Car Key Button Repair
A broken car key button can be frustrating. It is possible to call an emergency locksmith service or purchase a replacement remote.
You may be able save money by fixing your old key fob rather than replacing it. This is especially true if the issue is caused by a worn switch or faulty contact.
Battery
If the buttons on the key fob aren't responding to pressing the buttons, that could be a indication that the battery is dead or nearing the end of its lifespan. It's easy to replace the battery on your own instead of paying an auto locksmith or dealership.
Locate the battery compartment first. The battery compartment is typically 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 has been opened you can look for the tiny button-cell battery. It is usually shaped like coins and has an minus and plus sign. Take the battery out and replace it with a new one in its place, ensuring that the plus and minus signs are aligned correctly.
Once the battery is in place, close the compartment and snap the two parts of the key fob together. Make sure you align the parts and snap them in place properly prior to closing the door and testing your keys. Press any of the buttons to verify that they function properly.
If your remote key fob stops working after replacing the battery, it could be suffering from other issues that require a different kind of repair. Physical damage caused by dropping the device in a puddle, for instance could cause it to stop working altogether. Alternatively, it might be experiencing an internal electrical problem or might need to be deprogrammed by a locksmith or locksmith. Take a look at these other auto troubleshooting techniques to determine if your key fob is suffering from a different issue.
Switches
There are a variety of switches that are used in the car key fob, depending on the year and model. The older model of key often has a separate chip which is visible inside the case, whereas newer keys are more advanced and function by sending signals to the car. No matter what type of key, the keys' buttons can become worn out or damaged during normal use. They become hard to press or unresponsive. If you attempt to force the button to function the button, it could cause damage, and could even prevent the key from being able to start your vehicle in the future.
If you can't get your key to function, try changing the batteries. If it doesn't work, you might need to clean your key fob or adjust the switches. These tiny electronic switches are more prone than larger components of the key to break because they are constantly tossed around.
The switches are rubber-like, and are coated with an electricity conducting film that is prone to wear out over time. They're fortunately a very small part and inexpensive to replace. The old ones are soldered onto the circuit board, so you'll need to be careful to remove them without damaging anything else. Then, you can solder the new ones in and put them back together.
Avoid using your car key fob for more than an hour at a time and do not leave it open. If you're not using your key, keep it in a secure place.
If the problem persists after you have cleaned your key fob replaced the battery and attempted to clean it, then you may need to talk to a locksmith. A professional locksmith 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 up and down in the case, they could be stuck or even break. If cleaning the case using rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab doesn't work, it may be necessary to remove the case. If the contacts the buttons touch aren't a good fit or if they're damaged, adjusting them could be the only option.
Rubber buttons can wear out over the years. The buttons made of rubber can become difficult to press when they stretch, and nails may scratch them. In this case, the key may fail and it's time replace the case or button. This repair involves disassembling the remote, then locating the buttons on the circuit board, and then heating the solder, and then carefully remove them. The circuit board then gets soldered with new buttons. repair car key remote can be reassembled, and the horseshoe key blade piece can be inserted. The new buttons should be snugly fitted into the case in order to keep them from falling out.
Inner Case
Over time the buttons on your key fob could become damaged or stuck due to the constant jostling and accidental pressing. Utilizing metal tape and a hole punch, you can often quickly solve this issue in the event your car is away from home when the key fob won't work and you are unable to open the doors, but not start the engine. This simple fix can allow you to safely return to your vehicle to finish your trip.