Car Key Button Repair
A broken car key button can be frustrating. You might need to contact an emergency locksmith service or purchase an alternative remote.
You may be able save money by repairing your old key fob instead of replacing it. This is particularly true if the problem is due to the worn-out switch or defective contact.
Battery
If the buttons on your key fob do not respond when you pressing them, this could indicate that the battery has failed or is about to reach the end of life. Fortunately replacing the battery is an easy task that you can complete on your own rather than hiring a locksmith or dealer to take care of it.
First, locate the battery compartment. The battery compartment is usually located on the back of the key fob, and can be hidden behind a cover that slides out or an open button that opens the access point. Once the compartment is exposed, locate the small button cell battery. It's usually shaped like the shape of a coin and is marked with an plus and the minus symbol. Remove the battery from the old one and put a brand new one in its place, ensuring that the plus and minus signs are properly aligned.
Close the compartment and snap the two halves of your key fob. Be sure to align the two pieces and snap them in place properly before closing the door and testing your keys. Press any of the buttons to ensure that they work properly.
If your remote key fob ceases working even after you replace the battery, it could be experiencing other issues that require a different form of repair. Dropping the device into a pool of water can cause it to stop working. It could also be experiencing an internal electrical problem or it may require to be deprogrammed by a dealer or locksmith. Also, take a look at these common car troubleshooting tips to see whether your key fob may be experiencing a different issue.
Switches
There are various types of switches found in the car key fob depending on the year and model. The older style key has a chip that is visible in the case. The modern keys function by sending signals to your car. Regardless of the type of key, the keys' buttons can be damaged or worn out during normal use. They become hard to press or ineffective. If you attempt to force the button to function, it can cause further damage, and could even prevent the key from being able to start your vehicle in the future.
If you're unable to get your key to function, try changing the batteries. If this doesn't work, you might need to clean your key's fob or re-adjust the switches. These tiny electronic switches are more likely than the larger parts of the key to break because they are constantly jostled.
The switches feel rubbery and are coated with an electrical conductor. The film may fade over time. Fortunately, they're tiny and easy to replace. They're soldered on the circuit board, therefore it is important to remove the old ones without causing any damage to any other part of the circuit. You can then solder new ones in and reassemble your fob.
Don't use your car key fob for more than a couple of hours at a stretch and do not leave it open. Also, you should locate a safe place to keep your key in when you're not making use of it.
If the issue persists after you've cleaned your key fob, replaced the battery and attempted to clean it, you may need to consult an expert locksmith. A professional locksmith can test your key's frequency to see if your vehicle is still capable of communicating. They can also open and replace microswitches as well as change cases, and much more.
Outer Case
If the buttons can't move freely up and down in the case, they may become stuck or break. If cleaning the case with rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab fails to work, it might be necessary to remove the case. If the contacts that the buttons touch are not an ideal fit or if they're damaged, adjusting them could be the only solution.
Rubber buttons be worn out over time. Rubber buttons can become difficult to press because they stretch, and nails could cut them. This can cause the key to fail and, in this situation, it is time for an entirely new case or buttons. This repair involves removing your remote, finding the buttons on the board, then heating the solder, and carefully removing them. New buttons are then soldered to the circuit board. The case can be reassembled, and the key blade of the horseshoe can be attached. The new buttons should be tightly fitted into the case to prevent them from falling out.
car keys repairs near me
Since your key fob is prone to be tossed around and sometimes be accidentally pressed, the buttons inside can get damaged or stuck over time. If your key fob isn't working when you're away from home You can fix the issue fast by using metallic tape and punch holes. This will allow you to unlock doors but not start the car. This simple fix will allow you to safely make it back to your car and continue your journey.