The 10 Scariest Things About Car Key Button Repair

Car Key Button Repair

A broken car key button is frustrating. You may need to call an emergency locksmith service 24 hours a day to assistance or to purchase a new remote.

However, you might be able to save money by fixing an old key fob instead of replacing it. This is especially true if an old switch or damaged contacts are the reason for the issue.

Battery

If the buttons on the key fob aren't responding to pressing it, it could be an obvious indication that your battery is dying or at the end of its life. Fortunately replacing the battery is a simple task that you can complete on your own instead of hiring a locksmith or dealer to do it for you.

Find the battery compartment first. The battery compartment is usually located on the back of the key fob and may be concealed behind a cover that can slide out or a button that opens the access point. After the compartment is exposed, look for the small button-cell battery. It's usually shaped as an oblong coin and is has a plus and minus sign. Remove the battery that is old, and replace it with a brand new one. Make sure that the plus and minus symbols are aligned correctly.

Once the battery is installed, close the compartment and snap the two halves of the key fob key repair together. Be sure to align the parts and snap them in place correctly prior to closing the door and testing your keys. To ensure that the buttons work properly Press any of them.

If your remote keyfob still does not work after replacing the battery, it could be other problems that require a different kind of repair. Physical damage from dropping the fob into a puddle, for instance may cause it to cease functioning altogether. It could also be a problem with the internal electrical system or the need to be deprogrammed. Try to figure out what's wrong with your key fob using these other common methods for troubleshooting your car.

Switches

Based on the year and manufacturer, there are various kinds of switches available on the keyfob of your car. The older style of key often has a separate chip which is visible in the case, while the modern keys are more sophisticated and operate by sending signals to the car. No matter what type, the buttons on the key may get worn down or damaged when used regularly. As a result, they become difficult to press or even ineffective. If you try to force the button to function, it can cause further damage and potentially stop the key from starting your vehicle in the future.

If your key doesn't seem to be working, first try changing the battery. If that doesn't help it may be necessary to clean your key fob and re-adjust the switches. These tiny electronic car key repair near me switches are more likely than the larger parts of the key to break because they are constantly tossed about.

The switches have a rubbery feeling and are coated with a film that conducts electricity. The film is prone to fade over time. Fortunately, they are also a small part that is affordable to replace. They are soldered onto the circuit board, so it is important to take them off without causing any damage to any other part of the circuit. You can then solder the new ones into and then reassemble your fob.

Don't use your car key fob for more than a couple of hours at a time and don't leave it out in the open. Also, try to locate a safe place to store your keys when you're not using it.

If the issue persists after you've cleaned the key fob, replaced the battery and attempted to clean it, you might need to contact an expert locksmith. A professional locksmith can test the frequency of your key to see if it's still able to communicate with your vehicle, and open and replace micro switches, swap cases and more.

Outer Case

Key fobs spend many hours bouncing around, and when the buttons aren't able to move up and down within the case they can get stuck or broken. If cleaning the case with rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab does not work, it might be necessary to take off the case. If the contacts that the buttons touch are not suitable for the application or if they're worn, adjusting them may be the only option.

Rubber buttons may get worn out over time. The rubber is stretched, nails gouge into it and the buttons can become difficult to press. This could cause the key to fail and, in this situation, it's time for the replacement of the case or buttons. This repair involves taking apart your remote, locating the buttons on the board, then heating the solder and carefully taking them off. The circuit board is soldered with new buttons. The case can be rebuilt, and the key blade of the horseshoe can be inserted. The new buttons must be snugly fitted into the case to prevent them from falling out.

Inner Case

Over time, your key fob's buttons could be damaged or stuck due to the constant jolting and accidental pressing. Utilizing metal tape and a hole-punch, you can usually fix this problem in the event your car key repair is away from home when the key fob doesn't work and allows you to open the doors, but not start the engine. This simple fix will enable you to safely make it back to your car and continue your journey.