Car Key Button Repair
A broken car key button can be frustrating. It is possible to contact an emergency locksmith service that is available 24 hours a day for assistance or purchase a replacement remote.
But, you may be able to save money by repairing an old key fob rather than replacing it. This is especially true when the switch is worn out or has faulty contacts are the cause of the problem.
Battery
If the buttons on your key fob do not respond when you pressing them, it could be a sign that the battery has failed or is nearing its end of life. Fortunately, replacing the battery is a simple task that you can complete by yourself rather than hiring a locksmith or dealer to do it for you.
First, locate the battery compartment. The battery compartment is typically 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 open, look for the small button-cell battery. It is usually shaped like a small coin and has a plus and minus symbol. Remove the old battery and replace it with a 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 halves of the key fob. Make sure how to repair car key fob align the two pieces and secure them properly prior to closing the door and testing your keys. Press any of the buttons to verify that they function correctly.
If your remote keyfob still doesn't work after replacing the battery, there could be other problems that require a different kind of repair. Damage to the physical structure caused by dropping the fob in a puddle for instance may cause it to stop working altogether. It could also be suffering from an electrical issue within the device or may need to be deprogrammed by a locksmith or locksmith. See if you can find out what's wrong with your key fob using these other common methods for troubleshooting your car.
Switches
There are many kinds of switches that are used in the car key fob, dependent on the year and model. The older style key has an embedded chip that can be seen in the case. The modern keys function by sending signals to your car. Regardless of the type, the buttons on the key may become worn out or damaged when used regularly. They become difficult to press or unresponsive. If you attempt to press the button too hard it could cause further damage, and could even prevent the key from being able to start your vehicle in the future.
If your key doesn't seem to be working, you should first try changing the battery. If it doesn't work, you might have to clean your key fob or re-adjust its switches. Since these tiny electronic switches spend a lot of time being tossed around, they are more likely to break down than the larger components of your key.
The switches are rubber-like, and are coated with an electric conductor film that wears down over time. However, they're tiny and cheap to replace. The older ones are soldered to the circuit board so you'll need to be careful to remove them without causing any damage to anything else. Then you can put in the new ones and rebuild your key fob.
Do not use your car key fob for more than an hour at a stretch and don't leave it out in the open. Also, make sure you locate a safe place to store your keys when you aren't using it.
If the problem persists after you've cleaned your 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 determine 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 don't move freely up and down in the case, they could 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 don't fit well or are worn out, adjusting them might be the only way to fix the problem.
Rubber buttons be worn out over time. The rubber stretches and nails pierce it, and the buttons become difficult to press. This can cause the key to fail and in this instance it's time for the replacement of the case or buttons. This repair involves disassembling your remote, locating the buttons on the board, heating the solder and carefully taking them off. The circuit board then gets soldered with new buttons. The case is then reassembled and the horse shoe key blade piece attached. The new buttons must be tightly fitted inside the case to avoid them falling out.
Inner Case
Since your key fob is likely to be tossed around and could occasionally be pressed by accident, 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 problem quickly by using metallic tape and punch holes. This allows you to unlock doors but not start the vehicle. This simple fix can allow you to safely return to your vehicle to complete your journey.