10 Things Everyone Hates About Car Key Button Repair Car Key Button Repair
Car Key Button Repair
A broken car key button is frustrating. It is possible to call a 24-hour Locksmith Service or purchase a replacement remote.
However, you might be saving money by fixing an old key fob instead of replacing it. This is particularly true if the switch is worn out or has 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 that the battery is dead or is close to the end of life. Fortunately replacing the battery is an easy task that can be completed on your own instead of paying a locksmith or dealership to do it for you.
First find the battery compartment. The battery compartment is typically located on the back of the key fob, and is often hidden behind a cover that opens or a button that opens the access point. Once the compartment has been exposed then look for the small button-cell battery. This is typically shaped like an oblong coin and is identified with an minus and plus sign. Take the battery out and insert a 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. Before closing the door ensure that you align and snap the components in place. To test whether the buttons function properly you can press any one of them.
If the remote key fob you have purchased stops functioning even after replacing the battery, it may be suffering from other issues that require a different type of repair. Physical damage caused by dropping the device in a puddle for instance could cause it to stop working altogether. It could also be experiencing an internal electrical problem or it may require to be deprogrammed by a dealer or locksmith. Check out these other common automotive troubleshooting methods to determine whether your key fob is having a problem of its own.
Switches
Depending on the year and make, there are different types of switches in the car keyfob. The older style key is equipped with a chip that is visible in the case. The latest keys operate by sending signals to your car. No matter what type of key, the buttons on the key may become worn out or damaged with normal use. As a result, they become difficult to press, or even unresponsive. If you attempt to force the button to function it could cause further damage and may even 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 it doesn't work, you may have to clean your key's fob or re-adjust its switches. Because these tiny electronic switches are constantly being moved around, they are more likely to break down than the larger components of your key.
key repairs have a rubbery feeling and are coated with a film that conducts electricity. This film can wear off over time. Fortunately, they're a small part that is affordable to replace. The old ones are soldered onto the circuit board so you'll need to be careful to remove them without causing any damage to anything else. You can then solder the new ones in and then reassemble your fob.
A good way to keep your car key fob from getting damaged is to avoid using it for longer than a couple of hours at a time and to avoid leaving it in areas that it will be visible. When you're not using your key, keep it in a secure place.
If you've already tried cleaning your key fob or replacing the battery, and the issue persists it's time to consider the services of a locksmith. A professional can test the frequency of your key to see if it's still able to communicate with your vehicle, and open and replace micro switches, change cases, and more.
Outer Case
If the buttons can't move freely in the case, they could be stuck or even break. If replacing the battery or cleaning it with a cotton swab and some rubbing alcohol don't resolve the issue, taking off the case and examining it might be necessary. If the contacts that the buttons touch are not a good fit or if they're damaged, adjusting them could be the only option.
Some keys use rubber buttons which can wear away over time. The rubber stretches, nails gouge into it and the buttons can become difficult to press. In this situation, the key may fail and it's time replace the case or the buttons. This repair involves taking apart your remote, locating the button switches on the board, heating the solder and carefully removing them. The circuit board then gets soldered with new buttons. The case can then be reassembled and the horse shoe key blade piece inserted. The new buttons must be securely fitted into the case in order to keep them from falling out.
Inner Case
Over time, your key fob's buttons may be damaged or stuck due to the constant jostling and accidental pressing. If your key fob stops working while 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 your car. This quick fix may allow you to safely return to your vehicle to complete your journey.