Car Key Button Repair
A damaged car key is a hassle. You may need to contact an emergency locksmith service or purchase a replacement remote.
You could be able to save money by fixing your old key fob instead of replacing it. This is especially true if the issue is due to a worn switch or faulty contact.
Battery
If the buttons on the key fob aren't responding to pressing, that could be a sign that the battery is dying or at the end of its life. It's simple to replace the battery yourself instead of paying a locksmith or dealership.
Find the battery compartment first. The battery compartment is typically located on the back of the key fob and is often hidden behind a cover that can slide out or a button that opens the access point. When the compartment is open, locate the small button battery. It is usually shaped like the shape of a coin and is marked with an plus and minus symbol. Take the battery out and put a brand new one in its place, ensuring that the plus and minus signs are correctly aligned.
Once the battery is in place close the compartment and snap the two halves of the key fob. Make sure you align the pieces and snap them in place properly prior to closing the door and testing your keys. To test whether the buttons function properly, press any of them.
If your remote keyfob still isn't working after replacing the battery, there may be other issues that require a different kind of repair. Physical damage caused by dropping the fob in a puddle for instance could cause it to stop functioning altogether. Or, it could be experiencing an internal electrical failure or may need to be deprogrammed by an expert or locksmith. Find out what's wrong with your key fob using these other common car troubleshooting techniques.
Switches
There are a variety of switches that are used in the car key fob, according to the year and make. The older model of key often has a separate chip that you can see in the case, while the newer keys are more advanced and operate by sending signals to the car. Regardless of the type, the buttons on the key may be damaged or worn out with normal use. As a result, they become difficult to press, or even ineffective. If you attempt to force the button to work the button, it could cause damage, and could even prevent the key from starting your vehicle in the future.
If you are unable to get your key to function, try changing the batteries. If that doesn't help, you may need to clean the key's fob and re-adjust the switches. Since these tiny electronic switches spend a lot of time being moved around they are more prone to break down than the larger parts of your key.
The switches are rubber-like, and they're coated with an electrically conducting film that wears down over time. However, they're a small part that is easy to replace. They're soldered on the circuit board, therefore you must carefully remove the old ones without damaging any other part of the circuit. Then, you can solder the new ones in and reassemble the fob.
A good way to keep your car key fob from being 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 visible locations that it will be visible. If you don't use your key, store it in a secure place.
If her explanation 've already tried cleaning your key fob or replacing the battery, and the problem persists it's probably time to think about hiring a locksmith. A professional locksmith can check your key's frequency to see if your vehicle is still able to communicate. They can also open and replace microswitches, alter cases, and more.
Outer Case
Key fobs spend much of its time bouncing around and if the buttons aren't free to move between the case they can get stuck or break. If cleaning the case using rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab fails to work, it could be necessary to take off the case. If the contacts that the buttons touch aren't an ideal fit, or if they are worn, changing them might be the only solution.
Certain keys have buttons made of rubber, which wear out over time. The buttons made of rubber can become difficult to press as they stretch, and nails can gouge them. This can cause the key to fail and, in this situation, it's time to get an entirely new case or buttons. This repair involves taking apart your remote, finding the button switches on the board, heating the solder, and carefully removing them. The new buttons are then connected to the circuit board. The case can then be reassembled and the horse shoe key blade piece attached. The new buttons must be snugly fitted into the case in order to prevent them from falling out.
Inner Case
Over time, your key fob's buttons could become damaged or stuck due to the constant jolting and accidental pressing. Utilizing metal tape and a hole-punch, you can fix this problem when your car is away from home when the key fob doesn't work and allows you to open the doors, but not to start the engine. This quick fix may allow you to safely return to your vehicle to complete your trip.