Car Key Button Repair
A damaged car key button can be a hassle. It is possible to call an emergency locksmith service or purchase an alternative remote.
You could save money by repairing your old key fob rather than replacing it. This is especially true when a worn-out switch or faulty contacts are the cause of the problem.
Battery
If the buttons on your key fob aren't responding when you pressing them, this could be a sign the battery has died or is about to reach the end of life. It's simple to replace the battery on your own instead of hiring an auto locksmith or dealership.
Find the battery compartment first. The battery compartment is usually located on the back of the key fob and can be concealed behind a cover that opens or a button that opens the access point. Once the compartment has been opened, look for the small button-cell battery. This is typically shaped like coins and identified with a plus and minus sign. Remove the old battery and replace it with a new one. Check that the plus and symbol are aligned correctly.
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 prior to closing the door and testing your keys. To test that the buttons function correctly you can press any one of them.
If your remote keyfob does not work after replacing the battery, there could be other problems that require a different form of repair. Physical damage from dropping the device in a puddle, for example may cause it to cease functioning altogether. It could also be a problem with the internal electrical system or need to be deprogrammed. Take car key repair at these other car troubleshooting tips to see whether your key fob may be having a problem of its own.
Switches
Based on the year and the make, there are different kinds of switches available in the keyfob of your car. 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 become worn out or damaged with normal use. As a result, they become difficult to press, or even unresponsive. If you force the button it could cause more damage. It could also stop the key from functioning in the future.
If your key doesn't appear to be working, you should first try changing the battery. If that doesn't help it may be necessary to clean your key fob and adjust the switches. These tiny electronic switches are more prone than the larger parts of the key to break since they are constantly tossed about.
The switches are rubber-like, and they're coated with an electricity conducting film that is prone to wear out over time. Luckily, they're also tiny and affordable to replace. They're soldered to the circuit board, so it is important to remove the old ones without causing any damage to anything else. You can then solder the new ones in and then reassemble your fob.
One way to prevent your car key fob from being ruined is to avoid using it for more than a few hours at a time and to keep it out of the way in visible locations that it will be visible. Also, try to find a secure place to store your keys when you aren't using it.
If you've tried cleaning your key fob or replacing the battery, and the problem persists it's the right time to seek out a 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, alter cases, and more.
Outer Case
If the buttons don't move freely in the case, they could become stuck or break. If cleaning the case with rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab doesn't work, it may be necessary to take off the case. If the contacts that the buttons touch aren't an ideal fit or if they're worn, adjusting them may be the only solution.
Rubber buttons can wear out over the years. The rubber expands and nails cut into it, and the buttons become difficult to press. In this case the key could fail and it's time replace the case or the buttons. This repair involves disassembling the remote, finding the button switches on the circuit board, then heating the solder, and then carefully taking them off. New buttons are then attached to the circuit board. The case can then be rebuilt with the horse shoe key blade piece inserted. The new buttons must be fitted snugly inside the case to prevent them from falling out.
Inner Case
Since your key fob is prone to be tossed around and occasionally be pressed by accident and the buttons inside may get damaged or stuck over time. Utilizing metal tape and a hole-punch, you can fix this problem when your car isn't at home and the key fob won't work, allowing you to unlock the doors, but not to start the engine. This quick fix may allow you to safely return to your vehicle to finish your trip.