Car Key Button Repair
A broken car key can be a source of frustration. You may need to contact an emergency locksmith service or purchase a replacement remote.
However, you might be in a position 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 the reason for the issue.
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. Fortunately, replacing the battery is a simple task that can be done by yourself rather than hiring a locksmith or dealer to take care of it.
First, locate the battery compartment. This is usually found on the backside of the key fob and might be hidden behind the cover, which slides out, or an access point which opens when you press the button. Once the compartment is exposed, locate the small button cell battery. It is usually shaped like a small coin and has a plus and minus symbol. Remove the battery that is old and replace it with a brand new one. Make sure that the plus and the minus symbols are properly aligned.
Close the compartment and snap together the two parts of your key fob. Before closing the door, align and snap the parts in the correct position. To verify whether the buttons function properly you can press any one of them.
If your remote key fob stops functioning even after replacing the battery, it could be suffering from other issues that require a different type of repair. Dropping the fob into a pool of water can cause it to stop working. It could also be due to a malfunction with the internal electrical system or the need to be deprogrammed. Find out if the issue is with your key fob by using these other car troubleshooting techniques.
Switches
Depending on the year and the make, there are different types of switches that are used in the car keyfob. The older style of key often has an additional chip that is visible inside the case, whereas newer keys are more advanced and operate by sending signals to the car. Regardless of the type, the keys' buttons can become worn out or damaged during normal use. They become difficult to press or not responsive. If you press the button with force it can cause further damage. It could also stop the key from working in the future.
If your key doesn't appear to be working, you should first try changing the battery. If it doesn't work, you might have to clean your key fob or adjust its switches. Since these tiny electronic switches are constantly being tossed around and tangled, they are more likely to fail than the larger components of your key.
key repair car have a rubbery feeling and are coated with an electrical conductor. This film can wear off over time. Luckily, they're also tiny and affordable to replace. They are soldered onto the circuit board, which means it is important to take them off without damaging any other part of the circuit. Then you can put in the new ones and rebuild your key fob.
A good way to keep your car key fob from becoming ruined is to avoid using it for longer than a couple of hours at a time, and to keep it out of the way in visible locations in areas where it is visible. Also, you should find a secure location to store your key when you're not using it.
If the issue continues to persist after you've cleaned your key fob, replaced the battery and tried to clean it, then you may need to talk to an expert 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, change cases, and 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 even broken. If cleaning the case with rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab fails to work, it might be necessary to remove the case. If the contacts the buttons touch aren't an ideal fit or if they're worn, changing them might be the only solution.
Some keys are equipped with rubber buttons which can be worn out over time. Rubber buttons can become difficult to press when they stretch, and nails can scratch them. In this scenario, the key may fail and it's time replace the case or the buttons. This repair involves removing the remote, finding the button switches on the circuit board, and then heating the solder, and then carefully removing them. The new buttons are then connected to the circuit board. The case can then be rebuilt with the horse shoe key blade piece is attached. The new buttons must be snugly fitted inside the case to avoid them from falling out.
Inner Case
Over time, your key fob's buttons can become damaged or stuck as a result of the constant jolting and accidental pressing. Utilizing metal tape and a hole-punch, you can usually fix this problem when your car isn't at home and the key fob won't work and allows you to open the doors, but not start the engine. This simple fix can allow you to return safely to your vehicle to complete your journey.