Car Key Button Repair
A broken car key button can be frustrating. You might need to call an emergency locksmith service 24 hours a day to help or purchase a new remote.
However, you might be in a position to save money by fixing an old key fob instead of replacing it. This is especially true when an old switch or damaged contacts are the reason for the issue.
Battery
If the buttons on your key fob don't respond to pressing the buttons, this could be a clear sign that the battery is dying or nearing the end of its life. Fortunately, replacing the battery is an easy task that can be completed on your own instead of hiring a locksmith or dealer to complete the task for you.
Locate the battery compartment first. The battery compartment is usually located on the back of the key fob, and may be hidden behind a cover that can slide out or a button that opens the access point. When the compartment is open, look for the small button-cell battery. It's usually shaped as a coin and marked with the plus and minus signs. Take the battery out and put a brand new one in its place, ensuring that the plus and minus symbols are aligned correctly.
Once the battery is installed Close the compartment and snap the two parts of the key fob together. Be sure to align the parts and snap them into place properly before closing the door and testing your keys. To ensure whether the buttons function properly, press any of them.
If the remote keyfob doesn't work after replacing the battery, there may be other problems that require a different form of repair. Damage to the physical structure caused by dropping the fob in a puddle, for example could cause it to cease functioning completely. It could also be due to a malfunction with the internal electrical system or the need to be deprogrammed. Take a look at these other auto troubleshooting techniques to determine if your key fob is experiencing a different issue.
Switches
There are many kinds of switches that are used in the car key fob, dependent on the year and make. The older style key is equipped with an electronic chip that is visible in the case. The newer keys work by transmitting signals to your car. The buttons on a key may be damaged or worn out due to normal use, regardless of the type. They become hard to press or not responsive. If you try to force the button to work the button, it could cause damage and potentially stop the key from starting your vehicle in the future.
If your key doesn't appear to be working, you should first try changing the battery. If this doesn't work, you may have to clean your key fob or adjust its switches. These tiny electronic switches are more likely than larger parts of the key to break due to the fact that they are constantly tossed around.
The switches have a rubbery feeling and are coated with an electrical conductor. The film may fade over time. Fortunately, they are also tiny and easy to replace. key repair service soldered on the circuit board, which means you need to carefully take them off without damaging other components. Then, you can solder the new ones into and then reassemble your fob.
One way to prevent your car key fob from getting damaged is to avoid using it for more than a few hours at a stretch, and to keep it out of the way in areas where it can be seen. If you don't use your key, keep it in a safe place.
If you've tried cleaning your key fob and replacing the battery, but the issue continues to persist it's time to consider a locksmith. A professional locksmith will test your key's frequency to see whether your vehicle is able to communicate. They can also open and replace microswitches, change cases, and more.
Outer Case
A key fob spends a lot of time jostled around and when the buttons aren't allowed to move up and down within the case they can get stuck or even broken. If changing the battery or cleaning it with a cotton swab and some rubbing alcohol don't resolve the issue, then removing the case and checking it out may be necessary. If the contacts that the buttons touch don't fit well or are worn out, adjusting them might be the only option to fix the problem.
Rubber buttons may be worn out over time. Rubber buttons can become difficult to press when they stretch, and nails may scratch them. This could cause the key to fail and in this instance it's time to get an entirely new case or buttons. This repair involves removing your remote, looking for the button switches on the board, heating the solder, and carefully removing them. New buttons are then soldered to the circuit board. The case can then be put back together with the horseshoe key blade piece inserted. The new buttons should be fitted snugly inside the case to prevent them from falling out.
Inner Case
Since your key fob is likely be tossed around and sometimes be accidentally pressed, the buttons inside can get damaged or stuck over time. With the help of metallic tape and a hole punch you can usually solve this issue 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 could allow you to safely return to your vehicle to finish your trip.