Car Key Button Repair
A broken car key button can be frustrating. You might need to call an emergency locksmith service that is available 24 hours a day for assistance or to purchase a new remote.
However, you may be in a position to save money by repairing a worn-out key fob rather than replacing it. This is especially true when the switch is worn out or has faulty contacts are the reason for the problem.
Battery
If your key fob's buttons are not responding to your pressing them, this could indicate that the battery has failed or is about to reach the end of life. It's easy to replace the battery on your own, rather than paying for locksmiths or dealers.
Locate 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 slides out or a button that opens the access point. Once the compartment is exposed you can see the small button cell battery. It's usually the shape of the shape of a coin and is identified with a plus and minus symbol. Take the battery out and insert a new one in its place, ensuring that the plus and minus symbols are correctly aligned.
Close the compartment and snap the two parts of your key fob. Be sure to align the two pieces and snap them in place properly prior to closing the door and testing your keys. To verify that the buttons work properly you can press any one of them.
If your remote key fob stops working even after you replace the battery, it could be experiencing other issues that require a different type of repair. Physical damage from dropping the fob in a puddle, for example, can sometimes cause it to stop working completely. It could also be due to a problem with the internal electrical system or the need to be deprogrammed. Also, take a look at these common automotive troubleshooting methods to determine whether your key fob may be suffering from a different issue.
Switches
There are various types of switches used in the car key fob, depending on the year and model. The older model keys usually have a separate chip which is visible in the case, while the modern keys are more sophisticated and work by sending signals to the car. No matter what type of key, the buttons on the key can be damaged or worn out during normal use. The result is they become difficult to press or even ineffective. If you press the button too hard it could cause more damage. It could also stop the key from working in the future.
If you are unable to get your key to work, try changing the batteries. If that doesn't work it may be necessary to clean your key fob and re-adjust the switches. These tiny electronic switches are more susceptible than the larger parts of the key to break because they are constantly tossed about.
car key fob repairs are rubber-like, and they're coated with an electric conductor film that is prone to wear out over time. However, they're a very small part and affordable to replace. They are soldered onto the circuit board, so it is important to take them off without causing any damage to any other part of the circuit. Then you can put the new ones in and put them back together.
Avoid using your car key fob for more than two hours at a time, and do not leave it open. Also, you should find a secure location to keep your key in when you're not using it.
If the problem persists after you've cleaned the key fob, replaced the battery and attempted to clean it, then you may need to talk to an expert locksmith. A professional locksmith can test the frequency of your key to see whether it's still able communicate with your vehicle, and open and replace micro switches, alter cases and much more.
Outer Case
If the buttons don't move freely up and down in the case, they may get stuck or break. If cleaning the case with rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab does not 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 are damaged, adjusting them could be the only option.
Rubber buttons get worn out over time. The rubber expands, nails gouge into it, and the buttons become difficult to press. In this situation the key could fail, and it's time to replace the case or buttons. This repair involves removing your remote, locating the button switches on the board, heating the solder, and then carefully taking them off. The circuit board is then soldered with new buttons. The case is then rebuilt with the horse shoe key blade piece is attached. The new buttons should be snugly fitted into the case to stop them from falling out.
Inner Case
Since your key fob is likely be tossed around and could occasionally be pressed by accident and the buttons inside may be damaged or stuck over time. If your key fob stops working while you are away from home You can solve the issue quickly using metallic tape and punch holes. This will allow you to open doors, but not start the car. This simple fix can enable you to safely get back to your vehicle and complete your journey.