The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Car Key Button Repair Car Key Button Repair


A damaged car key button can be frustrating. key repairs might need to call an emergency locksmith service that is available 24 hours a day for assistance or to purchase a new remote.

You could save money by fixing your old key fob instead of replacing it. This is especially true if a worn-out switch or faulty contacts are the reason for the problem.

Battery

If the buttons on the key fob aren't responding to pressing, this could be a clear sign that the battery is dead or nearing the end of its life. Fortunately, replacing the battery is an easy task that can be done by yourself rather than hiring a locksmith to do it for you.

First, locate the battery compartment. This is usually found on the backside of the key fob. It could be hidden behind an open cover that slides out or an access point that 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 has a plus and minus symbol. Remove the old battery and replace it with a brand new one. Make sure the plus and the minus symbols are properly aligned.

Close the compartment and snap together the two halves of your key fob. Before closing the door make sure to align and snap the pieces into the correct position. Press any of the buttons to verify that they function properly.

If the remote keyfob isn't working after replacing the battery, there could be other issues that require a different type of repair. The fob's dropping into a pool of water can cause it to stop working. It could also be suffering from an internal electrical failure or it may require to be deprogrammed by an expert or locksmith. Check out these other common car troubleshooting tips to see whether your key fob may be suffering from a different issue.

Switches

There are a variety of switches used in the car key fob dependent on the year and model. The older style keys usually have a separate chip which you can see in the case, while the newer keys are more advanced and work by sending signals to the car. No matter what type, the keys' buttons can be damaged or worn out during normal use. They become difficult to press or ineffective. If you press the button with force, it could cause further damage. It could also stop the key from working in the future.

If your key doesn't seem to be working, first try changing the battery. If it doesn't work, you might need to clean your key fob or adjust the switches. These tiny electronic switches are more likely than the larger parts of the key to break since they are constantly jostled.

The switches have a rubbery feel and are coated with a film that conducts electricity. The film is prone to wear off over time. Luckily, they're also a very small part and inexpensive to replace. They're soldered on 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 in and reassemble the fob.

Do not use your car key fob for more than a couple of hours at a stretch and do not leave it open. Also, try to find a secure location to store your key when you aren't using it.

If the problem persists after you have cleaned your key fob replaced the battery and tried to clean it, you may need to talk to an expert locksmith. A professional can check the frequency of your key to determine whether it's still able communicate with your vehicle, and open and replace micro switches, alter 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 could become stuck or even broken. If replacing the battery or cleaning it with an alcohol-based swab and a cotton pad alcohol rubbing doesn't solve the issue, taking off the case and inspecting may be necessary. If the contacts that the buttons touch are not a good fit or if they're worn, adjusting them may be the only option.

Rubber buttons can get worn out over time. Rubber buttons can become difficult to press when they stretch, and nails could gouge them. In this scenario the key could fail and it's time replace the case or buttons. This repair involves removing the remote, locating the buttons on the circuit board, and then heating the solder and carefully removing them. The circuit board is soldered with new buttons. The case can then be rebuilt with the horse shoe key blade piece inserted. The new buttons must be tightly fitted inside the case to avoid them falling out.

Inner Case

Over time, your key fob's buttons may become damaged or stuck due to the constant jostling and accidental pressing. Using metallic tape and a hole punch you can usually solve this issue in the event that your vehicle is away from home when the key fob doesn't work, allowing you to unlock the doors, but not start the engine. This quick fix could allow you to safely return to your vehicle to finish your trip.