Car Key Button Repair
A broken car key can be a source of frustration. It is possible to contact a 24-hour locksmith Service for assistance or to purchase a new remote.
You could be able to save money by repairing your old key fob instead of replacing it. This is particularly true if the switch is worn out or has faulty contacts are the reason for the problem.
Battery
If the buttons on the key fob aren't responding to pressing the buttons, this could be a clear indication that the battery is dead or nearing the end of its life. It's simple to replace the battery on your own, rather than paying for a locksmith or dealership.
Locate the battery compartment first. The battery compartment is typically located on the back of the key fob, and may be hidden behind a cover which can slide out or an open button that opens the access point. When the compartment is open you can see the small button cell battery. It's usually the shape of a small coin and has a plus and minus symbol. Remove the battery that is old and replace it with a new one. Check that the plus and symbol are aligned correctly.
Close the compartment and snap together the two parts of your key fob. Before closing the door make sure to align and snap the pieces into place. Press any of the buttons to ensure that they work properly.
If your remote key fob ceases functioning even after replacing the battery, it might be suffering from other issues that require a different form of repair. Damage to the physical structure caused by dropping the device in a puddle, for example could cause it to stop functioning completely. It could also be due to a problem with the internal electrical system or the need to be deprogrammed. Take automotive key repair at these other car troubleshooting tips to see whether your key fob is experiencing a different issue.
Switches
There are many kinds of switches used in the car key fob, according to the year and make. The older style key is equipped with an embedded chip that can be seen in the case. The modern keys function by transmitting signals to your car. The keys' buttons can be damaged or worn out by normal use, regardless of the type. The result is they become difficult to press, or even ineffective. If you press the button too hard, it could cause further damage. It may also prevent the key from working in the future.
If you can't get your key to work, try changing the batteries. If this doesn't work, then you might need to clean your key's fob or re-adjust the switches. These tiny electronic switches are more prone than larger components of the key to break since they are constantly jostled.
The switches are made of rubber, and they're coated with an electricity conducting film that is prone to wear out over time. However, they're tiny and affordable to replace. The old ones are soldered to the circuit board so you'll have to take care to remove them without causing any damage to anything else. Then you can solder in the new ones and reassemble your key fob.
Avoid using your car key fob for more than a couple of hours at a time and do not leave it open. If you don't use your key, store it in a secure location.
If you've already tried cleaning your key fob or replacing the battery, but the issue persists, it may be time to consider a locksmith. A professional locksmith can test the frequency of your key to determine if it's still able to communicate with your vehicle, open and replace micro switches, swap cases and much 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 with a cotton swab and some rubbing alcohol doesn't fix the problem, removing the case and inspecting might be necessary. If the contacts the buttons touch aren't an ideal fit or if they're worn, changing them might be the only option.
Some keys use buttons made of rubber that be worn out over time. The rubber expands and nails pierce it and the buttons can become difficult to press. This can cause the key to fail and, in this situation, it's time to get a new case or new buttons. This repair involves taking apart your remote, looking for the button switches on the board, then heating the solder, and then carefully taking them off. The circuit board is then soldered with new buttons. The case is then reassembled and the horse shoe key blade piece attached. The new buttons should be fitted snugly into the case in order to keep them from falling out.
Inner Case
Over time the buttons on your key fob can become damaged or stuck as a result of the constant jostling and accidental pressing. If your key fob isn't working when you are away from home, you can fix the problem quickly by using metallic tape and a punch hole. This will allow you to open doors but not start your car. This quick fix could enable you to safely make it back to your vehicle and complete your journey.