Car Key Button Repair
A damaged car key button can be frustrating. Related Home Page might need to call a 24-hour locksmith Service for help or purchase a new remote.
But, you may be able to save money by repairing an old key fob instead of replacing it. This is especially true if a worn-out switch or faulty contacts are at the root of the problem.
Battery
If the buttons on your key fob aren't responding to pressing the buttons, this could be a clear indication that the battery is dying or at the end of its lifespan. Fortunately, replacing the battery is a simple task that you can complete on your own rather than paying a locksmith or dealership to do it for you.
Find the battery compartment first. It is usually located on the backside of the key fob and might be hidden behind an open cover that slides out or an access point which opens when you press the button. When the compartment is exposed then look for the small button-cell battery. It is usually shaped like a small coin and has a plus and minus symbol. Take the old battery out, and replace it with a brand new one. Make sure that the plus and symbol are aligned correctly.
Once the battery is installed, close the compartment and snap the two parts of the key fob. Before closing the door ensure that you align and snap the pieces in place. To ensure that the buttons work properly Press any of them.
If your remote keyfob still doesn't work after replacing the battery, there could be other problems that require a different type of repair. The fob's dropping into a pool of water can cause it to stop working. Alternatively, it might be experiencing an internal electrical failure or it may require to be deprogrammed by an expert or locksmith. Also, take a look at these common car troubleshooting tips to see whether your key fob may be experiencing a different issue.
Switches
There are many kinds of switches that are used in the car key fob depending on the year and model. The older style keys have an embedded chip that can be seen inside the case. The modern keys function by transmitting signals to your car. Regardless of the type of key, the buttons on the key can get worn down or damaged when used regularly. They become difficult to press or not responsive. If you force the button, it could cause further damage. It could also stop the key from functioning in the future.
If your key doesn't seem 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. These tiny electronic switches are more likely than the larger parts of the key to break since they are constantly jostled.
The switches feel rubbery and are coated with a film that conducts electricity. The film is prone to be worn away over time. However, they're tiny and cheap to replace. They are soldered onto the circuit board, therefore it is important to remove the old ones without causing any damage to anything else. Then you can solder in the new ones and rebuild your key fob.
Avoid using your car key fob for more than an hour at a time, and do not leave it open. If you don't use your key, put it away in a secure place.
If you've already tried cleaning your key fob or replacing the battery, but the problem persists it's time to consider a locksmith. A professional can check the frequency of your key to see 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 the case, they may get stuck or break. If cleaning the case with rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab does not work, it could be necessary to take off the case. If the contacts that the buttons touch aren't fitting well or are worn out, adjusting them might be the only way to fix the issue.
Rubber buttons can be worn out over time. The rubber expands, nails gouge into it, and the buttons become difficult to press. This could cause the key to fail and in this instance it's time to get a new case or new buttons. This repair involves disassembling your remote, looking for the button switches on the board, then heating the solder and carefully removing them. The circuit board then gets soldered with new buttons. The case is then rebuilt with the horse shoe key blade piece inserted. The new buttons should be fitted snugly into the case in order to keep them from falling out.
Inner Case
Over time, your key fob's buttons can become damaged or stuck because of the constant jolting and accidental pressing. With the help of metallic tape and a hole-punch, you can often quickly fix this problem in the event 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 safely return to your vehicle and complete your journey.