Car Key Button Repair
A broken car key is a hassle. You might need to call an emergency locksmith service 24 hours a day to assistance or to purchase a new remote.
But, you may be saving money by repairing an old key fob instead of replacing it. This is especially true if the issue is due to an old switch or a damaged contact.
Battery
If the buttons on your key fob don't respond to pressing the buttons, this could be a clear indication that your battery is dead or nearing the end of its life. Fortunately replacing the battery is an easy task that can be done on your own rather than hiring a locksmith to complete the task for you.
First look for the battery compartment. 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 a button that opens the access point. Once the compartment is exposed you can see the small button cell battery. It is usually shaped like an ordinary coin and is marked with an plus and the minus symbol. Remove the battery that is old, 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 parts of the key fob together. Be sure to align the parts and secure them properly prior to closing the door and testing your keys. Press any of the buttons to confirm that they work properly.
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. Dropping the fob in a puddle could cause it to stop functioning. It could also be due to a malfunction with the internal electrical system or the need to be deprogrammed. Take a look at these other auto troubleshooting techniques to determine if your key fob is suffering from a different issue.
Switches
Based on the year and the make, there are different kinds of switches that are found in the car keyfob. The older style keys have an electronic chip that is visible inside the case. car keys repairs operate by transmitting signals to your car. Whatever the model of key, the buttons on the key can be damaged or worn out during normal use. They become difficult to press or not responsive. If you attempt to press the button too hard it could cause further damage, and could even prevent 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 then you might need to clean your key fob and adjust the switches. Since these tiny electronic switches spend a lot of time being moved around they are more prone to wear out than larger components of your key.
The switches have a rubbery feeling and are coated with an electrical conductor. The film is prone to wear off over time. However, they're small and easy to replace. They're soldered to the circuit board, which means you need to carefully remove the old ones without damaging other components. Then you can put in the new ones and put them back together.
Don't use your car key fob for more than a couple of hours at a stretch and don't leave it out in the open. Also, make sure you find a secure location to store your key when you're not using it.
If you've tried cleaning your key fob or replacing the battery, but the issue persists it's the right time to seek out the services of a locksmith. A professional can check 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
A key fob spends much of its time bouncing around, and when the buttons aren't allowed to move between the case they can get stuck or break. If cleaning the case using rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab doesn't work, it could be necessary to take off the case. If the contacts that the buttons touch aren't fitting well or are worn out, adjusting them might be the only solution to fix the issue.
Rubber buttons can be worn out over time. The rubber expands and nails cut into it, and the buttons become difficult to press. This can cause the key to fail, and in this case it's time for a new case or new buttons. This repair involves disassembling your remote, looking for the switch on the board, heating the solder and carefully removing them. The circuit board then gets soldered with new buttons. The case is then reassembled and the horse shoe key blade piece is attached. The new buttons should be a close fit into the case to prevent them falling out.
Inner Case
Since your key fob is likely to be tossed around and could occasionally be pressed by accident and the buttons inside may get damaged or stuck over time. If your key fob isn't working when you're away from home, you can solve the issue quickly using metallic tape and a punch hole. This will allow you to open doors but not start the car. This quick fix could allow you to safely return to your vehicle to complete your trip.