still able to communicate with your vehicle, open and replace micro switches, change cases and more.
Outer Case
Key fobs spend a lot of time jostled around, and if the buttons aren't free to move upwards and downwards within the case, they may become stuck or broken. If replacing the battery or cleaning it with a cotton swab and some rubbing alcohol don't resolve the problem, removing the case and inspecting might be necessary. If the contact points where the buttons touch don't fit well or are worn out, adjusting them could be the only solution to correct the issue.
Certain keys have rubber buttons which can wear out over time. The rubber is stretched, nails gouge into it and the buttons can become difficult to press. This could cause the key to fail and, in this situation, it is time for a new case or new buttons. This repair involves removing the remote, then locating the buttons on the circuit board, heating up the solder, and then carefully removing them. New buttons are then attached to the circuit board. The case can then be rebuilt with the horse shoe key blade piece attached. The new buttons should be securely fitted inside the case to prevent them from falling out.
Inner Case
Since your key fob is prone to get jostled around and may sometimes be accidentally pressed, the buttons inside can be damaged or stuck over time. Using metallic tape and a hole punch, you can usually fix this problem in the event your car isn't at home and the key fob doesn't work and allows you to open the doors, but not to start the engine. This simple fix can allow you to return safely to your vehicle to complete your journey.