Car Key Button Repair
A broken car key button can be a hassle. You may need to call a 24-hour locksmith Service for assistance or purchase a replacement remote.
However, you might be able to save money by repairing a worn-out key fob rather than replacing it. This is especially true when the problem is caused by the worn-out switch or defective contact.
Battery
If the buttons on your key fob aren't responding to pressing it, it could be an obvious sign that the battery is dying or at the end of its lifespan. It's easy to replace the battery yourself instead of hiring locksmiths or dealers.
First find the battery compartment. It is typically located on the back of the key fob and may be hidden behind the cover, which slides out, or an access point which opens when you press a button. When the compartment is open you can look for the tiny button-cell battery. It is usually shaped like a small coin and marked with an plus and minus symbol. Take the old battery out, and replace it with a new one. Check that the plus and the minus symbols are properly aligned.
Once the battery is in place Close the compartment and snap the two halves of the key fob together. Make sure to align the parts and snap them in place properly prior to closing the door and testing your keys. Press any of the buttons to ensure that they work properly.
If your remote keyfob still doesn't work after replacing the battery, it could be other issues that require a different form of repair. Physical damage caused by dropping the device in a puddle, for instance, can sometimes cause it to cease functioning altogether. Or, it could be suffering from an electrical issue within the device or might need to be deprogrammed by an expert or locksmith. Also, take repair key at these common automotive troubleshooting methods to determine if your key fob is having a problem of its own.
Switches
Depending on the year and the manufacturer, there are various types of switches that are used in the keyfob of your car. The older style key is equipped with an embedded chip that can be seen in the case. The newer keys work by transmitting signals to your car. Whatever car key repair company , the buttons on the key can become worn out or damaged when used regularly. They can become difficult to press or unresponsive. If you press the button too hard it could cause more damage. It may also prevent the key from functioning in the future.
If your key doesn't seem to be working, you should first try changing the battery. If that doesn't work, you may need to clean your key fob and adjust the switches. Because these tiny electronic switches spend a lot of time being tossed around they are more prone to fail than the larger parts of your key.
The switches are rubber-like and are coated with an electricity conducting film that is prone to wear out over time. Luckily, they're also a very small part and affordable to replace. They are soldered onto the circuit board, therefore you need to carefully take them off without causing any damage to anything else. You can then solder new ones into and reassemble the fob.
One way to prevent your car key fob from becoming damaged is to not use it for longer than a couple of hours at a time, and to avoid leaving it in places that it will be visible. If you're not using your key, put it away in a secure location.
If you've already tried cleaning your key fob and replacing the battery, and the issue persists it's the right time to seek out an appointment with a locksmith. A professional locksmith will test the frequency of your key to determine if your vehicle is still capable of communicating. They can also open and replace microswitches, change cases, and much more.
Outer Case
If the buttons don't move freely up and down in the case, they may become stuck or break. If changing the battery or cleaning it with the help of a cotton swab or rubbing alcohol doesn't fix the problem, removing the case and checking it out may be necessary. If the contacts where the buttons touch don't fit well or are worn out, adjusting them may be the only option to fix the problem.
Rubber buttons may get worn out over time. The rubber expands and nails pierce it and the buttons can become difficult to press. In this case the key may fail and it's time replace the case or buttons. This repair involves taking apart your remote, locating the button switches on the board, then heating the solder and carefully taking them off. New buttons are then soldered to the circuit board. The case can then be reassembled and the horse shoe key blade piece inserted. The new buttons must be fitted snugly into the case to keep them from falling out.
Inner Case
Since your key fob is likely to get jostled around and may occasionally be pressed by accident, the buttons inside can be damaged or stuck over time. If your key fob ceases to function 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 may allow you to safely return to your vehicle and complete your journey.