10 Things We All Hate About Car Key Button Repair
Car Key Button Repair
A damaged car key button can be a hassle. You might need to call 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 a worn-out switch or faulty contacts are at the root of the problem.
Battery
If the buttons on your key fob don't respond to pressing it, this could be a clear sign that the battery is dying or nearing the end of its life. Fortunately replacing the battery is an easy task that you can complete on your own rather than hiring a locksmith or dealer to do it for you.
First, locate the battery compartment. It is typically located on the back of the key fob. It may be hidden behind an open cover that slides out or an access point that opens when you press a button. After the compartment is open you can look for the tiny button-cell battery. This is typically shaped like coins and marked with a plus and minus sign. Remove the old battery, and replace it with a new one. Make sure that the plus and symbol are aligned correctly.
Close the compartment and snap the two halves of your key fob. Be sure to align the pieces and snap them in place properly before closing the door and testing your keys. To verify whether the buttons function properly, press any of them.
If the remote key fob you have purchased stops functioning even after replacing the battery, it could be suffering from other issues that require a different kind of repair. car remote key repair dropping into a pool of water can cause it to stop functioning. Or, it could be suffering from an internal electrical problem or might need to be deprogrammed by a dealer or locksmith. Take a look at these other car troubleshooting tips to see whether your key fob is having a problem of its own.
Switches
Based on the year and model, there are a variety of types of switches on the car keyfob. The older style keys usually have an additional chip that is visible inside the case, whereas the modern keys are more sophisticated and operate by sending signals to the car. Regardless of the type, the keys' buttons can be damaged or worn out during normal use. The result is they become difficult to press or even unresponsive. If you attempt to force the button to work the button, it could cause damage and potentially stop the key from starting your vehicle in the future.
If you are unable to get your key to work, try changing the batteries. If that doesn't help, you may need to clean your key fob and re-adjust the switches. These tiny electronic switches are more prone than the larger parts of the key to break because they are constantly tossed around.
The switches feel rubbery and are coated with a film that conducts electricity. This film can wear off over time. However, they're a very small part and inexpensive to replace. The older ones are soldered to the circuit board, so you'll have to take care to remove them without causing damage to other parts. You can then solder new ones into and then reassemble your fob.
Do not use your car key fob for more than two hours at a time, and do not leave it open. If you don't use your key, keep it in a safe place.
If the issue continues to persist after you've cleaned the key fob, replaced the battery and attempted to clean it, then you may need to talk to an expert locksmith. A professional can test the frequency of your key to see whether it's still able communicate with your vehicle, open and replace micro switches, alter cases and much more.
Outer Case
A key fob spends much of its time bouncing around and when the buttons aren't able to move upwards and downwards within the case, they may become stuck or even broken. If replacing the battery or cleaning it with an alcohol-based swab and a cotton pad alcohol rubbing doesn't solve the problem, removing the case and inspecting may be necessary. If the contacts the buttons touch are not an ideal fit, or if they are damaged, adjusting them could be the only solution.
Some keys use buttons made of rubber, which wear away over time. Rubber buttons can become difficult to press as they stretch, and nails may scratch them. In this case, the key may fail and it's time to replace the case or button. This repair involves disassembling the remote, then locating the button switches on the circuit board, and then heating the solder before carefully taking them off. The circuit board is then soldered with new buttons. The case can be reassembled and the key blade of the horseshoe can be attached. The new buttons should be tightly fitted inside the case to avoid them from falling out.
Inner Case
Since your key fob is likely to be tossed around and occasionally be pressed by accident and the buttons within can become stuck or broken 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 a punch hole. This will allow you to open doors but not start your vehicle. This quick fix could allow you to safely get back to your car and finish your trip.