Car Key Button Repair
A damaged car key button can be frustrating. You may need to contact an emergency locksmith service or purchase an alternative remote.
But, you may be able to save money by fixing an old key fob rather than replacing it. This is especially true if an old switch or damaged contacts are at the root of the problem.
Battery
If the buttons on your key fob aren't responding to pressing it, this could be a clear indication that your battery is dying or at the end of its lifespan. Fortunately replacing the battery is a simple task that can be completed on your own rather than hiring a locksmith to take care of it.
First, locate the battery compartment. The battery compartment is usually located on the back of the key fob and can be hidden behind a cover that can slide out or an open button that opens the access point. Once the compartment is exposed then you will find the small battery. It is usually shaped like coins and has the plus and minus signs. Remove the old battery, and replace it with a brand new one. Make sure 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. Before closing the door, align and snap the parts in place. To ensure that the buttons work properly Press any of them.
If your remote key fob ceases working even after you replace the battery, it might be suffering from other issues that require a different type of repair. Physical damage caused by dropping the fob into a puddle, for instance could cause it to stop working completely. It could also be suffering from an internal electrical failure or it may require to be deprogrammed by an expert or locksmith. Find out if the issue is related to your key fob using these other car troubleshooting techniques.
Switches
There are various types of switches that are used in the car key fob, dependent on the year and make. The older style keys usually have a separate chip which is visible inside the case, whereas the newer keys are more advanced and function by sending signals to the car. No matter what type, the buttons on the key can be damaged or worn out with normal use. As a result, they become difficult to press or even ineffective. If you force the button it can cause further damage. It may also prevent the key from working in the future.
If your key doesn't appear to be working, you should first try changing the battery. If this doesn't work, you may have to clean your key's fob or adjust its switches. These tiny electronic switches are more prone than larger parts of the key to break due to the fact that they are constantly tossed about.
The switches have a rubbery feeling and are coated with an electrical conductor. This film can wear off over time. Luckily, they're also tiny and cheap to replace. The old ones are soldered to the circuit board so you'll have to take care to remove them without causing any damage to anything else. You can then solder the new ones into and reassemble the fob.
An effective way to protect your car key fob from being ruined is to avoid using it for more than a few hours at a stretch, and also to not leave it in visible locations in areas where it is visible. If you're not using your key, store it in a secure location.
If electronic car key repair near me continues to persist after you've cleaned the key fob, replaced the battery and tried to clean it, then you might need to contact a locksmith. A professional can test the frequency of your key to determine if it's still able to communicate with your vehicle. They can also open and replace micro switches, swap cases and more.
Outer Case
Key fobs spend much of its time bouncing around and when the buttons aren't able to move up and down within the case they can get stuck or break. If cleaning the case with rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab doesn't work, it may be necessary to take off the case. If the contacts that the buttons touch are not a good fit or are worn, changing them might be the only option.
Certain keys have buttons made of rubber that wear out over time. The rubber stretches and nails pierce it, and the buttons become difficult to press. This can cause the key to fail, and in this case it's time for the replacement of the case or buttons. This repair involves removing your remote, finding the button switches on the board, then heating the solder, and carefully removing them. New buttons are then soldered to the circuit board. The case is then rebuilt with the horse shoe key blade piece is attached. The new buttons must be snugly fitted into the case to prevent them from falling out.
Inner Case
Since your key fob is prone to be tossed around and sometimes be accidentally pressed and the buttons within can get damaged or stuck over time. Utilizing metal tape and a hole punch you can often quickly solve this issue in the event your car isn't at home and the key fob won't work and you are unable to open the doors, but not to start the engine. This quick fix could allow you to return safely to your vehicle to complete your journey.