Car Key Button Repair
A broken car key button can be a hassle. You might need to call an emergency locksmith service that is available 24 hours a day for help or purchase a new remote.
However, you might be in a position to save money by repairing an 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 your key fob's buttons aren't responding when you pressing them, this could be a sign that the battery has died or is close to the end of life. It's easy to replace the battery yourself instead of hiring a locksmith or dealership.
Locate the battery compartment first. It is usually located on the backside of the key fob and may be hidden behind the cover, which slides out, or an access point which opens when you press the button. After the compartment is open you can look for the tiny button-cell battery. It's usually shaped like an ordinary coin and is identified with a plus and the minus symbol. Remove the old battery and put a brand new one in its place, ensuring that the plus and minus marks are aligned correctly.
Once the battery is in place close the compartment and snap the two parts of the key fob together. Before closing the door make sure to align and snap the pieces into place. Press any of the buttons to ensure that they function properly.
If the remote keyfob isn't working after replacing the battery, there could be other issues that require a different form of repair. Physical damage from dropping the device in a puddle for instance may cause it to stop working completely. Or, it could be experiencing an internal electrical problem or might need to be deprogrammed by a dealer or locksmith. See if you can find out if the problem is related to your key fob using these other common methods for troubleshooting your car.
Switches
Based on the year and the model, there are a variety of kinds of switches available that are used in the keyfob of your car. key fob repair has an electronic chip that is visible in the case. The latest keys operate by transmitting signals to your car. The keys' buttons can be damaged or worn out by normal use, regardless of the model. They become hard to press or not responsive. If you attempt to press the button too hard, it can cause further damage and may even stop the key from starting your vehicle in the future.
If online doesn't seem to be working, first try changing the battery. If this doesn't work, you might have to clean your key fob or re-adjust its switches. These tiny electronic switches are more susceptible than larger parts of the key to break because they are constantly jostled.
The switches have a rubbery feel and are coated with a film that conducts electricity. The film is prone to be worn away over time. They're fortunately tiny and affordable to replace. They are soldered onto the circuit board, so you must carefully take them off without damaging other components. Then, you can solder in the new ones and rebuild your key fob.
Don't use your car key fob for more than two hours at a time and don't leave it out in the open. Also, try to locate a safe place to keep your key in when you aren't using it.
If the problem persists after you've cleaned the key fob replaced the battery and tried to clean it, you may need to consult a locksmith. A professional locksmith can test the frequency of your key to see if it's still able to communicate with your vehicle, open and replace micro switches, alter cases and more.
Outer Case
Key fobs spend much of its time bouncing around and if the buttons aren't free to move up and down within the case, they could become stuck or broken. 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 contact points where the buttons touch don't fit well or are worn out, adjusting them might be the only way to fix the problem.
Certain keys have buttons made of rubber that wear away over time. The rubber expands, nails gouge into it and the buttons can become difficult to press. This could cause the key to fail, and in this case it's time to get an entirely new case or buttons. This repair involves disassembling the remote, then locating the button switches on the circuit board, heating up the solder and carefully removing them. The circuit board then gets soldered with new buttons. The case can then be reassembled and the horse shoe key blade piece attached. The new buttons should be tightly fitted into the case in order to prevent them from falling out.
Inner Case
Over time the buttons on your key fob may become damaged or stuck as a result of the constant jostling and accidental pressing. If your key fob ceases to function while you are away from home, you can fix the issue fast by using metallic tape and a punch hole. This allows you to unlock doors but not start your vehicle. This simple fix can allow you to safely make it back to your vehicle and finish your trip.