Car Key Button Repair
A broken car key button can be frustrating. You may need to call an emergency locksmith service 24 hours a day to help or purchase a new remote.
However, you may be saving money by fixing an old key fob rather than replacing it. This is especially true when a worn-out switch or faulty contacts are at the root of the issue.
Battery
If your key fob's buttons aren't responding when you pressing them, it could be a sign that the battery has failed or is about to reach the end of life. It's easy to replace the battery on your own instead of hiring a locksmith or dealership.
First look for the battery compartment. It is typically located on the back of the key fob. It may be hidden behind an open cover that slides out or an access point which opens when you press a button. When the compartment is exposed you can look for the tiny button-cell battery. It's usually shaped as an oblong coin and is marked with an minus and plus sign. Take the old battery out, and replace it with a new one. Check that the plus and the minus symbols are properly aligned.
Once the battery is in place Close the compartment and snap the two halves of the key fob together. Be sure to align the pieces and secure them properly before closing the door and testing your keys. Press any of the buttons to verify that they function correctly.
If your remote key fob stops working even after you replace the battery, it could be suffering from other issues that require a different type of repair. The fob's dropping in a puddle could cause it to cease functioning. It could also be due to a problem with the internal electrical system or need to be deprogrammed. Also, take a look at these common automotive troubleshooting methods to determine whether your key fob is experiencing a different issue.
Switches
Depending on the year and the manufacturer, there are various kinds of switches available that are used in the keyfob of your car. The older style keys have an embedded chip that can be seen in the case. The newer keys work by transmitting signals to your car. Regardless of the type, the buttons on the key can be damaged or worn out with normal use. They become difficult to press or ineffective. If you press the button too hard, 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 that doesn't work, you may need to clean your key fob and adjust the switches. These tiny electronic switches are more likely than larger components of the key to break because they are constantly tossed around.
The switches have a rubbery feel and are coated with an electrical conductor. This film can wear off over time. Luckily, they're also a very small part and affordable to replace. They are soldered onto the circuit board, so it is important to remove the old ones without causing any damage to any other part of the circuit. You can then solder the new ones in and then reassemble your fob.
A good way to keep your car key fob from becoming damaged is to avoid using it for more than a few hours at a time, and to keep it out of the way in areas in areas where it is visible. If you're not using your key, keep it in a secure place.
If you've tried cleaning your key fob and replacing the battery, and the issue continues to persist it's time to think about hiring an appointment with a locksmith. repair car keys can test your key's frequency to see whether your vehicle is able to communicate. They can also open and replace microswitches, alter cases, and more.
Outer Case
A key fob spends much of its time bouncing around and when the buttons aren't allowed to move up and down within the case, they could become stuck or break. If cleaning the case using rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab does not work, it may be necessary to remove the case. If the contacts that the buttons touch aren't suitable for the application, or if they are worn, changing them might be the only option.
Some keys use buttons made of rubber, which wear out over time. The rubber stretches, nails gouge into it and the buttons can become difficult to press. In this scenario the key could fail, and it's time to replace the case or button. This repair involves disassembling your remote, locating the button switches on the board, then heating the solder, and carefully removing them. The circuit board is then soldered with new buttons. The case can be reassembled, and the horseshoe key blade can be attached. The new buttons must be snugly fitted into the case in order to stop them from falling out.
Inner Case
Since your key fob is likely to get jostled around and may sometimes be accidentally pressed and the buttons within can get damaged or stuck over time. If your key fob stops working when you are away from home, you can fix the problem quickly by using metallic tape and punch holes. This will allow you to open doors, but not start the car. This quick fix may allow you to safely return to your vehicle to complete your trip.